Glorious purple-magenta Salsify flower, also in yellow. Genus: Tragopogon porrifolius, Sunflower family, asteraceae evolved 85m yrs ago. This is wonderful evolution and we can assume the plant is very 'wise'. Salsify flowers are time machines which close at 12:00 mid day, as they know exactly when the sun is past its zenith; hence the folk name 'John-go-to-bed-at-noon' . Bees love it. The triple rows of daisy type petals are perfectly formed. Each Salsify seed ( achene ) has a 'parachute' to ensure spread far and wide on the wind. Each a 'star form' within a globe of 'stars' creating one spherical star form. Parachutes touch each other which enables them to hold together, while the seed base is loosening from the hub. Once some go, then they all must follow.
Leek flowers - Allium flower forms in a tight pod, or spathe, which then bursts out as a star cluster with many more points than the ancient Salsify. Each tiny bud opens as a tiny star flower. White is common: this pink one with magenta stalks maybe ampeloprasum
Tulip Star Forms - Pointed 'Persian' varieties seen on persian carpet designs. This type of star comprises two rows of 3 petal sets which form triangles, like two triangles one inverted upside down over the other.
This video animation explores the cosmos stars, from our SUN up to Sirius, B-Centauri, Gacrux, blue hyper giant Pistol Star, yellow hyper giant RHO Cassiopeiae and unbelievable power of super-mega-gigantic red hyper giant Stephenson 2-18 (two thousands times bigger than the Sun).
Physics and ancient medicine point to the same fractal patterns in the universe. Resonance Talks video explains this in relation to the bioelectrical map, the nervous system; not only within the body but relating outwardly. Speaker talks about tetrahedron formations.
Physics mathematics shows a sphere can be compressed to a point through spiralling. Above image shows enlarged surface area of a sphere in twisting corrugation.
A tight spiral, by virtue of its extension potential, carries good strength in the case of this cucumber tendril support. Its very strong, when pulled, as a metal spring would be, to hold the heavy cucumbers along the stalk. I originally gave the shorter stalk some string support, hoping it would trail along the washing line, but it actually found very firm supports, as it might do in undergrowth. Does it 'calculate' the strength needed in tendrils (spiral compression-elasticity) from the total area of light mass received in the leaf sizes?
Nature proves the above mathematical spiral compression theory in reverse! Ferns unfold from embedded spirals. How do all those leaf parts get into such a small space? As the plant received the energy, or light, this ancient plant responds by unfolding, becoming a solar panel.
Salsify flowers: Even in the seed formation phase, spiralling can be seen on the remaining seed hub from where the seeds parachute from. The indentations from where the parachute seeds develop shows clearly the spiral format. (better in real life) First the flower attracts lots of light to its stamen centre, then this is converted into seed formation. Interestingly the Salsify flower closes every day at mid-day, with green sepals covering over closed. Could it be it needs the remainder of the day to 'process' the light stored and convert to seed energy for the hub?
"Peace and Plenty and domestic happiness is the source of sublime art'" ~ William Blake
Popular, commercially viable art has to be valued by the majority of people. Most people want to see 'pleasant' 'nice', 'pretty' representations of the world, which is why nature photography is perennially popular; because nature always shows balance of design. People also recognise emotional stories they can empathise with, so artists who can show this are respected.
Nature images please us by reminder of the natural world or of abstract ideas which portray a vision: then we might say by comparison that art which does not have an inspiration from 'beautiful vision' lacks a philosophy which might be important to communicate - and ultimately to enhance society in any era.
Art is made when the artist wishes to resonate with a perception he has. We can ask if there can be a point at which such expression has little or no quality to resonate with viewers: whether it is a 'good' or 'uplifting' visual experience, or mere subjective self indulgence. Art Nouveau, Pre Raphaelites, Romanticism and Impressionism depict uplifting images and scenes. Surrealism and some Abstract Expressionist painting expressed 'angst'. [Ernst war, Kooning women]
All art is a synthetic representation of life experience, as seen or felt by the artist. However, if we hold that art with a powerful resonance to move people inspirationally is beneficial to society, then we can suggest that 'Synthetic' art may be considered as having been made with no real 'vision' to resonate inspiringly with others.
With some art the meaning becomes confused, obfuscated or meaningless; nowadays seen in 'synthetic' art. [link] Postmodernism has had a strange influence on art which has come to light in exhibitions and public sculpture, where it has become more concerned with political agendas and nihilism. In an era where we do not experience war first hand, people seem to invent their own persecutions as victims.
Salmon Pink tulips were early bloomers in 2021; all growing tall. Pale salmon pink from the outside, but with dramatic navy-violet centres.
Click to view Gallery images
Image authors own: Hop terrace, and lichen covered engraved wooden totem poles.
The quarry has been organised into different planting areas, including a hot weather planting scheme on the south-facing north side with unusual plants. Cornwall benefits from a specific warm maritime Gulf Stream climate of mild winters.
Common names: American coneflower, Black Sampson, Black Susan, Comb flower, Echinacea, Echinaceawurzel, Hedgehog, Igelkopfwurzel, Indian head, Kansas snakeroot, Narrow-leaved purple coneflower, Purple coneflower, Purpursonnenhutkraut, Racine d'echininacea, Radix Echinaceae, Rock-up-hat, Roter sonnenhut, Scurvy root, Snakeroot, Sonnenhutwurzel
Photograph of my own back yard pond with sunlight refractions.
This painting went through several transformations, as I developed the colours and image placements. Original early stage showed Celtic designed ovals completed on both sides, with contrasting orange/blue backgrounds behind. Focus changed to lighten the centre and push back the Celtic ovals, to replace with firstly a twisted rope vortex, then finally replaced with an inter-plaited Tree of Life. Life force is represented by the flame at the centre of the tree. As a large board I was able to add many details.
Design planning gradually changed the overall impact of the painting; actually losing some of the original idea, whilst formulating a new vision. Some of the smaller extracts from the scene can give new inspiration for other less complicated paintings. [Painting is unvarnished as at 1.7.24, which will deepen the colours - to be reposted]
After lightening the vortex centre background, it occurred to me the full Celtic ovals with animals was too much, and needed fading into the surroundings more; this was the start of the vortex design changes. However, by removing the clear 'plume' shapes which flow upwards out of the vortex, I have reduced them to mere decoration at top and bottom of the final version painting: the symbolism is still there, but not so clearly emanating from the vortex. They should maybe regained somewhat [thought July 2024]
Artist - Designer - Textile Designer - Silk Painter - Fashion Maker - Muralist - Photographer - Picture maker - Gardener - Natural Plant Dyer