This image is one of several from a recent online slide show on the gallery website. It is also in my new book: “In The Style Of” available in the fall of 2020. The images in this series are based on creating the look and “style” of the great 16th and 17th Century floral and botanical painters. Most featured dark backgrounds and textures as part of their work. My approach is to use contemporary editing and processing software to emulate, but not imitate the look of those early paintings in a more contemporary manner.
The natural decay captured in this photo reminds me of the philosophy “leave no trace.” In this case, I think the seed berries will sprout new life —an optimistic image. Pessimistically it reminds me of how much detritus humans generate that might create new ideas, but also maybe “leave way more than a trace.” An image that holds such opposite thoughts/feelings mirrors the tension of everyday life (and I identify with the decline! While simultaneously imagine the excitement of new growth, new life). I think the dark background adds to the sense of decay, decline – so much different in feeling than your more colorful flowers that burst with youthful energy.
Thanks. For years I’ve been attracted to the artistic and abstract nature of plants in various stages of decline. In the fall, decaying hosta leaves create myriad abstract and beautiful designs even though the heyday of the plant is past. If one can see it, beauty continues through the entire lifecycle.
I really like what you have done with the effect of the photos in this series!