"Mapplethorpe" Flower Study

[snakeapple1948]

Robert Mapplethorpe is the inspiration for this image. The somewhat "scandalous" pics that most people associate with him are a small minority of his total output.

Most of his work is quite cool and cerebral or capturing the soul of his subject - check out his portrait of Roy Cohn.

[Hayward Taylor]

the backdrop really adds dynamic to your image .. the positioning of the flowers and of course, the shilouette vase completes the picture .. very nice

[snakeapple1948]

Thank you for your kind words. This is one of my favorites. It's really simple - I take a lot of shots and pick out the one I like best. Other than cropping, I didn't do anything. The vase was one I found at a "Hobby Lobby" store, the blinds were there and the flowers were from my back yard.

Bill (AKA Snakeapple1948)

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by snakeapple1948

Robert Mapplethorpe is the inspiration for this image. The somewhat "scandalous" pics that most people associate with him are a small minority of his total output.

Most of his work is quite cool and cerebral or capturing the soul of his subject - check out his portrait of Roy Cohn.

I have to admit, I'm one who only knows the name Mapplethorpe due the 'scandalous' images you referred to. These weren't of interest to me so I never investigated his work further. But, because of your image, I might have to have a look.

It seems deceptively simple at first, then the lines and composition really come out. Along with the silhouette, it makes for a great image. Nice work!

[snakeapple1948]

Bryan,

Thanks!

Do a google search for Mapplethorpe flower images or for his Roy Cohn portrait. Roy was the guy who acted as legal counsel for "Tailgunner Joe" McCarthy. My dad actually met him when he was in Havana on business. He, (Roy - not my Dad) was a very unsavory character even then.

He died of HIV/AIDS while still telling the world he was "straight" - a self - loathing cynic and an evil man. Mapplethorpe's portrait captures his soul and it isn't pretty.

Bill

[lindyannajones]

Bill, I love the simplicity of your photo. It is a tribute to less is more.

[cilstismi]

Hi all!
I just visit this forum. Happy to get acquainted with you. Thanks.