Edges of Ember

About this piece

Mike Gedj frames a dense arrangement of variegated leaves, their green and cream bands bordered by coral-red teeth. Selective focus draws attention to the serrated contours, while overlapping blades and deep pockets of shadow give the composition its layered structure.

The story

I moved close enough for the leaves to fill the frame, leaving the surrounding place outside the picture. What held my attention was the contrast between their broad, luminous surfaces and the small teeth along each edge. Red traced every turn, separating one blade from another even where they crowded together. I followed those lines toward the shaded center, letting the plant's own geometry decide where the picture would begin and end.