Creativity is defined as “the use of the imagination or original ideas”, especially in the production of an artistic work.
My creative process for floral studies begins at a local summer farmer’s market or boutique florist with my selection
based on an initial emotional response. I look at individual cut stems or a bouquet of cut flowers or a plant considering their shapes and color. While I do not shoot in color, their color variations can create a distinctive texture.
During a 2011 visit to my florist, on display were potted pussy willow plants at various stages of bloom. I selected the plant with the least blooms allowing for the creation of individual images as the plant bloomed.
After viewing the individual images, a significant New York City snowfall had inspired me to create a triptych presentation titled the “Approaching Snow Storm”. I featured the triptych at the 2011 New York Artist Project.
December 1st was the start of meteorological winter and we will experience the solstice on December 21st. As an example of creativity, I would like to feature the triptych to celebrate winter 2020.
For the two images, Purple Tango 1 and 2, my creative process started in a vase of cut stems at my boutique florist’s cooler. It was the shape of the dark purple pedals that initially caught my attention.
Creating the composition, In the studio, the placement of the individual stems resulted in the illusion of the floral stems dancing!
Can you see the stems dancing?
Do you hear the music?
While my floral studies would be classified as fine art with a sub-category of still life, art enthusiasts have expressed that they see movement in my artwork. Purple Tango 2 was created several days later after which I had to throw out.
As a child, do you remember the pinwheel? Running in the yard to see it spin?
With a sharp focus on the tentacles of the dried flower, representing the pinwheel pedals, and utilizing the velvety center, the illusion of the flower spinning was created.
People often comment “that they feel movement in my artwork”. Through my composition, lighting and the depth and warmth of silver gelatin prints, I have been able to create the illusion of movement.
My creative approach has always been to present a unique image that is not a normal presentation of the subject.
Gladlicious 4 (Right)
With the introduction of high-definition video, our world is so focused on vibrant and brilliant colors particularly when viewing flowers. Like other art enthusiasts, would you ask me why my floral studies are presented in black-and-white?
Normally, gladioluses are in red, yellow, purple, or another solid color or even a color blend.
May I ask you a question? Now have a close look at the two gladiolus images alove. Please describe what you see.
That is right, you are no longer looking at the color; but you see the shapes, forms, lines, and textures. With a closer look, you will even see the stamen.
This is part of my creative approach, to emphasize something other than color, to present unique floral images that does not conform to normal presentation.
