Diane Farris
Spring, 2022
Fern Buddha, 2022
The blog title expresses a central visual thread, running through the cloistered time, images of leaves, blossoms and branches, encountered and gathered on daily walks in the shelter of great oaks, as well as in Jacksonville’s urban landscape. Continuing themes that appear in the Close to Home portfolio, these forms persist in recent photographs and drawings - and as a circle of pines in a rediscovered children’s book manuscript. There are studies and still lifes; leaves dignified, dancing, in conversation. I have been grateful for their company and - after some life detours - I am grateful to return to the reflection and sharing that the blog invites.
Landscape with Leaves and Reflections, 2021
One page of my sketchbook depicts an imagined installation, in which pictures of leaves start on the floor and go up the wall, ready to branch out at eye level. Part of that branching out and connecting has been the discovery of artist friends working with similar subject matter in painting, fabric, and mask making. It has been a joy and inspiration to come together again and share, like a surprised celebratory gathering of previously isolated forest remnants. My first blog entry during the pandemic was “Convened by Owls”. Now there is a sense of a community “Convened by Trees”.
The children’s book manuscript Zee’s Trees is inspired by those who offer a legacy of delight and comfort in - and stewardship of - nature to children. Gingko Pages (2010) is an image series of these unique and ancient leaves that appears in the Handmade Book Portfolio, as does the concertina Oak and Orange (2017), an ode to north central Florida. The “leaf through line” reaches from far back in my work, seen here in the Gingko Stack and Sculptural. I still carry black background fabric in my camera bag, but am more often drawn to the rich, subtle tones of natural settings.
In Florida’s winter, one looks deep into groves, where shafts of light delineate robust structures and complex rhythms. As spring whispers, a soft mist of green floats everywhere, promise of the impossibly abundant foliage and innumerable greens soon to arrive. This year, the presence of spring has been intensely poignant and welcome. There you are. As ever. Thank goodness.
Sand Leaf, 2020
Still: Stargazer Lily with Magnolia Leaf, 2022
All images © Diane Farris, All rights reserved.