06 May 2019
Lens:
Allium Photomontage; Sally W. Donatello 2019 All Rights Reserved
Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this photomontage. Prints are available upon request.
Pens:
Spring creates a higher level of coloration, form, lines. shape and tones: an architectural patina that is in plain view for our admiration. The drama unfolds with a clear sense about the power of this visual voice—a visual voice that resonates as each day unfolds.
Mother Nature goes about her duties with full force, not dependent on our participation or noticing. But quite the opposite for us. Humans are dependent on nature’s well being and presence. As humanity poisons the air, water and ourselves, nature responds with raging storms and wide-spread drought. The balance is untethered.
Still, as Spring marches forward, there is a profound awakening that inspires the heart and gives meaning to daily revelations. One notices the architecture of a flower, of a tree, of a river, of the skyline. The surge of the season gives some level of hope.
As we stand encircled by the sky, it can overwhelm and remind that it performs miracles with its cunning history of predictable and unpredictable aesthetic and physical elements. The sky holds the past in its layers, shapes that dissipate and re-emerge with courageous vengeance. Clear skies, billowy clouds, starry nights, moonlit hours, daylight harmony, warmth and chill, sublime and outrageous.
The technique of photomontage offers me the opportunity to tell one or multiple stories—stories that reveal content, context and texture of the universe: open pathways as well as silence about nature and human nature’s journey. This technique also gives ample incentive to ponder how to interpret the results.
Such a photographic creation allows me to partner with Mother Nature, even as I know that is an imaginary relationship that I embrace. The image above has an urgency to revere the brilliant gifts that nature offers: a sky that helps to sustain the natural world and an example of nature’s bounty. Both demonstrate nature’s bounty and majesty.
The burst of the allium toward the joyful and triumphant cloud-filled sky expresses the effect that the natural world has upon me. Mother nature enlivens the day, enlivens optimism, encourages experimentation and incites inspiration.
And often what is seen speaks entirely for itself. Nothing else needs to be spoken or written. And that’s much of my reaction to the above image: a silent yet vocal source of glorious exuberance.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
The allium is so pretty in your edit – 😉
Thanks so much.
Must admit I’d not seen this particular flower before Sally – your composition is wonderful and does indeed tell a story about Mother Nature and her many gifts.
Tina, thanks so much.
I love your montage. The background complements the radiating flower.
Thanks for your comment and visit.
I bright blue sky and the “floating” flower does transcend a very springlike feeling. It’s a beautiful montage.
Otto,I appreciate your response.
An inspiring photo, Sally. Says so much of hope.
Amy, thanks so much.
I feel the exuberance in your montage. It’s beautiful and uplifting.
Lovely to hear from you, hope all is well. Thanks for your response to my image.
Sally, I love this gorgeous montage! One of my favorites of the things you’ve done. The depth and brightness are a joy.
janet
Janet, your words bring me comfort. Thanks so much for your support over the years.
A very interesting contrast you choose, Sally! Yes, I like it.
All the best to you and your work
Ulli
Ulli, lovely to hear from you. Thanks for your response to my image.
Beautiful montage Sally. It is so full of hope and joy.
Su, nature does give me hope and joy. Thanks.
I love how you explain that photomontage allows you to tell multiple stories. This is so needed, especially now. Your “Coexistence” piece does indeed force my attention upon natural details. The cloud bursts in the background so perfectly frame the allium’s petals, it’s like a natural firework of wonder.
I’m humble. Thank you so much.
I like the way that you incorporated the sky with the Allium. The colors are beautiful together and the rectangles remind me of a billowing blue sheet in the wind.
On a personal note: Alliums have a fond place in my heart. 40 years ago I worked on a Powerhouse in Craig, Colorado and there was a ridge in front of our “materials warehouse” that was covered with hundreds of Alliums. One day I had to go pickup an order and some jokers had spray-painted the flowers with 10 different shades of fluorescent paint colors. I felt like I was on the Sgt. Pepper Album cover. What a hoot, what a memory.
Thanks for reminding me of that today.
Ω
Allan, my pleasure, and I do appreciate your thoughtful response. Happy memories.
So pretty, Sally! I must confess to a weakness for pretty 😍🌺🌻🍀💕
Jo, pretty is uplifting. Enjoy the week and nature.
It’s a lovely work, Sally. It expresses the hope, joy and triumph of Nature at once.
I do agree, and appreciate your response.