25 September 2010

Autumn Light & Shadow

Autumn -- one of the most beautiful seasons with nature's array of colors, but also one of the saddest -- losing the light, deepening shadows conveying a sense of urgency, a growing awareness of decay beside such beauty.

Because of the drought we've experienced, the leaves are brittle and dry, curling up upon themselves before their time. I picked several hosta leaves that, to me, appeared almost mummified, frozen in time. I wanted to try and capture the delicacy of these structures. I knew I couldn't accomplish this with my camera, so I carefully scanned them, using a length of velvet as a soft weight.


I want to continue these explorations, this navigation through a shadow world that demands we look closely and spend time with these fragile structures.

So, as the light begins to fade and the orb of sun drifts down into the horizon, cherish the light -- grab those final moments and celebrate Autumn!


Come forth into the light of things.
Let nature be your teacher.
William Wordsworth

5 comments:

Caterina Giglio said...

absolutely gorgeous post Kelly... you really captured my feelings as well, it is a bittersweet season, but also filled with abundance. I know that is hard to see in a drought and remember ours quite vividly... gardeners never forget droughts! lol... I love the wordsworth quote too, and your scanned hosta is just magical... lovely coming by today to visit!

Kelly M. said...

Caterina -- it's always a pleasure to hear from you! yes, gardeners have a LONG memory, don't we? LOL -
thanks so much for your comments!

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

Your photo of the hosta leaf speaks at a deep soul level. I am doing five pieces "accepting autumn" and amazed at the turning of this season.You are working on interesting explorations!

Bridget Hunter said...

I also get a sadness in Autumn - others love its beauty but its the losing of the light that I don't like.You've found the beauty in this picture and in the poem.

Kelly M. said...

Mary Ann & Bridget -- Many thanks for your comments. I suppose we're all feeling the approach of shortened days and trying to grapple with "acceptance," as you put it, Mary Ann! I will share more images as I move through this process --