Experiment with Nature

Journeys 034 – OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

Joe — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 20:07:29 +0000

LET’S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT.

Overnight success doesn’t exist, and if it did, you shouldn’t want it. If you want to be good at something, the time it takes to get good is important! “Overnight success” takes years of practice, dedication and education. I’ve been a filmmaker and photographer for over 10 years with SO MANY failed attempts at trying to make it full-time. Still, I worked hard and kept my focus on my dream.

To “make it” you need to make sure you are constantly fueled, but you have to equally be diligent. Four years ago almost to the date I had a calling that I could no longer ignore. This feeling prompted me to quit my job and focus on my freelance work, and I’ve been extremely blessed to do so ever since. I have to say though, success won’t come to you just because you want it or feel entitled to received it. Some people think the ‘universe’ owes them. This world doesn’t owe us anything and you must work incredibly hard for what you want.

Success is not built on success — it’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes, it’s built on catastrophe. You can’t let doubt, fear, or negative opinions stand in your way…

——————–

Excerpt from Sam’s Journeys story. Hit the link below to read the full story.

journeys.shwoodshop.com/overnight-success

Story and photography by Sam Ciurdars

www.ciurdar.com / @samciurdar

JOURNEYS 033 – HEARTLAND

Joe — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 15:25:22 +0000

“After you do something long enough it becomes a part of you. The way you interact with the world changes. Even walking down the sidewalk, I pay attention to the cracks. The spacing. The depth. How easy would it be to ride over this? I notice the texture of surfaces, take note of curb heights, and fantasize about hitting that handrail. I’ll scope out peoples feet to see what shoes they’re wearing. You can tell a lot by the wear patterns left on shoes by griptape. Goofy or regular? Kickflips or heelflips? If there’s wear on both shoes then they skate switch. Sweet. Not everyone can say they have something that has shaped their lives like this. Skateboarding has given us long lasting friendships, it has sent some of us all over the world, and it has taught us a thing or two about ourselves. It’s kept us young. As the late Jay Adams once said, “You don’t quit skating because you get old. You get old because you quit skating.” Skateboarding is our thing.”

– Excerpt from Will Corwin’s story about growing up, skateboarding, and find purpose in it all. Check out the full story HERE.

JOURNEYS 032 – GET LOST

Joe — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:11:43 +0000

“Time moves differently when you are on a trip like this. Each day is packed with an endless amount of things to keep you busy so time feels like it’s flying by. Yet, the shear amount of memories makes yesterday feel like a month ago. It’s a strange experience that comes to life when you push your limits. This can happen for anyone, it has nothing to do with riding motorcycles. 2 wheels just happened to be our poison of choice for this adventure.

To me, this is what truly living feels like. That’s why we push all the negative thoughts aside and jump into the unknown. It’s what makes us real. I feel extremely fortunate to have truly lived for the past 30 days.

The only question that remains: what’s next?”

– Excerpt from Under Open Air’s (@underopenair) 6000 mile motorcycle ride across the Trans-America Trail. Check out the full story HERE.

SHWOOD X SHAPER STUDIOS

Joe — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 17:33:23 +0000

Anyone who works with their hands understands the beauty that comes with it. For us, it’s a means of simple, easy living, and an appreciation of the details. It’s this shared mentality that united us to create a collection of eyewear that celebrates both the handcrafted process, and the Pacific coastline that inspires our unique artforms.

Our collaborative Surf Resin collection features Italian acetate and genuine hardwood frames, complimented by Shaper Studios’ custom bio-based surf resin. All frames are outfitted with polarized lenses to match the one-of-a-kind surf bio-resin inlays.

Explore the collection here: shwoodshop.com/us/collections/surf-resin-collection

Film:
Joe Stevens
joestevensmedia.com

JOURNEYS 031 – LOSING MYSELF IN AMERICA

Joe — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 23:56:15 +0000

“Inspiration is not something you can go out to the store and buy, rather it’s something that’s discovered spontaneously and kept close when found. I want to share that inspiring feeling with the world! Which is exactly why I had decided to make my dreams a reality and travel the United States building the photography portfolio I’ve always wanted. With just enough money and supplies to stay alive, I hit the road. The search for beautiful started early…”

– Excerpt from Devin Tolman’s (@devin.tolman) month long adventure across the USA. Check out the full story HERE.

Journeys 030 – A Month In Iceland

Joe — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 04:01:36 +0000

“Although I am not particularly well traveled when it comes to countries outside of North America, I know that Iceland will forever be my favorite place in the entire world. It’s refreshing local culture and the people who make up those cultures are non-comparable to anything else in the entire world. I encourage everybody to experience Iceland deeper than the average tourist.”

– Excerpt from Christopher Kerksieck’s (@chriskerksieck) Iceland adventure. Check out the full story HERE.

The Shwood x Stanley Adventure Pack Returns

Shwood Shop — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:53:27 +0000

Carried for over 100 years by everyone from forest firefighters to weekend campers, Stanley products have long been a quintessential part of American outdoor culture. This limited collection pays tribute to the rugged essentials we rely on for a lifetime of adventure.

Our collaborative Shwood x Stanley Adventure Pack includes two outdoor essentials: Shwood Titanium sunglasses in classic Stanley “Hammertone” finish and the Stanley Classic Flask wrapped in custom “Experiment With Nature” Leather sleeve.

See the collab here.

Journeys 029 – Returning

Shwood Shop — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 02:53:52 +0000

“There is a palpable sense of freedom in living month to month. Financial security has never been in view, and I certainly don’t expect to see it over the next pass, or the one after. This lifestyle is stressful for some, freeing for others. For me it’s a sacrifice I make to travel and to create work I am passionate about, without concession.”

See Andrew Ranville’s full Journeys photo essay here.

Shwood Eyewear Forest Collection

Shwood Shop — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 01:00:47 +0000

A walk beneath the canopy of the Pacific Northwest forests inspires a feeling of tranquility unmatched by many other places. Your senses are awakened by the seemingly endless palette of colors, textures, and sounds created by the months upon months of rainfall.

Existing in a state of constant growth and evolution, all life forms seem to intertwine and coexist. To harness the lush textures and deep colors of this inspiring environment, we’ve foraged and transformed an assortment of moss and pinecones into eyewear that exhibits a collage of the forest floor.

Rob Mulholland – Vestige

Shwood Shop — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:10:26 +0000

Artist Rob Mulholland found inspiration for his piece, Vestige, in the rolling, wooded hills of his native Scotland. Formerly an area used for grazing sheep, the herders were moved after the second World War to grow much-needed timber. Moved by the traces left, he created a community of eerie, ghostly mirrored sculptures. The visual void created by the sculptures reminds the viewers of the previous occupants and the space they left when the area was returned to nature.

See more about Vestige here.