Photograph on paper

Signed on the front.

LIMITED EDITION of 250.
Also available in FINE ART MATTE PRINT and larger size of 50.8 x 76.2cm

The wave shape of this petal describes the wave of emotions that come with the subject. My dear friend and artist Karolina had a stunning and hugely creative garden and soul! She was always full of exuberant praise and encouragement and her garden was a sacred place for her and others.
I photographed her garden while she was away, but felt all the presence of her colour and life and adoration of the earth. It lead me to also write a poem about her, as though her garden gave me those words. Karolina died 9 months later from cancer.
The last time I saw her, she told me that she wanted my poem read during her farewell and spreading of her ashes.
To me, these images carry that deep sadness, but also the lightness of a vibrant, spirited artist with so much love to offer the world. I hope you feel the lightness.

If interested, this is the poem about Karolina:

IN HER GARDEN
by Alison Shirley

In her garden
Lives her love for all colours
Her vibrant imagination
and her worship of life.

She creates here
And births a new character there
She feeds and nourishes
her world of beauty and flair.

In her garden
Lives her deep concerns
She works for that which will grow
She loves
For that which will bloom
She toils
For that which will seek life.

Her hands move to make room.

In her garden
I see her spirit
Moving amongst the leaves
and shells and petals and spikes
A place for everything,
where all are precious,
valued alike.

She moves the earth
to nudge open spaces for
growth and renewal.
Just as she moves aside her greatest pain
So you might not know
what she pushes through to grow.

Inside the calm of a deep breath
You might not know her grief.
Inside the bright sparkle of her generous eyes
You might not know her suffering.

She is looking. She is seeing
And she is celebrating you.

In her garden
The light glistens and winks at me
Just as she does, on a good day.
For she reveals herself
only to enlighten you

She hides and folds into those tender parts
where injury and healing turn
They battle brutally but silently
She insists on gifting
For each journey beyond her garden’s gate
Must be in search of light.
But take care not to burn.

She carries the Iris, with its subtle tones
And delicate folds

She carries the Cactus
Who knows its boundaries

And with the Rainbow Goddess
tendered by her hands

She will make her presence felt
In joy and celebration.
And rest only
When life commands.

next year