Calopogon pulchellus- Calopogon 1931

Edwin Hale Lincoln made this photograph of Calopogon pulchellus sometime between 1898 and 1915. It's a study in greyscale. Look closely at the variations in tone that describe the forms of the plant. Photography is just another way of making marks. The texture here is so delicate, almost like a whisper. I love the way the light defines the edges of the petals, creating a soft, ethereal feel. The long, slender stems reach upward, and your eye follows them. Notice the way the image is cropped, creating a sense of intimacy, as if you are peering into a secret garden. I’m reminded of the botanical drawings of someone like Georgia O’Keefe, but rather than high saturated colour, here the subtle tonal variations draw you into a silent and still contemplation of nature. There's a quiet beauty in the simplicity and an invitation to slow down and appreciate the delicate details of the natural world. Ultimately, art is about looking, and this piece reminds us to look closely.