A letter from the Editor

Dear Friends:
We’ve talked before about creating botanical art that is fresh, alive, and contemporary. It may be old information, but sometimes going back over what we think we know, helps us achieve a new perspective.

Contemporary still life is a testament to the mysterious act of seeing and relating images to contemporary culture. Often it is sensuous, provocative, and psychological and reflects some influences from previous artistic styles dating as far back as 17th century Dutch vanitas paintings -- the still life genre that symbolized the passing of all things. “In all eras, the act of isolation of everyday objects, and the artist’s ability to dramatically present these subjects center-stage, make still life a powerful expression of the artist’s point of view, literally and metaphorically.” www.hackettfreedmangallery.com.

Many still life painters, and botanical painters, employ the techniques of the old masters. The genre of botanical painting that specifically employs these concepts adds an air of historical importance to the artwork. These techniques together with daring composition and an interesting, highly realistic subject, afford the viewer a plethora of pictorial information that can often take ones breath away. So it comes down to not “what the world needs” but “what makes you come alive.” According to the Dalai Lama, “The very purpose of our life is happiness, the very motion of our lives is toward happiness.” Creative expression that releases our happiness generates happiness.

Last month, we talked about the DSC-F707 Cyber-shot® digital camera. Whether you use this model or another, it is an opportunity to capture unique composition and detail for your botanical still life. The Art Center of Sarasota is hosting a photography show sponsored by Johnson Photo Imaging. Their web site offers this model camera as well, so check it out for more details. If you’re in town, the art show may provide ideas for digital use. Or, you may want to look up some of the photography books listed here in our Book Buys section. For additional inspiration, look up the Still Life Paintings of Jeffrey Ripple shown at the Hackett Freedman Gallery (see website listed above). You may want to purchase their Color Catalogue available for $12.00 – call them in California at 415-362-7152 to order, or try them online.

God bless
OM

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