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A clear vision

I’ve always felt a strong pull toward nature as a force for growth, healing, and spiritual renewal. Seven years ago, while in the midst of great personal loss and grief, I followed my instincts and took weekly nature walks. Whether in rain, snow, or frigid temperatures, I walked religiously with a Nikon camera in my hand and my dear friend Beth at my side. It was the best thing I could have done.

The results of those nature excursions were thousands of floral images and an unmistakable peace and happiness I never expected to take root as strongly as it did. So I went a step further and printed my favorite images as large as I could, up to 30” x 45” in some cases, and hung them throughout my home.

The initial healing of those walks only intensified as my surroundings started to come alive with each portrait on my wall. Something beautiful was blossoming in me and I wanted to share it. Specifically, I envisioned sharing these large portraits in places where people heal physically, emotionally or spiritually.

It’s taken some time, but I am so pleased to announce the following placements in organizations aligned with my mission:

• Unpotted Event, Esoteric, Virginia Beach, 7-9 p.m., Nov. 3, 2017
• Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, Oct. 21-22, 2017
• Simon Family Jewish Community Center, Exhibition in the Leon Family Art Gallery, Oct. 24-Nov. 17, 2016
• Ashley & Kuzma Physical Therapy, Erie, PA
• Beach Eye Care, Virginia Beach, VA
• Virginia Oncology Associates, Norfolk, VA

My goal for 2017 is to continue the expansion of Visual Clarity, and extend the peace and well-being these flowers convey in as many homes, businesses, organizations, and clinical settings where people go to heal. I also envision installments in commercial business settings where natural-themed artwork can promote a powerful boost to employee morale in the workplace.

If you have an interest in changing the environment of your home, office or business, please contact me via email at sherryfriel@gmail.com for information on prices, sizes, and professional mounting options. Options include prints, standouts, gallery wraps, art wall collages, canvases, and more in sizes ranging from 5″ x 7″ to 20″ x 30″ and larger. All artwork is professionally finished by one of the top photographic labs in the country to the highest standards with a lifetime guarantee against fading and exposure from UV rays.

Mission

I feel strongly about the power of nature as a force for healing growth and change, so my mission for Visual Clarity Photography has been crystal clear from the very beginning.

In the the midst of great personal loss and grief, I became immersed in floral photography seven years ago. The results were not only thousands of images of flowers and nature, but an unmistakable peace and happiness I never expected to take root as strongly as it did. That growth only intensified when my surroundings started to come alive with color as I printed and framed each portrait. I noticed something blossoming in me and I wanted to find a way to share the experience. Primarily, I wanted to enlarge as many of the flowers I encountered as big as they could go and display them in places where people heal physically, emotionally or spiritually.

It’s taken some time, but I am so pleased to announce the following placements in organizations aligned with my mission:

• Unpotted Event at Esoteric, 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3
• Plant Pop Documentary Film (release date to be announced)
• Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, Oct. 21-22
• Simon Family Jewish Community Center, Exhibition in the Leon Family Art Gallery, Oct. 24-Nov. 17, 2016
• Ashley & Kuzma Physical Therapy, Erie, PA
• Beach Eye Care, Virginia Beach, VA
• Cancer Treatment Center, Norfolk, VA (Center name and date to be announced)

My goal for 2018 is to continue the expansion of Visual Clarity, and extend the peace and well-being these flowers convey in as many homes, businesses, organizations, and clinical settings where people go to heal. I also envision installments in commercial business settings where natural-themed artwork can promote a powerful boost to employee morale in the workplace.

If you have an interest in changing the environment of your home, office or business, please contact me via email at sherryfriel@gmail.com for information on prices, sizes, and professional mounting options. Options include prints, standouts, gallery wraps, art wall collages, canvases, and more in sizes ranging from 5″ x 7″ to 20″ x 30″ and larger. All artwork is professionally finished by one of the top photographic labs in the country to the highest standards with a lifetime guarantee against fading and exposure from UV rays.

An unchecked wildness

For years I’ve tried to control myself at springtime. My husband, a former roommate, and family are very well acquainted with my flower addiction and have ceased asking me to temper it. Oh no. They know better than to suggest I pare down my floral fantasy fulfillment because honestly, it’d be a wasted effort. Best to let wild things grow unchecked.

This sunflower was grown from seed by my son when he was a toddler. It remains one of my favorite images.

And besides, from what I learned this past winter while researching ancestors, my obsession with flora and fauna is entirely in keeping with the natural evolution of my family tree. From as many generations back as I could find, most of my people dedicated their lives to nurturing growth of all kinds. They grew everything from tobacco to vegetables and cotton. But their joy, their passion, was evoked by the miraculous beauty of flowers.

How do I know this? Well, my research came to a complete halt when I came upon my great grandmother’s name. It was Minnie Magnolia. That’s correct, Magnolia. It was as if every question I ever had about myself had been confirmed. Of course I would have a family member with the name Magnolia. But wait, the story gets even better. My Dad shared with me recently that this same great-grandmother had turned her entire front yard into a blooming floral masterpiece. We’re not talking about tight, neat flowerbeds and borders flanking the front porch and yard edges. The flowers practically overflowed beyond the edges, making the yard a stopping point and destination for neighborhood walkers.

Oh goodness, this explains so much. So much. Without even knowing the story of Minnie Magnolia’s Magnificent Flower Garden, I had been carrying forth her divine mission everywhere I’ve lived. Sure, I’ve caught some flack for my extravagant floral leanings-a former roommate once asked if someone had died when she arrived home from work greeted by one of my over-the-top floral displays. Obviously, she had no respect for my mission! And my dear patient husband has all but given up rhetorically asking me each season, “More flowers?” Yes, husband dear. More flowers. You can’t stop this train so don’t even bother! And as if I needed to relay further evidence of this kinship I feel with a grandmother I never knew, there is that photo album of hundreds, yes hundreds of macro magnolia portraits I have taken over the years. Here is just one of them. I hesitate to even tell you guys that one of my favorite movie soundtracks of all time is straight from, you guessed it, the movie Magnolia!

So, in honor of Minnie Magnolia, whose spirit I instinctively knew without even realizing it, I will go forth this Spring and partake in all that honors our special kinship. In particular, the destinations I plan to visit include the Hampton Roads Agriculture Research Center, which is home to some of the most gorgeous magnolia trees I have ever laid eyes on. Additionally, I want to stroll through the cherry blossoms at Redwing Park and bask in the glorious sights, sounds and smells of this magnificent season. Will you join me?