Good day, fellow creatives! This month, allow me to introduce you to environmentalist, wildlife photographer and award-winning film-maker Gavin Shwahla.

While perusing tables at an art fair, the following catch-phrase, displayed among stunning nature photographs, caught my eye:

Re-wilding the planet only works if we re-wild our souls.

With my personal creative focus on depicting beauty in reality, the statement energized me. I felt drawn, connected to this creator. As I approached, the man I would learn is Gavin Shwahla, offered a warm smile.

I asked for an interview; he readily granted me the honor of speaking with him. Our telephone chat, lasting a little over an hour, was mellow and inspiring. I was reminded that creatives are born talented, but typically do not initially pursue art as a career. We return to art as a lifetime of experience builds the pressure to communicate and dictates the content of our message.

Gavin’s experience was just that.

“I was a creative kid. Always drawing and sketching. When I was in 4th grade, I wanted to make a superhero movie.” He chuckles. “I started looking into characters. And I asked my dad how they make movies. My dad told me that I would have to write it first. The concept of writing put a kibosh on that project!” He pauses. “I write now. And I learned to love it, although I’m wordy and my style is not conducive to screenplays. I’m a very visual person.”

That’s obvious from his films. And his still photography. Incredible — beautiful work that repeatedly focuses on the microcosm, drawing the viewer into the depicted creature’s world. His photos bring us so close to wildlife, it’s a shamanic experience.

I tell him: I know, for me, I started with nature photography, but sports and portraits have become my niches. How did you become a nature photographer?

“Steve Erwin. The Crocodile Hunter. He sort of raised me.” He laughs. “It was his show that inspired my passion for wildlife. Making films and taking photos — I always was creative in some way. But I didn’t realize my passions would merge.”

Gavin graduated with a Fish and Wildlife Management degree from Paul Smith’s College. His education and career path included internships at the Rocky Mountain Bio Lab in Colorado and a position at the federal Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge In Maine.

“I made films at my jobs — just because I wanted to. Like when I took a film class in highschool — and I made a film about the school mascot — The Garnet Gull. I got more positive feedback on that film and those job projects — and found I enjoyed it more than studying bird parasites.”

It’s funny when you find the thing you have been doing for fun — as a hobby — you find is your true passion. Your super-power talent.

“Absolutely. That high school film. I was overwhelmed with positive feedback — people insisting that I go to film school. And I wrestled with attending Paul Smith’s College and pursuing my wildlife degree — and I had already been accepted.”

You faced that either-or duality bias.

“Yes. And the wildlife degree was the right move for me.”

He talks about the value of his education. And how his experience makes him able to communicate environmental concerns visually and powerfully. His experience and talent have merged.

“In wildlife school, observation was the first thing they taught us. To develop that skill. I use that skill for my art.”

BIRTH OF AN ARTIST

In Gavin, we see how experience, passion, and talent merge into the extraordinary. Consider what experiences you have. What drives you? About what are you passionate? And what is your creative gift? Maybe you are a talented chef, are able to combine ingredients for new, healthy recipes. Maybe you like to sing and can carry a tune — and your experience on Wall Street has made you realize you want peace on earth. Maybe you can paint, have had life trauma, and can combine it into a life-affirming and inspiring message.

Or maybe you are a visual artist hanging out in an environmentalist’s body.

“The moment you recognize when it feels the most right — that’s success. Listen to that and give yourself permission to do it. It was really hard for me. But it’s the best thing I have ever done.”

Gavin’s award-winning film, Wood Vibrations, can be found here on July 17th. Gavin’s documentary follows a driftwood artist who celebrates life through his connection with nature, through living life to the fullest through simplicity. It’s about “living life your own way.”

The film won Best Home-Grown Documentary Short at the 2022 Garden State Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2022 IndieFilmopolis Film Festival. I can’t wait to see it. He told me it’s being released to the public on his birthday — so send him good wishes!

