Wayfinding

 Way finding is a metaphor for searching. Desert birds, just as other animals and fish, often use watercourses as pathways on their migratory and breeding routes. Natural landforms are deeply imprinted into their species psych and sometimes even ‘skin mapped’ into their bodies.

The migratory routes of birds and animals, their tracks and scats all contain information and meaning. Indigenous peoples and scientists, have taught me to look for natural signs, for meaning in the landscape.  Weather can be predicted by watching insects. Cloud formations can affect birthing cycles. I have been told that if you walk out into the desert and ask it to reveal itself, it is your duty to hear and see its answer. Landscapes tutor us. The subtlety and variety of these desert places in particular are places where I feel situated, incorporated and have learnt to listen, read the signs and see more clearly. My skin & psyche too is weathered and changed from my own desert way finding.