Lauren Peranio
Like most millennials I like to limit my social media intake. Recently I’ve dabbled in Pinterest, gambled in the over exposed world of Instagram and “hip” with the Gen. Z’s in TikTok. Still delightfully constrained in my own little world; I am an observer looking for ideas, a producer of art, an admirer of art. Fictious and symbolic creatures, androgynous glamor photography, dark elaborate décor, and old school tattoos fill my screen as I swipe for inspiration. Minutes on Instagram feel daunting. More sketches, more paintings, more inspiration; I think I need a break. Oh! Look a quote, “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow” -Vincent van Gogh. Abstract, surrealism, impressionism, realism and mixed media construct the confines of my Pinterest boards or interests. While this visual simulation is pleasing this cannot be the only source of inspiration. Let’s take a walk.
I am trying to keep this as close to home and real as possible. Half a mile through my neighborhood in Stafford, VA I pass through a high school where I’d stop with a handful of cat food jumbling about in my jacket pocket and feed the cat colony that has taken over. Past the school parking lot behind the school, I come to a rocky trail surrounded by trees, fresh air and a slight drizzle. No one’s here. This is so calming and peaceful. Squirrels rustle about through the leaves, faded muffled dogs bark. This area has been well traveled by me, but I still feel a deep and great appreciation for everything that lives here and how this trail has come to be. Being outside has become very therapeutic allowing my mind to peacefully wonder and escape the due dates and the mundane labor of school or work demands. I am free here, to think, come up with ideas, inspiration, and develop deep admiration.
It depends how you utilizes and perceive social media whether is it something negative. The same as goes for how you view the world whether you think the environment is important. I found that it was difficult to be on social media for an hour straight even though I use it for art purposes. Media can positively and negatively impact your view on major topics like climate change and it’s scary that it is still being debated about. I find it fascinating how people can say they believe or don’t believe something based on limited knowledge. I’d can only hope that more people would consider doing an experiment like this.
