Collected from among the flotsam and jetsam washed up along the shoreline. There are surprising things that gather after the frayed edges of winter wear off but these things belong there. Of course I’ve taken them out of context because I like the surprises I get when I look at things in that way. In a sense I compare these little studies to doing sketches between paintings, really looking.
I love the diversity. The roots systems. The texture and character. The delicate veins that weave things together. The same things that weave us together.
All images © Karen McRae
draw and shoot 
Fantastic
Thank you Antonio.
Interesting
Good. 🙂
The leaves are beautiful. They are so delicate, they don’t like they should have survived.
Thanks Anne, I was struck by how even the stem was completely frayed.
You’re so right for doing that [taking them out of context]… You’ve captured their aura, really! Wonderful, Karen.
Thank you Marina.
Gorgeous. They are each living a new life as spirited individuals.
I’m glad you think so Elena! Thank you.
The top ones look more like little creatures.. the bottom one a mermaids fan.. 🙂 beautiful Karen
I agree, the little creatures are all I see when I look at these! Thank you Helen.
awesome
Thanks! 🙂
Have roots – have life.
Yes!
Beautiful. Love the delicacy of the leaf in the last two images.
Thank you very much Simon.
Almost prehistoric looking… awesome!
Thanks David! 🙂
RootSystem#5 – A fossilized fish, to this clown’s eye.
Le Clown
All I see is a fish too! Our eyes are in agreement…
really beautiful… i love these Karen. i think i would really love hanging out with you 🙂
Likewise Jess! 🙂
We would have a good time!
you have the rare (unique?) gift of seeing the beauty in things which most people might just tread on.
🙂
Thank you Alessandro, a kind comment!
I just love the first images! At first I had no idea what they were, animal or vegetable? intriguing!
Oh good Lisa, I’m glad they stopped and made you think, thank you!
Fascinating, Karen! You’ve been a real treasure hunt. Great idea.
Thank you Erica! 🙂
Your title includes the word “flora” but some of these images are so “fauna”! 😉
You are right Ray, I’m glad you see that!
Rootsystems! My very favorite thing 🙂
These photos are perfect, Karen. Giving each it’s own wondrous moment in the sun.
That’s very kind Lois, thank you, I’m glad you like them. 🙂
excellent!!
Thank you Mimo!
I so agree with xinapray – I also see fauna in your flora. You’re a wonderful artist Karen. Such an inspiration 🙂
Aw Marina, thank you so much. That is a very kind thing to say. Much appreciated! 🙂
Fascinating. I could stare and stare at these. You have captured such wonderful, delicate details, textures, and shapes. This is a really wonderful series, Karen!
Thank you Lemony, I’m very glad you think so! 🙂
Wonderful Karen! I love the top ones- there is something almost man-made in these little works of art!
Thank you Marija, they are interesting little finds.
I love your blog, so I’m sending along a Sunshine blog award!
Check out the link at http://thethreesixtyfiveproject.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/sunshine-sunset/
Thank you so much, you are very kind! :)!
Another little fish creature comment. It’s like they adapted 🙂 These photos made me smile 🙂
It’s like they are in disguise! 🙂
Happy to make you smile.
Fascinating studies. Intricate things, so easy to miss amongst the “noise” of their natural habitat. Lovely stuff!
Thank you Steve!
🙂
These are totally fascinating, and I think like a lot of your other photos, they deserve a lot of ‘space’ and hopefully you can display them in some really cool venue. I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with displaying them ‘out of context.’
Christian, thank you so much. I truly appreciate your feedback. 🙂
Looks like some sort of ancient, alien insects. Very, very cool, Karen.
Hi John! Thank you, there is inspiration everywhere.
Love each and every one of them! Excellent!
Thanks Mahdu! 🙂
Amazing collection of flora and images. I especially like the last one — beautiful!
Hi Mufidah, Thank you. 🙂
I especially enjoy the “skeleton leaf”! It certainly IS amazing that its stem has frayed. So mesmerizing – it’s unbelievable!
Thank you Makena. 🙂
Graphically intricate and precise images of decomposing nature, artistically interpreted, positioned and composed on white! I wonder if a gallery would describe this set in those terms, Karen? Particularly love the last two of the leaf!
Cheers
John
I like your description! When i need to fine tune an artist statement I will contact you! 😉
John, thank you so much!
Karen