Embers in Green

About this piece

Mike Gedj frames a cluster of fiery blossoms toward the right of an expansive green field. Shallow depth of field softens the surrounding foliage, emphasizing the flowers’ ruffled yellow margins, branching stems, and long, threadlike stamens.

The story

I was drawn first to the red filaments reaching beyond the petals, delicate lines against the green. Moving closer, I let the surrounding foliage dissolve until the flowers seemed to occupy a space of their own. The unopened buds held my attention as much as the blossoms: small, rounded promises above the bright, unfolding forms. I left room beside them for the color to breathe, for the eye to arrive slowly.