Looking at the sun up through a filter of foliage is a visual gift. Sunlight, golden power beams and filters through a vibrant tree. Each leaf, a brushstroke of nature's palette, dances with wind and light. This vibrant interplay of color, movement, and science is a constant source of inspiration, and I  captured this for us, fellow art enthusiasts.

​How can something so irresistibly cute, delightfully fuzzy, and wonderfully chubby find its way into the heart of nature's most breathtaking cores? Picture this: the vibrant center of a fresh, fragrant, and resplendent blossom, where a new rhododendron unveils its beauty. And right on cue, there it is—a diligent and devoted bee, its fuzzy form buzzing with purpose, meticulously collecting the delectable nectar nestled within the blossom's core. This sweetest and most enticing spot, brimming with nectar, eagerly awaits the bee's arrival. 

Despite their ubiquitous presence in the gardens of Maine, they remain an exhilarating challenge for a photographer like myself to capture. The moment I lift my camera, they flit away, never pausing long enough for a portrait session. They are ceaselessly occupied, perpetually in motion, never halting to strike a pose. With its fashionable appearance, adorned in a yellow fuzzy stole and adorned with a shimmering body, the bee epitomizes both style and functionality. Ever active, tirelessly motivated, and profoundly eager, it indulges in the bountiful goodness nature has to offer.

But amidst this dynamic dance, I cherish the fleeting encounters I do manage to photograph. Each photograph becomes a testament to their tireless work and the profound beauty they contribute to our natural world. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable role they play in pollination.. So, I persevere, patiently awaiting the elusive moments when a bee pauses just long enough for my lens to capture its remarkable presence—a testament to the remarkable creatures that grace our gardens with their industrious grace.

I must confess, I haven’t always been fond of bees. However, through education and increased awareness of their indispensable role in our world, my sentiments have blossomed into respect and admiration. I find myself driven to create gardens that beckon bees to flutter, sip, and thrive. Bees, we truly need them! 

The Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has created a captivating space where an artist, Thomas Dambo, breathes life into gigantic wooden trolls known as the Guardians of the Seeds. These magnificent and friendly giants, crafted with whimsical charm, stand as inviting figures throughout the garden, serving as protectors of nature's seeds and enticing visitors to embark on an imaginative journey. With their awe-inspiring presence, the Guardians of the Seeds captivate hearts, embodying the profound connection between art, nature, and the human spirit, as they harmoniously coexist within the serene ambiance of the Maine Botanical Garden, inspiring awe, wonder, and a sense of joy.

​As a photographer, when I traverse the garden with my camera in hand, I seamlessly transition between two distinct modes. Firstly, there is the serene observer within me, the one who gazes, breathes, and immerses in the captivating beauty that surrounds. In this state, my heart rate gently slows, my breath finds a tranquil rhythm, and I find solace in the sheer magnificence of nature's tapestry. It is a deeply introspective experience, where the very act of witnessing the world around me becomes a source of internal healing and awe-inspiring wonder.

But then, like a sudden burst of energy, a wave of excitement engulfs me, and I transform into an enthusiastic paparazzi of the floral realm. Every blossom becomes a star on its own elegant haute couture runway, and I, the zealous photographer, capture each petal with zeal. With a gasp of delight, my camera swiftly finds its place against my eye, and the symphony of one hundred shutter clicks ensues. It is a thrilling dance, where I am driven to freeze these breathtaking moments in time, preserving the essence of their beauty forever.

Allow me to transport you to one such enchanting moment. Picture the scene: the perfect play of light, casting a gentle glow upon the delicate white petals. They sway gracefully, as if in harmony with the warm sunlight that bathes them. The air carries a soft and fragrant humidity. In this setting, my lens and me have a difficult time to find focus, capturing the essence of this captivating interplay between light, petals, and atmosphere.

These are the moments that truly stir my soul as a photographer. They remind me of the profound connection between nature and the creative spirit. It is in these instances, where the perfect convergence of elements occurs, that the power of visual storytelling comes alive, allowing us to share in the beauty that surrounds us.

​As a fine art photographer, it has taken up to this decade of my life to truly embrace the art of gardening. Each time I step foot into the garden, I am enveloped in a tapestry of experiences, memories, and the profound wisdom passed down through the generations of women in my family. 

Reflecting upon my youth, I wish I had been more actively involved and helpful in cultivating the garden. While many chefs fondly recall treasured moments with their elder loved ones, imparting culinary knowledge in the kitchen, I find a similar resonance in the realm of gardening. It is in those tranquil garden moments that I discover the importance of meticulous attention and the dedicated time required to nurture nature's growth. Nevertheless, I am immensely grateful that fragments of those precious moments remain etched in my memory, guiding me in caring for the garden today. 

As a fine art photographer, I see it as my duty to capture and preserve these fleeting moments, immortalizing the profound knowledge of garden care that has been lovingly passed down to me. Through my lens, I aim to encapsulate the essence of these experiences, creating timeless images that both honor my heritage and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

In sharing these photographs, I hope to make my mama and mom proud, paying homage to their legacy and the profound impact they have had on my journey as a gardener and artist. May these visual tributes serve as a testament to the enduring power of familial wisdom and the interconnectedness between nature, memory, and art.

An afternoon with Mimi Olins in her studio

As I stepped into her studio, I was transported to a celestial realm, where the earthy elements of clay and fire mingled with the luminous essence of creativity and passion. SoftSet Ceramics, nestled in the heart of Portland, Maine, was a sanctuary of light and beauty, where each piece was lovingly crafted by the hands of a master potter.
Her studio, perched high above the bustling city below, was a veritable oasis of freshness and vitality, with the sun streaming in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the intricate geometries of her work. The air was infused with the delicate scent of fresh flowers, adding a touch of grace and elegance to the already sublime atmosphere.
Each piece, carefully molded and shaped with expert precision, was a testament to her artistry and skill, imbued with a sense of life and vitality that could only come from the hands of a true artisan. As I watched her work, I felt the humbling weight of her expertise, knowing that each step in the process was a crucial piece in the puzzle of creation, leading to the final masterpiece that lay waiting patiently on the shelf.
Her kindness and warmth were palpable, suffusing the space with a sense of generosity and grace. She welcomed me into her world, sharing her knowledge and wisdom with me, and allowing me to glimpse the inner workings of her craft.
In her presence, I was humbled and inspired, moved by the boundless potential of the human spirit, and the transformative power of art to elevate and enrich our lives. For a brief moment, I was transported to a world of beauty and wonder, and I knew that I had been blessed to bear witness to the magic of creation at its finest.

At a local Mexican supermarket in San Jose, California, I came across a collection of statues featuring Jesus and the Virgin Mary displayed on the top shelf. These figures are revered as strong symbols of Christian faith in Mexican culture, commonly found in homes and churches throughout the Americas. It's likely that the statues were placed on the top shelf out of religious respect, mirroring their positioning in Catholic churches.

However, seeing such important icons of religious faith being sold in a commercial setting made me reflect on the commercialization of faith. On the one hand, the presence of these statues can be seen as a way for individuals to personalize their religious experience by bringing these figures into their homes. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as a way to congeal faith with others, by making it a mass-produced commodity available for purchase.

​This small example of the intersection of faith and commerce highlights the tension between individualized spirituality and the commodification of religious icons.