[ BOOK IMAGES & TEXT © JOYCE TENNESON / WWW.TENNESON.COM]
[ USED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY ]
Language: English
Hardcover: 64 pages
Dimensions: 7.75 x 0.75 x 10.5 in
ISBN-13: 978-0615144795
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Amazon Reviews: 4.7 (27)
Mesmerizing Exploration of Floral Beauty
Joyce Tenneson’s Intimacy: The Sensual Essence of Flowers is a mesmerizing exploration of flowers’ delicate and evocative beauty. Tenneson, celebrated for her ethereal and deeply emotional photography, captures the essence of these natural wonders in a way that transcends mere botanical study, transforming each bloom into a profound expression of sensuality and grace.
Visual Feast of Light and Composition
The book is a visual feast, where Tenneson’s mastery of light and composition brings each flower to life. Her photographs are intimate and inviting, drawing the viewer into a world where the subtle curves of petals and the gentle play of light and shadow reveal the flowers’ innermost secrets. Tenneson’s use of deep focus and soft lighting imbues each image with an artistic quality, enhancing the sensual nature of her subjects.
Celebration of Emotional Connection
Intimacy: The Sensual Essence of Flowers is not just a collection of beautiful photographs; it is a celebration of the intimate relationship between flowers and human emotions. Tenneson’s images evoke feelings of love, passion, and tenderness, capturing the transient beauty of flowers in a way that mirrors the fleeting nature of human connections. Each photograph is a testament to the power of flowers to convey deep, unspoken emotions and to connect us with the natural world.
Artistic and Personal Approach
Tenneson’s approach to floral photography is both creative and deeply personal. She treats each flower as a unique individual, capturing its personality and essence with a sensitivity that is both rare and refreshing. This personification of flowers adds a layer of depth to the images, encouraging viewers to see beyond the surface beauty and to contemplate the deeper meanings and emotions that flowers can evoke.
Insightful Accompanying Text
The accompanying text features famous quotes interwoven throughout, adding depth to the book. These words provide context and thoughtful reflections that complement the images, offering insight into the creative process and sources of inspiration. This fusion of visual and textual elements creates a holistic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally evocative.
Capturing the Life Cycle of Flowers
One of the most striking aspects of Intimacy: The Sensual Essence of Flowers is Tenneson’s ability to capture the life cycle of flowers. From the fresh bloom of a bud to the graceful decay of a wilted petal, she documents each stage with sensitivity and respect. This exploration of growth, peak, and decline mirrors the human experience, drawing poignant parallels between the natural world and our own lives.
Closing Comments
You might find Intimacy: The Sensual Essence of Flowers by Joyce Tenneson at your local library, or if they offer an interlibrary loan program like mine, they may be able to request it from another location.
Though the book has been out of print for some time, new copies are still available online. You could also do what I did—purchase a well-preserved used copy at a reasonable price. I’ve had mine since 2009, and it remains a staple in my photography library. I revisit it often, especially since I love photographing flowers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joyce Tenneson’s Intimacy: The Sensual Essence of Flowers is a breathtaking celebration of the beauty and sensuality of flowers. It is a book that invites readers to slow down, to appreciate the intricate details and fleeting beauty of nature, and to find deeper meaning in the simple elegance of a flower. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Tenneson’s work or new to her art, this book is sure to inspire and enchant, leaving a lasting impression on both your eyes and your heart.
Video
Below is a video from The Academy of Art School of Photography featuring Joyce Tenneson and an overview of her remarkable 40-year career in photography. Tenneson shares images from her retrospective book, A Life in Photography, offering insights into her multifaceted career as one of today’s leading portrait photographers. She reveals behind-the-scenes assignment work and never-before-seen 20×24-inch Polaroids.