Why nature is so important to our well being

Lums Pond, Delaware. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2009.

I have always been deeply affected by nature—trees, flowers, plants, animals, water, soil, and stone. It’s not just about hugging trees. (In fact, leave those trees alone! They don’t deserve the indignity!) This is a beautiful and sacred rock that we live on and on this rock spring forth all of the life-sustaining elements that we need as organic beings. The natural world provides the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. This is not optional—we NEED these things, so they need to be respected and preserved. Hide in your concrete jungle all you want, but you can’t survive without the natural world. Not even in the worst-case scenario post-apocalyptic vision of the future. (Does Wall-E ring a bell?)

But it’s not even just our physical needs that benefit from exposure to natural elements. Our SOULS need to see and experience the creations of whatever divine beings you may worship or whatever wonder you may experience as you ponder the existence of the universe. We do not live in a bubble. We live in a complicated, multifaceted, connected universe on an equally complicated, multifaceted rock that acts as an incubator that keeps us all alive—without exception! 
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Daffodil. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2008.

Which brings me to why I do what I do…I create things that mimic those things that I hold most dear. It’s that simple. I get nothing but joy out of a finished piece—even after all the frustration, mistakes, bleeding, cursing, and things being thrown. It’s all worth it in the end. Just seeing something that mimics the natural world makes me feel more peaceful and whole, and I feel like this is something that I have to share. I have to share it because it means something to me.

My background in interior design may seem counter-intuitive--much of what designers create is non-organic. But the real magic comes from combining man-made materials and organic elements. My pieces bring a sense of nature into the home—a place often void of anything organic. 

For example, many people don’t put plants in their homes…And I get it. I suffer from the “black thumb” syndrome myself! In my household, some plants make it…and some plants don’t! I make a point of apologizing to all new plants the first day they enter my house. I know as sure as I am sitting here that a certain percentage will fall victim either to well-intentioned over-watering or under-watering due to my short-term memory loss. If a month has passed and they are still alive, they’ve won the lottery of life. (BTW—don’t ever give me an orchid. I’ve killed two out of two…so far.) 

My dead orchid...

Poor thing!

I love making candle and home decor pieces incorporating nature into the theme. It stays alive forever and brings endless beauty into a space. My vision is to create a world where it is no longer necessary to create awkward moments with the trees in the backyard. In my vision, the outdoors finds a way into the interior through nature-inspired decor that will put a smile on the face and create a more harmonious interior space. Put one of these beauties on your table…The trees will thank you!

Forest Decorative Candleholder by Di's Studio Designs

Shop for handcrafted nature-inspired decorative candleholders and faux floral centerpieces by Di's Studio Designs here!


Related blog posts you may want to read:
​Capturing the beautiful details in nature
Creation of a centerpiece
Art imitates nature
Inspiration