The imagery in this body of work titled, May in the Secret Garden, was captured in a garden in North Carolina – a secret garden.  

The rose images exhibit a diminished glory with poignancy that penetrates in reflection.  I acknowledge the nod to the Vanitas tradition of the 16th and 17th centuries and the transient themes these images may evoke.  However, rather than dwell on the fugitive nature of life, or maybe because of this awareness, these images afford the opportunity to become more keenly mindful of the preciousness of what the present moment offers.  Hand in hand with this awareness comes a renewed sense of stewardship and a desire to take care of ourselves and those around us.  

The secret garden is a place of sanctuary.  It is a place of rest affording the viewer the opportunity to gain clarity through reflection.  The silver and gold impressions of this magical space invite the passerby to enter the garden, to find respite, and breathe deeply in the present. 

Description of individual flower prints:

The eight flower prints were captured using a Nikon D200 digital SLR.  The digital files were used to create the digital film negatives. The title of each of the flower prints references the moment in time the impression of the flower’s image was captured. The digital negatives were placed on the salt paper print and exposed to light.  After exposure the salt paper prints are processed in the darkroom where they receive a gold tone to enhance the archival nature of the work.

Description of may in the secret garden I, II, and III:

Each image in the triptych is a multiple exposure captured on 120 color film using a pinhole camera. The color film was scanned to create digital negatives.  The digital negatives were placed on the salt paper print and exposed to light.  After exposure the salt paper prints are processed in the darkroom where they receive a gold tone to enhance the archival nature of the work.

Contact sales@jimsconyersjr.com for all purchasing inquiries.