Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Powell.
Hi Brad, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I woke one morning with a poem dancing in my head.
I wrote it down.
As the first poem written since third grade, it surprised me.
The former was about my dog, flowers, rocks, or some other pondering of a young and eager child.
This one made me feel as a child again……mesmerized, alive, and enchanted.
Emerging from seemingly out of nowhere it grabbed me. I still recall the intense energy those few words strung together on the page offered.
The experience in that moment changed the trajectory of my life. It somehow introduced me to the subtle energy which runs thru all things and connects us all to the cosmos.
To this day, that feeling holds me in its wonder.
The quality of the poem was not important. It was the action of creating something tangible solely from a feeling deep within which struck me so powerfully.
The experience was lovely.
I was hooked.
From there, I began searching for ways to combine prose and other natural elements into altars off sorts. To offer an object of beauty to the Universe in return for the lovely gift of life brought me much joy.
I began collecting driftwood, aesthetic stone, dried flora, and other found objects. Affixing poems to these elements of discarded detritus seemed to deepen my connection with the natural world.
After decades of yearning to find a creative pursuit, one which speaks to me finally emerged.
The practice of writing, collecting, and placing meaningful elements together has grown from small stand-alone pieces of contemplative art to designing and installing larger meditative spaces and intuitive gardens. I am grateful that over the years, this simple daily practice has become the manner I make my living.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The most difficult part over the journey has been making it through the lean times as far as monetary return. Yet with the love and support of friends and family, I’ve been given the opportunity to continue this artistic path. To everyone who has supported me, I am eternally grateful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
From the very beginning, my core inspiration has been to blend the guttural, bruised essence of the earth and ethereal wonder into subtle, refined, energetic creations. It excites me to think of someone bringing a piece into their home solely because of its aesthetic qualities, and upon taking a glance one day, sees something more. A purely present moment in the foyer, perhaps!
What does success mean to you?
The daily opportunity to simply create and experience the natural world.