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from exhibition Fading Lilies

This series is in memory of a friend Natalie Webb, aged 34, who died prematurely from cancer.

Fading Lilies uses metaphor, representation and symbolism to depict loss.

The use of the white lily, black and gold have been used throughout history, and in particular, within images of the death of Jesus Christ and the grieving Virgin Mary. For example, 'The Descent from the Cross,' painted by Carl Timoleon Von Neff. Other influences include Robert Mapplethorpe, Georgia O'Keefe and Irving Penn, who photographed flowers past their moment of full bloom.

The making of this work was fraught with frustration. Fiona intentionally persisted with traditional photographic methods to maintain a lack of control within the process. Chance, unpredictability and a sense of the unknown was an important element to this work. The inability to control the photographic process, reflected feelings of helplessness and uncertainity - feelings so often associated with loss.

© 2005 - Fiona Lake