Subtlety

I am really enjoying Lorraine Vogel’s understated botanic imagery I found on Flickr. The tendency for literal and clear translations of flora can be beautiful but also lessens the chance that the owner or viewer will connect to it on a more personal level. Leaving out clearly defined lines and color that is barely there allows us to fill in the rest with our own experiences and memories.

For me, these subtle images remind me of those very sunny days when I’ve been outside on a walk or hike and the sun is so bright I can hardly see anything clearly, getting more of an impression of the world around me than clear and certain memories. These are pleasant, warm memories that are now associated with the images of Lorraine’s pieces. Of course, my having a hard time adjusting my eyes to daylight might just be a sign that I need to get out of the house more often!