“In moments of solitude — awareness enables the mind and spirit to focus through awe and wisdom on a world of indisputable loveliness — and to evince its eternity …” – Gwen Frostic, from Infinite Destiny
Gwen Frostic’s life story is inspiring – quite remarkable – when you think about it.
How did this woman overcome polio, defy doctors, work in a factory during World War II, and move to the woods in rural Michigan – as a single woman nonetheless? What inspired her to start carving nature scenes on linoleum blocks, and go on to leave $13 million for students’ continuing education?
Let’s remember the era – the early 1960s – long before computers, Internet, or modern-day marketing. Wow. Just wow. Read more about her inspiring story in my first blog: Nature Artist Gwen Frostic Embodies Spirit of The Artist’s Way.
Gwen Frostic’s legacy lives on in so many ways. Frostic not only forged her own creative career, but she made millions off stationery products, including cards, journals, and calendars.
She tapped into the power of writing, art, nature, and human connection.
Live simply
Frostic’s simple yet serene drawings of flowers, birds, and wildlife remind us that sometimes we need to go back to the basics. She seemed to live the motto “Thankful, grateful, blessed.”
Step away from the phone or computer.
Go out into nature.
Be kind to animals, plants, and trees.
Send a handwritten card (they never go out of style).
Live simply and beneath your means.
Tap into your creativity.
Trust your intuition.
Pursue what brings you joy.
Practice patience and humility.
Trust that God is making a way – that the Universe has your back.
Purge it on the page
There are so many ways to take care of ourselves and our mental health beyond traditional therapy. Art and nature therapy have a myriad of health benefits. And we can access them regardless of our health insurance, our income, or where we live.
Frostic seemed to understand this too. She found a way to treat her own health condition with nature and art. And she lived well into her 90s. Reflections From A Walk with Me:
“Let’s just wander here and there – – – –
like leaves floating in the autumn air
and look at common little things – – – – –
stones on the beach – – –
flowers turning into berries . . . . . .
. . . . from the winds we’ll catch a bit
of that wondrous feeling that comes – – –
– – not from seeing – – – –
but from being part of nature . . . . . ”
Journaling is actually one of the fundamental practices of The Artist’s Way course, which inspired my regular artist dates. Author Julia Cameron calls them “the morning pages.”
The practice involves writing three pages of longhand writing, strictly stream-of-consciousness. You can vent. You can bash people. You can dream. You can do a brain dump. Just put it on the page.
Perhaps that’s what were all missing in today’s technology-driven world. Heck, kids aren’t learning how to write in cursive. And we don’t even do job interviews in person.
Write a card and mail it. Honor nature. Express gratitude.
Or put pen to paper and free write about your fears, feelings, grief, and goals in a journal. We are safe with ourselves, and sometimes we need to purge our innermost thoughts on the page instead of social media.
So simple, yet so profound.
Trust your vision
There’s no doubt Frostic’s art and her charity has touched countless lives. Her charitable gift – the largest single gift in Western Michigan University’s history – was given as an unrestricted bequest. But the funds have primarily been used for scholarships for students pursuing the arts and creative writing.
WMU’s School of Art is named for Frostic. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park named the Woodland Shade Garden after her, too. The garden portrays examples of the artist’s favorite subjects: indigenous plants and animals.
Frostic had an idea and trusted her vision. She defied diagnoses and physical disabilities and used her talents to create a career on her terms. She honored the rhythm and wisdom of nature. And the Universe provided beyond her wildest dreams. Frostic once said:
“I work with nature because it treats me equally.”
Many local women have followed in Gwen Frostic’s footsteps and own businesses in Benzie County. You can read about some of them in my previous blogs: Benzie County Artist Dates Reminder to Support Local Businesses and Northern Michigan Entrepreneurs Keep on Grinding.
Messages from the natural world
The dark, drabby days of December always get me down, so it was a pleasant surprise to turn my 2024 Gwen Frostic calendar to December and see a bright red cardinal. I love cardinals. I like the fact they mate for life and stay in a general area year-round.
Cardinals are hearty, friendly birds. They brighten up a bleak landscape. Native Americans believe they bring signs of hopefulness, good cheer, and protection.
The northern cardinal is the official state bird of Indiana. I’m also a Ball State Cardinal. We have a pair that fly around the neighborhood and usually come when I call them. I like to think that saying “Cardinals appear when angels are near” is true – that they send messages through the natural world.
I’m guessing Frostic believed that too. Her simple images come to life on the paper, as if to say “Nature is your friend. Let it soothe your soul.” We must live with nature and listen to its messages.
Adopt the pace of nature
As another year comes to a close, rest, renewal, and reflection are top of mind. For me, December is a time to slow down, retreat from the world, and embrace the art of wintering. The year 2024 didn’t go according to plan. It’s been a test of patience, of continually picking myself up, and patting my own back.
But as Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” The quote emphasizes the art of learning to wait. It suggests that we should slow down and connect with nature, which moves at its own pace.
Frostic realized this as well. Later in her career, Frostic traveled the state to promote her business and gave lectures and seminars on ecology. She considered the outdoors to be Michigan’s and the nation’s greatest asset. In her lectures, she said that people must feel akin to all life and look to the common good; that government and science alone cannot solve the ecological problems, according to this National Parks Service article.
Gwen Frostic’s legacy: love nature
Frostic became a poet and philosopher, often lecturing about the wisdom that can be found in nature:
“I think that all of us should have a tree that we could look up to – – – a tree that can give you inspiration in time of need. Pick out your own tree and relate to it. Every time you need a source of inspiration – – – it will be there for you to look at. A tree may be hit by lightning and it goes on living – – – you know that you too can meet the storms of life and go on living because your tree did.”
Her creative spirit lives on through her work and continues to touch hearts (like mine). We can all learn from her story. When the going gets tough, you keep going. Despite obstacles, she dug in and defied the odds. Frostic didn’t let physical disabilities or negative self-talk win. She was tough. She persisted. If she can do it, any of us can.
Gwen Frostic Prints, 5140 River Road, closes Dec. 20 for the season and will reopen around the Memorial Day holiday. You can shop online here. But it’s worth a trip to see it in person.
Marla R. Miller is an award-winning journalist, travel writer, and content marketing writer who lives in West Michigan. Please “like” or follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Let me help grow your business. Check out my Writing Services or Read My Work.
