Amid a pandemic, I find myself in a cabin in the sleepy wooded mountains of North Carolina. All plans are off; I'm not sure of the next step, blank canvas syndrome is eating away at me. As I walk to a friend's house for an appropriately distanced drink, I have nothing to bring. The cupboards are empty, but I can't show up empty-handed. I pluck a few flowers from the rocky ridge leading up to her house. Spring is in full bloom, the buttercups are burning bright, the fire pinks shoot out from the side of the road, the ferns take over the ground unscathed by deer. I continue to pick and pull along my path, by the time I reach her house, I have a full bouquet spilling out of my hands. 

As I head back home, I accumulate another collection of specimens to bring back to my studio. I gently separate the bouquet and photograph the elements individually. This roadside bouquet wakes me, each tendril another world to investigate.

Black and white botanical study of a single plant stem with oval leaves and small berry on white background.
Black and white flat lay of eight varied plant stems and leaves arranged in a row on white surface.
Black and white photo of two white flowers drooping from a dark ornate vase against black background.
Black and white overhead view of a wild botanical bouquet with mixed foliage on white surface.
Black and white close-up of tangled plant roots hanging against a white background with soil particles.
Black and white photo of an ornate glass bottle with flowers falling into its opening against a dark background.
Black and white image of a small plant with oval leaves and exposed root system on white background.
Black and white still life of dried leafy branches with visible roots in a clear glass vase.
Black and white macro close-up of tangled roots and debris inside a glass vase.
Black and white overhead view of dried flowers and foliage arranged in a circular pattern on white.
Black and white minimalist photo of a dried plant stem with leaves in a clear glass bottle on white background.