Pastoral art centuries ago explored the idealized, sometimes romanticized depiction of rural life – the simpler life – and nature as a peaceful sanctuary, originating in ancient poetry and solidifying in European painting from the Renaissance to the 19th Century. Drawing on the new art of photography, this new art form centered on themes of Arcadia, shepherds, and idyllic landscapes, was meant to be an escape from urban chaos and violence, as it is on my blog right now. Somehow, it got into my blood and my photography; we hope to use our art to remind people of the first beauty, nature. The artists brought a sensual, refined look of nature to their audiences. Don’t forget nature— Me.
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My assistant was pursuing a cheeky squirrel. Bud helped me out and kept me company.
Experimenting with a 50 mm.
Peace and calm.
Color sings
What does this mean to you?
In thinking about the pictures of the past several days, I am left with this impression: Stepping back to take in the whole pastoral landscape is a valuable and beautiful perspective…and it elicits, from me, one kind of emotional response, including awe. The up-close-and-personal flower photographs provide a perspective that is quite different; for me a focus for mediation, quiet, and calm. The last photograph this morning suggests to me that emersed in life, right up close, only a small part will be in focus at any one time…the rest a colorful, soft impression.
Nature was important to Thoreau, but it is his writing that is the reason why I am presently writing to you. Ken Burns new documentary on
Thoreau begins with this quote by Thoreau, “A written word is the choicest of relics…It is the work of art nearest to life. And not only be read but actually…carved out of the breath of life itself. The symbol of an ancient man’s thought becomes a modern man’s speech.” I wanted to share these very fine words with you, one of my favorite wordsmiths, & also because you reference writers that you build upon, I.e. Thomas Merton, Joan Chittister, Thich Nhat Hanh, Saint Teresa of Avila. My life too has been upheld by words & equally by nature.