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My interest in the natural world began at an early age. Growing up in a rural area of eastern Pennsylvania I spent a lot of time wandering through woods and gardens. With a pre-television child’s overactive imagination everything I encountered came to life. As a five-year-old it never occurred to me that all these creatures might not be sentient. Regrettably, as an adult I know that I won’t be literally dancing with flowers, but I still think of them as friends worthy of respect, not merely things to be subjugated to my will. Part of my worldview encompasses the Gaia principle, wherein the earth and all its inhabitants are an inter-related, inter-dependent living organism. We are just a piece of this puzzle. Our survival depends upon the entire system’s survival. It’s not an understatement to say plants are a major part of my life. They’re my vocation and avocation. I sing their praises; I despair when they languish. I am fascinated by their intricate details and inner workings and awed by the strength and complexity plants possess. Sturdy yet delicate, flowers are precision instruments which exist solely to pass on genetic instructions. For the most part I am merely an incidental beneficiary. When I slow down and take time to observe, my senses are delighted with riots of color, texture, flavor, fragrance, the music, and designs of nature. Although portraying sensuality is not my intent, in exploring the nuances of nature sensuality is often revealed. As one of the myriad rich connections in nature, it only makes sense that voluptuousness is universal to both plant and animal worlds. It doesn’t happen by accident. Most of these images were made outdoors. I prefer to work in nature, my subjects element. The art is already there. My images simply depict a slice of what nature offers. When the wind, sunlight and flowers cooperate, magic can and does happen. It’s a collaborative effort. I feel incredibly fortunate when I’m able to capture this ephemeral beauty. I hope my images will compel viewers to investigate the world we share at closer proximity. The experience becomes complete when plants are viewed in three dimensions and our senses receive input from the whole of nature. Meredith Hebden |
Artist
