Mandala - Limited Edition of 5 Photograph

Years ago, I was a floral designer in New Haven, CT, having studied at the New York Botanical Gardens and my designs were inspired by the practice of Ikebana or Kado – the way of flowers. My approach was intentionally minimalist so folks could appreciate the individuality and beauty of each blossom. My floral design work was very popular. As a florist, one must present perfect blossoms! A client gave me a book of Robert Mapplethorpe’s photos of flowers…and I promised myself to put together a body of work that inspired me as much as those photos. Orchids particularly appeal to me because of their variety, spectacular colors and markings, distinctive forms, longevity and their purposeful consideration in the scientific exploration of evolution. I went back to school to study photography and graphic design and closed the shop around 2000. Professional portrait and commercial product photography was a great learning experience although not very enjoyable. Photographing flowers in earnest for over ten years and considering the maturity of my “straight photography” efforts, the time is opportune to explore. Using a macro lens, standing very close, it is joyful to capture a tiny detail. In the past, I frequently shot hand-held on location in manual mode, stopped down and of necessity started to experiment with adding external lighting. As a result, most of my images, even the prized ones, tended toward low key. If I managed to get an acceptable hi-key image it was typically in a controlled studio with more elaborate lighting and a plain pale backdrop. Many of the subjects I really wanted to photograph can be a challenge to do in the field, particularly if they are presented in a curated exhibit at a botanical garden. Coincidentally, I don't really see large vistas, I see small details and want to see them incredibly large. At Southern Connecticut State University, last semester, my portfolio development exhibit included a participatory installation. It was exciting to encourage fellow students to engage directly (draw with pastels, markers, etc) with a large digitally printed panorama that combined literal and abstract botanicals. It is wonderful to concentrate on producing work that fulfills a creative vision that has slowly developed since I pulled that first roll of developed film from the canister over 40 years ago. Flowers make me happy! I love to explore their colors, centers, forms and lines…and am thrilled that much of my work reflects this.