On a recent post, Coline commented, "Cycling helps clear thinking" and "opens the mind to exploration."
It also sparks creativity. Lewis Williams understands this as well as anybody does. For his 60th birthday, the Montrose, Colorado-based artist wanted to "rattle the cage a bit" to "see what would his shake out." So, he decided to combine one of his preferred methods of working--plein-air painting--with his love of being outdoors and bicycling.
Yesterday, he embarked from San Diego on a cross-continental cycling trip. He plans to arrive in Bar Harbor, Maine during the first week of August. Along the way, he'll ride two historic trails, he says. And he plans to paint outdoors, in the open air (the meaning of "plein air") along the way. After that, he plans to participate in the Plein Air painting competition of the Red Rock Arts Festival.
His wife is accompanying him on this journey, he says.
I know how difficult it is to carry cameras and multiple lenses--not to mention other photographic equipment--on a bike, especially if you're carrying camping equipment and clothing for a multi-day tour. I imagine that it's so much more difficult for a painter to carry supplies. So, he outfitted a van for camping and attached a trailer to carry his art-related necessities.
The purpose of the vehicle is not just as a "sag" wagon one sometimes sees on organized rides. Williams says that if any of his riding or painting takes longer than he anticipated, he and his wife will "mix up the riding with the driving" as needed.
This tour is an extension of an ethos he lives by: "Find creative outlets in your life." He, who has worked with senior citizens, believes that people are "not too old to do what they want to do or try something new." Why else would he embark on such a journey for his 60th birthday?
