Modesty Forfeited

“I am obsessed with beauty. I want everything to be perfect, and of course it isn’t. And that’s a tough place to be because you’re never satisfied.” – Robert Mapplethorpe

 

Modesty Forfeited

I recently posted two blogs which included images of Calla Lilies. The blogs can be found here (Her Majesty) and here (Intertwined).  After I shot the images of the Calla Lilies and began the editing process, Robert Mapplethorpe and his views on life and photography came to mind.  I did not do a proper Calla Lily series, but will be posting several more images from the shoot , all of which,  give mind to Mapplethorpe and his gifts to the art of photography. To learn more about Mapplethorpe, visit The Robert Mapplethrope Foundation website.

I think I mentioned in one of my previous posts that in the Language of Flowers Calla Lilies represent either modesty, or magnificent beauty, a reference to the title of this image.

Painting with Light

“Photography” is derived from the Greek words photos (“light”) and graphein (“to draw or paint”).

Painting with Light

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” – Ansel Adams

The “painting” effect of this image was achieved by motion while the shutter was wide open in addition to over exposing the subject. The subject in this image is a bouquet of pink and yellow Alstroemeria (Lilies).

2013 Lily Series – 03

 

“Oft expectation fails, and most oft where most it promises; and oft it hits where hope is coldest; and despair most sits” – William Shakespeare

 

“I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped.” – Frederick Perls

Expectation

 

It is somewhat ironic that expectation is the word that came to mind when contemplating this evening’s post.  Why, you might ask.  Because tonight I am filled with both excitement and anticipation, and trying not to escalate my expectations of the gallery opening I am participating in tomorrow evening.  The Buck’s County Project Gallery has its debut tomorrow night and the owner, who is also an artist and photographer, asked me to participate when she saw my sunflower series earlier this year.  I was very honored and am filled with gratitude that she found my work worthy of her gallery featuring fabulous photography by Buck’s County artists.  Even more ironic, is that the author of the second quote above was born in Germany,  as was Stephanie, the gallery owner, who, I believe, lives by the philosophy so eloquently stated in the quote.

2013 Lily Series – 01

Tonight begins a journey with the Lily.  Historically, the Lily has represented majesty.  In some parts of history it can be found that Lilies of various colors represent something other than, or in addition to, majesty.  For example, the white Lily, as I posted last week, represents purity and virtue.  Throughout the 2013 Lily series you will see Lilies of varying color as well as black and white images of Lilies.  The Lily itself is a magnificent flower.  It can be a challenge to photograph, but if you have wonderful natural light, those challenges seem to fade to artistic creation.  I hope you enjoy the series and look forward to your comments and feedback.

The Opening Act – Sensuality