“During the second half of the nineteenth century, the exotic South African calla lily was introduced in the United States, and it began to appear as a subject in American art. The flower became even more popular with artists after Freud provided a sexual interpretation of its form that added new levels of meaning to depictions of it. The calla lily soon became a recurring motif in works by important painters and photographers, particularly Georgia O’Keeffe, who depicted the flower so many times and in such provocative ways that by the early 1930s, she became known as “the lady of the lilies.”  —  The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

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I first saw Georgia O’Keeffe’s Calli Flower paintings in her home in New Mexico when Maria and I visited it five years ago. I paid little attention to them until I began taking flower photos myself.

When I paid attention, her work was a powerful inspiration when I started my flower art, a surprise turn for me. I was and remain fascinated by the shapes and swirls of this flower. It’s my favorite flower to photograph, and I never tire of it. I’m even spelling the name right. I feel a solid connection to O’Keeffe now and appreciate her excellent work.

I’m enmeshed because I bought two indoor Calli flowers that were sent to the farm. They touch something profound in my heart, and I’m excited to see them grow. I’ve already been taking pictures of them, and I love that. You can read more about O’Keeffe and the lily here.

This weekend, Maria and I have agreed to a complete moratorium on discussing the election or its meaning and consequence. No media, no news, no devices, not being around people are freaking out. I can only understand the now, not the future. I need to break the stream in my head and around me; it’s unhealthy and accomplishes nothing.

The news continues to be hysterical and frighten people rather than inform them. I want no part of it.

I have a new John Banville mystery to read and a Tana French mystery to finish. We will drive into Vermont; otherwise, we will be silent and contemplative at the farm.

I will do some blogging and photography on the blog, but less than usual, and I wish everyone a safe, calm, and meaningful weekend. I will see you in the morning. Peace and compassion to you.

 

These photos were taken with my new Panasonic Lumix 100 mm lens and the 105 mm Sigma macro lens on my Leica camera.

 

This lens is stunning; it gets very close, has rich color, and is simple to navigate.

 

I love the feeling of the surface and color. That is what the inside of a flower feels like.

 

I see why Georgia O’Keeffe was so drawn to the Calli.

 

 

The white Tulip.

The Calli.

The Calli again, you’ll see many Calli photos in the next couple of weeks.