In the Conservatory of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, there are some amazing plants on display, including some of the slightly more than 2000 palm species from around the world. In many instances I found, on my recent adventure there with Bonnie, the stalk or trunk of these lovely botanicals to be as interesting as any other part of the plant.
A focal length of 90mm with a 25mm extension tube (PK-13) gave me the angle-of-view and magnification I wanted. An aperture of f/22 and a shutter speed of 5.0 seconds at ISO 100 gave me an overall slightly-lighter-than-medium exposure.
In the world of close-up imagery what is seen is often the essence of what is felt to be real; but the elements of design remain to nurture what is felt into visual expression.
I am thoroughly impressed with this image. For many they would not have paid any mind to this particular plant on a winter walk. It is one that held my attention for several minutes as the lines, colors, patterns and textures in each of the three sections while suttle, differ materially from one another. Thanks for sharing. Just downloaded David’s book for this afternoons reading.
One of my favorite places to go spend hours photographing the plants. Nice capture/image.
Don, what a fascinating image! In your opening comments, you prepped us that it would be in a botanical garden, but when I viewed it, suddenly I was seeing an abstract painting of exaggerated mountains and a severe valley with snow-covered slopes in the back. In fact, it reminded me instantly of the paintings of Chiura Obata whose highly stylized art in Yosemite rivals Ansel’s photographs in my mind. Your photo presents us with three highly distinct fields, each with a unique texture and direction (love those strong lines). Just yesterday on a bike ride with our son, I spotted a hickory tree with beautiful diamond shaped bark; tried with both my Nikon and my iPhone to capture an abstraction of it in b/w to depict my perception. I failed at each, but had fun trying. Close-ups aren’t my usual subject, but when they work, they’re brilliant.
Now, in the quote from David Ulrich (great book, by the way), I differ on the role of technology in art and being present. I do agree the ‘always on’ reality is a serious barrier to being present, but I also am discovering ways that such connections can reveal beauty, share joy, and enhance my own experience in nature. Double edged sword, for sure. Thanks for a beautiful and highly surprising image this week. Ray
Wonderful image.
Love it! Beauty at so many levels
I’m in AZ for the winter/spring semester, getting set up to begin an after-school math tutoring program at the local library. So of course, I saw this fantastic abstract image as “geometry in nature” — so many examples of parallel lines, intersecting lines, and polygons. The colors are heartwarming, too.
I see a “Y” that stands for Yes! Yes, it is awesome when you find a tiny spot on the planet and make it look like a whole new world. Three different textures and colors growing up together. One mostly tan and speckles; the second is white, speckled, and a few lines; the third is tan and white, speckled, and many lines! It’s like they are siblings. 🙂 Your composition made a strong case on how different they are with the Y dividing them and still allows us to see the how similar they are by giving each enough room to shine.
Good afternoon Everyone. Thank you all for joining me for this conversation. What thoughtful and insightful comments you have shared. Don’t you find that abstractions are often just that way: they encourage us to see the essences of things and invite us to share feelings that might otherwise go unexpressed. It was a delightful experience wandering amid the beauty at Biltmore, allowing my eyes to see a bit beyond the surfaces.
Hey John. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful words. My experience was very similar to what you have described: looking closely as pattern, line, and color all blended and diverged, and reformed as diverse pattern and shape. It’s great to hear that you have obtained David’s book. I believe you will relate to and connect with it, and perhaps be drawn to get The Widening Stream as well.
Hey Lynn. It’s always good to hear from you. I can imagine you wandering the aisles of the greenhouses, feeling the emotional tug that says, “I’m here; come play with me for a while.” Thanks for your kind comment.
Hi Ray; always good the have you with me. Hope all is well. What a compliment to draw a comparison to Obata’s wonderful work from Yosemite or anywhere else for that matter! I am probably not known for my close-up work either, but I am reminded of what I teach – that once you figure out how you do see the world, it encourages your practice, at every opportunity, of the ways in which you typically do not see that world; and from that comes a deeper appreciation of beauty in all of its expressions. And isn’t failing just a necessary part of growing? Your description of hyper-connectedness is indeed a double-edged sword, as seems to be most technology. For myself, I have found that a quietness of mind leads to a heightened sense of clarity as it involves my own creativity. What excellent fuel for conversation! Thank you.
Hi John. It’s always good to hear from you, even when your laconic spirit is what is leading. Hope you are doing well.
Hey Helen. Thank you very much for your kind words. And the fact that beauty exists on so many levels is always a wonderful reminder that there is nowhere it cannot be found, if we are willing to take our time and look to see.
Hey Donald, spoken like only an excellent mathematician could express it. It’s good to hear from you and to know where you are. Have an excellent winter in the desert. I have segregated the files for your prints and am needing only to find the appropriate print shop to execute them. Will let you know what I’m finding out. Hope we get to see you sometime this year. Be well.
Hey Nancy T. I’m so glad to hear from you, and, as usual, your description is so metaphorically accurate and on point. The “Y” is like a perfect division into individual parts of an integrated whole. This image reminds me of the ways in which mindfulness draws me into the tiny worlds that are all around us.
Thank you all, again, for such enticing perspectives and wonderful comments. It is a pleasure sharing these experiences with you, and hearing what you have to offer as a community of shared interest. Walk in Beauty.