CURRENT PROJECT

What can we expect next? What’s your hot project?

“I’m working on a feature documentary, Tommy’s Island. Jersey boy Tommy is attempting to protect Treasure Island on the Manasquan River. It was a rich ecosystem — but not now. The tourists come and their disregard for the law — including the restriction for dogs on the island — destroys the Oyster Catcher nests. Tom is a self-appointed steward of the island. I want to tell his story. We’re applying with film associations. Waiting on our nonprofit status. Save Coastal Wildlife is a sponsor. We need more.”

SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES

As you work on your current film, what other opportunities are you seeking?

“I’d love to do an artist in residency at a national park. Of course, selling more prints or having a gallery show. I think my photographs are best seen on a large scale and I’d love to have a big event where I can talk to people and connect people with nature and the environment.” He added, “Ideally, I’d love to be paid to make movies — direct feature films.”

He seems almost sheepish — somewhat surprised, but deeply thankful, at the route of his career.

“My journey to this point has been developing my skills. I recently realized its time to apply those skills. And I’m finding opportunities are just showing up.”

Re-wilding the planet only works if we re-wild our souls

UNTRODDEN WAYS

I imagine he did not anticipate shifting from studying sparrow parasites to making films to raise awareness about the environment.

He admits he hadn’t considered his current path as a direction. That he did not see the connection until several experiences awoke the possibilities. While on a study-abroad experience in Nepal, Gavin introduced a young boy to the magic of a tiny gecko. He reflects that he found himself doing for this child what Steve Erwin had done for him. He raised the child’s perception from fear, to curiosity, to appreciation, and, finally, to love.

“It was amazing. Combining and blending my passion for the environment and my passion for education through the visual arts. Giving myself permission to do this thing my own way.”

I relate that I especially appreciate the idea of getting back in touch with our authentic selves. The idea of people connecting people with their nature. And getting people to slow down, to observe, is so critical.

“I don’t think there’s a wrong or right way to be an artist — except being inauthentic. Being untruthful in one’s work. I’m a big believer in art moving through the creator. Once it’s done, it’s no longer part of us. The creative is a facilitator.”

GAVIN’S WORLD

Let me quote Matthew McConaughey from his book Greenlights: “Be less impressed, more involved.” I repeat those words to myself every day. It helps me feel less anxious about taking risks and inspires me to do the work I love.

Gavin and I discuss art and the perception of a creative career.

“I heard there’s no room in the art scene — but that’s B.S. There’s room for everybody — and the more art we have, the better off we are.”

I agree. Each of us has a unique perspective to communicate.

“Use whatever is your own experience. All of it. Pain, love, knowledge. It’s all beautiful. I had a film teacher who told me if I wanted to write, I needed to stop writing and go live. Life is where we get our material.”

RE-WILDING OUR SOULS

Does disregard for the environment anger you? I know I feel like raging at those who liter or who harm wildlife — or even those who operate puppy mills.

“I don’t invest in that rage. I do make conservation films — but I don’t watch too many of them. Too much doom and gloom — and I can’t watch that all the time. I’m hopeful. I don’t overlook the gravity of the situation, but I like to leave people hopeful and inspired. They’re more likely to act.”

I note his attitude is reflected in his tag line: Re-wilding the planet only works if we re-wild our souls. That sentiment is what drew me to him. We both bemoan the need for social media participation — and agree eye-to-eye is the superior route to true connection.

“Connections. That’s what I’m all about. I’m the guy at the party that’s like: Let’s have a deep conversation, man. This planet is the thing we are all connected to — in a way that’s almost indescribable. And it’s hurting. We are losing resources. Wildlife. Things that sustain life. We are losing the things that make life worth living. The spiritual component, the personality of a place. Or an animal. There is so much there when you open up to it.”

You can enjoy Gavin’s photography and hear about his new releases via his Instagram — and grab yourself an inspiring print while you’re at it!