Orchids from Anderson's greenhouse, captured as Lumiere LXXXI,
Lumiere LXXXII and Lumiere LXXXVII

The work in Fleur Illumine III is a mix of botanical specimens, both native and tropical, that I photographed between January and March of this year (2005).

The tropical specimens were actually taken from the first emerging blossoms grown in my greenhouse as shown in the triptych of orchids. The early morning Chelsea flower market in New York provided such exotic specimens as the Protea and Kangaroo Paws. The first hints of Spring in my own garden saw me out catching the cherry blossoms and faithful Helleborus — also known as Lenten Roses.

My purpose in displaying the plant forms remains the same. Artists for centuries have used the botanical as subject matter for their artistic statement. I endeavor to display them in a unique form — illuminating them and, in many cases, simplifying the specimens. I'm often thrilled to see what the large format camera sees that we as viewers so often overlook.

Wesley Anderson, June 2005