LilyRose Designs

As an experienced wedding and portrait photographer, I have always loved working with people on a very personal level to achieve images which are both powerful and sensitive. Working with someone to create a portrait image is something which I consider to be a great privilege. Waiting for that moment when you are able to capture that essence or mood of the sitter never fails to thrill and finding the right setting and background information a very enjoyable part of the process and crucial to the design of the finished image. Ever since I first picked up a camera I was always keenly aware of the design possibilities within the composition and the desire to create fresh, strong images which impact the viewer. In my portraiture work, I usually produce black and white images.

Inspiration

In recent years I have been fascinated with photographic studies of the natural world, not sweeping landscapes of foreign lands, but of intimate studies using local venues where flower-heads dazzle with their saturated colour. This observation of colour offered a stark contrast to the black and white photography which I had previously produced and offered new opportunities for artistic adventure. In 2008 I began sketching and painting. I was particularly drawn to the linear yet curvaceous forms of the lily and this has contributed to the fine art work in which I am now involved.

Styles

I have always preferred the presentation of an image in square form and many of the images shown on this website subscribe to this. I am strongly drawn to mosaic and tile representations. I am also fascinated by the use of decoration alongside representation of the human form, a classic example being the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and the ‘master of design’, Charles Renee Mackintosh. Other influences include Georgia O’Keefe with her vibrant and heady studies of poppies and other flowers. (Interesting perhaps to note that O’Keefe was married to a photographer).

The Bigger Picture

I was intrigued by the recent documentary and book by Professor Roger Scruton called ‘Beauty’. In this Scruton seems to lament what he alludes to as a growing disregard for fine art within our society. It is worth noting perhaps that the arts and crafts movement along with more ‘decorative’ art seems to be experiencing somewhat of a revival. A good time perhaps to be an artist….