26 November 2018
Lens:
Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this photomontage. Prints are available upon request.
Pens:
Above is my ode to the American holiday: Thanksgiving. The photomontage represents the light in the forest, that illumination that gives optimism. As I combined two images, my intention was to create that feeling of wonder that appears in that moment of discovery, that moment when time stops and the world seems balanced and full of promise. And in that moment we are simply grateful to exist, to realize the incredibly world of nature and human nature.
Since I’ve been traveling for a few days, the Pens section is brief. I’m letting the image mostly speak for itself.
Note:
I’ve been smitten and transfixed by seasonal and year-round birds for decades, really all my adult existence. My initial awareness was sparked in my early days as a novice gardener, and became gobsmacked by hummingbirds. That love continues as does a reverence for these fascinating creatures.
Recently, I was overjoyed by the discovery of the publication of The Splendor of Birds: Art and Photographs from National Geographic and Catherine Herbert Howell (2018). It tells the story of the avian population and its wondrous role in nature.
From National Geographic website: “Bird, nature, and art lovers alike will treasure this sumptuous visual celebration of the colors, forms, and behaviors of the winged wonders who share our world as they have been explored, displayed, and revealed throughout the years by National Geographic. The book moves chronologically so readers witness the tremendous growth in our knowledge of birds over the last 130 years, as well as the new frontiers in technology and observation–from luminous vintage paintings and classic black and white photographs to state-of-the art high-speed and telephoto camera shots that reveal moments rarely seen and sights invisible to the human eye. The wide diversity of pictures captures beloved songbirds outside the kitchen window, theatrical courtship dance of birds of paradise, tender moments inside a tern’s nest, or the vivid flash of a hummingbird’s flight. Readers will delight in seeing iconic species from around the world through the eyes of acclaimed National Geographic wildlife photographers such as Chris Johns, Frans Lanting, Joel Sartore, and Tim Laman and reading excerpted passages from Arthur A. Allen, Roger Tory Peterson, Douglas Chadwick, Jane Goodall, and other great explorers.” Read more about the book on the Sierra Club’s website.
Lovely work, Sally. The book is on my list. 🙂
Thanks, and let me know your reaction to the book.
Your enchanting image speaks for itself, but loved you short pen section as well. And thanks for the info about this book – one I want to read.
Tiny, my pleasure, see you soon.
From a program on C-SPAN this weekend I learned that the first Thanksgiving thoughts uttered by English colonists were in Virginia in 1619, a year before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
Steve, I always enjoy your comments.
Beautiful image; it really draws the viewer in to the jewel-like colours.
Su, Thanks.
Yet another beautiful composite image, Sally.
Otto, thanks so much.
Happy to see you feeling optimistic Sally. Beautiful image.
Tina, I cling to hope.
I get a sense of mystery in the photograph. Well done, Sally!
I appreciate your response. Thanks.
The Splendor of Birds must be an exquisite book. I love the light and patches of colour in your montage.
Lovely to hear from you, thanks.
Beautiful imagery as always, Sally. The book sounds delightful.
I presume the travel is related to Thanksgiving. I hope you had a lovely time.
Thank you, I did. See you soon.
I love the soothing colors in this montage. Peace seems to emanate.
Angeline, thanks. See you soon.
I like your montage this week. It brought to mind the feeling that I have when I’m surrounded by trees and find a beam of light or a patch of sun in the shade and shadows.
Thanks for the memories.
Ω
Allan, thanks so much.
Artistic and so beautifully done, Sally!
Thank you so much for introducing “the Splendor of Bird”.
Amy, my pleasure to introduce you to the book, another treat from National Geographic.
Beautiful.
Indira, lovely to hear from you. Thanks so much.