Mary Shisler
Available Works
I find inspiration in the beauty of natural objects and landscape. My influences are the work of Anna Atkins, Karl Blossfeldt, the carpe diem traditions of Dutch Still Life, the traditions of Wabi sabi and traditions of botanical illustration.
I always feel close to Anna Atkins, my great inspiration, when I work with the subjects of my images. She chose to “ make a contribution to botany” and made the first book Illustrated with photographic images, BRITISH ALGAE, CYANOTYPE IMPRESSIONS.
Karl Blossfeldt’s close up close up images of plants, published in 1929 as URFORMEN DER KUNST, have always inspired me. The manner in which he composed emphasizes the shape and form of the plant bringing drama to every curve and line. I find these inform me as I compose my images. I also like the way he totally simplified the backdrop. Carpe diem and Wabi sabi serve the issue of time.
Carpe diem means “seize the day”. The short life span of flowers and leaves generates a sense of immediacy. Their beauty is fleeting. I often select specimens that lack perfection and show the effects of aging, i.e. time. Wabi sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Under this influence I look for the beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and lack of completion.
My focus has remained on this work for many years with total fascination. When the digital revolution came, I reached an impasse. . . how to continue and utilize the new possibilities. I created my own form of photography with digital information.
I spent many years in a darkroom watching images form in the dark. One of the reasons I like the black backgrounds. The black also adds drama to the images and brings the colors more alive.