The Feeling of Being on the Water

How Nature and Adventure Have Shaped Matt Laycock's Life

Matt Laycock was born and raised in Newcastle, Australia. From a young age, Matt was immersed in adventure thanks to his father, who introduced him to surfing, motorbike riding, farm life, and much more. His mother instilled in him the importance of unconditional love and a deep connection to nature and animals. Matt explains that his parents' individual perspectives on life showed him the beauty of polarity, shaping the foundations for his understanding and approach to life. This blend of wild adventure and deep connection to nature laid the groundwork for his philosophy and passion for storytelling.

Early Life and Philosophical Foundations

Matt believes it is his early life experience that instilled in him a profound appreciation for the natural world and the intrinsic value of human connections. “The duality of my parents' teachings, my father’s emphasis on adventure and camaraderie and my mother’s lessons in love and intuition” shaped Matt's holistic world view, later influencing how he tells stories through film and photography.

Journey into Film and Photography

In 2018, Matt supported his friend in setting the world record for the first paraplegic to reach 18,000 feet on Mount Everest. This pivotal journey is where he discovered his true passion for film and photography. "From launching a clothing brand to fund the expedition to training for a year carrying Scotty on my back, this experience highlighted Scott’s transformation from his accident to this monumental achievement and sparked my love for storytelling through visual media. I learned through this process the impact visual media has on today’s world. This journey underscored the narrative that adversity does not define us but rather reveals our true capabilities, a theme I continually explore in my work," says Matt.

Global Exploration and Cultural Insights

Matt has spent over 8 years travelling the world, often taking a path that looked very different to that of his peers. From eagle hunting in Mongolia to living with tribes in Africa, and even cliff jumping off glaciers in Iceland, Matt's adventures have immersed him in diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. These experiences have illustrated the stark contrast that exists between Eastern and Western societies, pointing out the “disconnected” state in which many in the West live.

Matt explains that his explorations have highlighted the importance of simplicity, the pitfalls of overconsumption and the joy we find when we get out, get lost and get back. “This contrast and connection form the philosophical backbone of my storytelling, emphasising that despite our differences, our shared humanity binds us together. My camera becomes a tool to share a few of the many ways out.”

Embracing Extreme Sports as Meditation

If you follow Matt online, one of the first things you’ll notice is his extreme lifestyle. Often sky diving on a weekly basis, cliff jumping, slack line, rock climbing and much more. “Extreme sports have always drawn me in because they demand complete presence, offering a mental cleanse similar to meditation. These activities force me to live in the moment, stripping away the distractions of modern life and bringing me closer to a state of pure being. I believe in balancing high-adrenaline moments with tranquillity, embracing the full spectrum of life. This balance is crucial for mental and spiritual well-being and is a recurring theme in my films and photographs, where I capture the essence of living fully in the moment.”

Working with Dometic

Matt was the creative partner in Dometic's recent "The Feeling of Being on the Water" campaign, which drew inspiration from Dr. Wallace J. Nichols' book Blue Mind. This campaign delves into the contentment, happiness, and peace that people often feel around water. It emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from the relentless pressures of work and modern life, encouraging a reconnection with the tranquil beauty of the ocean.

"Water, in its serene simplicity, offers a profound sense of peace and clarity, a reminder of the primal joy that nature provides. This project reflects my belief that nature is a sanctuary offering solace and rejuvenation, essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. Whether through the thrill of wakeboarding, the primal connection of spearfishing, or the awe of exploring the ocean's diverse creatures, the film captures the myriad ways in which water can restore and invigorate us. The content serves as a visual reference to the restorative power of nature, encouraging viewers to seek their own moments of tranquility, however that may be," says Matt.

As a creative, Matt is excited to continue sharing the world's raw nature, adventure, and simplicity. "Partnering with Dometic on this project is an honour, as they embody the spirit of the brand message 'This Way Out'—selling not just products, but the independence to move, explore, and find empowering experiences on one's own terms. Dometic and I share a mutual mission: to inspire others to find joy and tranquility in the natural world, breaking down the barriers to everyday exploration for anyone, anywhere." 
 
For content inquiries, please feel free to reach out to Matt at matt@laycockcreative.com.