RWKC 6573 Kattie Wachendorf 10-10

Flowers are objects of beauty and a single flower is a wonderful sight to behold.  A singular large flower can bring refinement and charm to any environment and a bunch of small flowers can create the same effect.  Thus, it is no wonder that Robert WK Clark added the Flower Series to his collection of photographs, with women and nature as his main subjects.  The photograph described is modeled by Kattie Wachendorf and was created on October 2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Wachendorf’s bent legs and singular flowers held by her inner thighs dominate the photograph.  While the model’s upper body and pelvic area are not shown, one can assume that she is lying down.  Instead, one can see her raised legs in a bent position and her feet are presumably touching the wall.  The photograph is a representation of contrast, a study of natural elements in color and static elements (wall) in the absence of color.  The wall where the model leaned her legs is static and artificial, thus it is represented in white.  As such, the model and the flowers tucked between her legs are tinted in purple hues.  Such photograph denotes relaxation.

The color purple is an important element here.  Purple symbolizes good judgment, inspiration and imagination, and if one is engulfed in purple, one can attain peace of mind and relaxation.  Purple also works best with meditation.  Moreover, the model lying down in a relaxed position is an example of what the purple color stands for.  The flowers add a nice touch and break the dynamism of the model’s legs leaning upward.  The photograph’s message is that when one goes through life, one must not travel a straight path.  One must stop once in a while to relax, enjoy life, and smell the roses.  It’s means that life is not all work; it’s not only about dynamism and movement, it’s also about rest and relaxation.  This photograph in the Flower Series is exceptional and is a unique example of flower photography.  It evokes a message of calm, meditation and relaxation through Robert WK Clark’s bold use of purple hues and it also draws the line between natural and artificial elements.

© Robert WK Clark