first year of life story | salem, ma
Born at a time of year when everything muted suddenly fills with color, her entrance was a breath of spring air ...
Born at a time of year when everything muted suddenly fills with color, her entrance was a breath of spring air and the opening of a peony - fragrant and delicate, soft and wrapped in layers of joy. This is the first year story of a beautiful star child filled with an eternal smile, the soul of a sage and a heart that bursts with the radiance of a tiny laughing Buddha.
Signature 12x12 inch Book printed with a beautiful linen cover.
the little tree
It was the first week of December and i still hadn't figured out what to do for a holiday card.
It was the first week of December and i still hadn't figured out what to do for a holiday card. Tho I've accepted a need to be in the month to feel that special something in the air, i am still learning to let go and trust in the process. And yet on the day i planned to take a drive along the coast with a friend (with a hope of finding an image in the back of my mind), the great muse in the sky saw fit to fill this particular day with a mystical fog and mist; two elements that inspire my art seeking soul, and I knew there was a very special picture out there for me that day. I'd actually planned to take one from the Beverly seashore with a view back to Salem and it was here that i saw this little tree perched on the fence overlooking a calm harbor with the stacks from the power plant (which three years later are dismantled) barely visible in the background. Yes, this was the picture which pleased my heart. It was the one for the card, but more than that, it's one that lingered well after the month had passed and sparked an interest in finding little trees each year.
Little Tree & Salem Power Plant taken from Beverly, MA | 2012
As we were in Florida early to mid December the following year, I saw these three little trees nestled among the palms. Though a little too busy for a card, and not as "little" a tree as I'd hoped for, it was the image for the year for by the time we returned and acclimated, the spirit of the season had somewhat transitioned into the new year vibe.
Three trees at the Edison House Fort Meyers, FL | 2013
Last year's image surfaced in the most unremarkable location by day; by night, its presence was sweetly magical.
Spiraling Tree with Star, Salem, MA | 2014
This year, I saw one that like last years, had the right vibe at night. While it worked for the card, I'm still in an inspired search. And in that, I thought of seeing what i could do with staging my own little tree.
Little tree & Spotlight, Marblehead, MA | 2015
So I selected a sweet little fir in a red stand and gave it a try. It provided an afternoon of enjoyment, sparked inquiry from a child on the beach and others walking on the trail and may offer a few more afternoons of interest. But I can't deny a sense of feeling like i'm cheating ... or perhaps that this is a side series. For part of the allure of the Little Tree is the discovery .... it is the experience of a process, the time and persistence, and in that (for me) is the gift.
Little (Staged) Tree at Winter Island, Salem MA | 2015
everywhere i look....
DOGS. And their taller companions. After many weeks of being trapped inside, one clear sign of the seasons changing are this and these ... in what I believe is one of the most dog friendly parts of the world.
DOGS. And their taller companions. After many weeks of being trapped inside, one clear sign of the seasons changing are this and these ... in what I believe is one of the most dog friendly parts of the world.
meeting of the minds, salem-2015
ignite - december
Having consciously passing on this the past three months, I had a hard time choosing something to end a year that was focused on street photography; particularly as I wasn't wow'd with what I've presented. Though seeing all the flaws and mistakes now only helps strengthen that fine art of seeing (the slowing down and tuning in) it was sobering as I long to be a little further along in this genre that I remain obsessed with. However, I am mindful that you get out of something what you put into it and in truth, I've haven't always had the drive or commitment, that necessary "need to go out every day and shoot" which is what anything worth doing takes; it's not the end, but rather the means, the doing that gets us where we're doing. (and while i've written a little note with links to everyone below, Susan Gietka, Susan Grace Photography, Hammonton, NJ is next)
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Days End, Salem | 2014
So in the end, I chose one that fits. And in lieu of linking to one to the other...I have a different idea:
Katie Suzanne- I eagerly await your whimsical take on motherhood (with boys); how you put all the pieces together the way you do is ever so clever and spot on. Thank you for making me laugh!
Susan Grace - I feel I've watched you take your ideas to a new level of artistry and conceptualization. Thank you for making me see more deeply ... and making me feel that this kind of creativity is possible.
January Skye- Your cinematic meanderings always read like a beautiful dark poem. Thank you for taking us under the veil.
Jan Madert - Thank you for your never ending ability to play with shapes and colors and composition and objects of meaning and memory.
Roxanne Bappe - Thank you for your textures and overlays which feel like a worn vintage lace tablecloth.
Wishing all your lovely talented beings in this little group the very best of endings and beginnings to come.
Wells Blog
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