In Lieu of Flowers

The photographs in this series, In Lieu of Flowers, were created in memory of my son Jackson R. Turner, who drowned in Mexico in the summer of 2020. Because of covid there was no funeral, only his shipped cremains. The flowers (mostly from my garden) are also for my mother, my grandmothers, teachers and friends whose funerals I could not attend… as well as for all those who’ve experienced a similar loss.

With this memorializing project, I draw on my long-time fascination with layers, abstraction, ambiguity and the natural world. The ever-renewing cycle of living and dying plants is a reminder of of our limited time on earth and the importance of making the best use of it. Studying East Asian and Chinese brush painting with two master painters has greatly informed my aesthetic sensibility.

The images themselves are digital composites printed as pigment prints on semi-translucent vellum. Hand applying gold and silver metallic-leaf gilding to the backs of the prints creates a shimmering glow evocative of sacred art. Methodically rubbing the gilding onto the vellum and varnishing the finished results reconnects me to the craft of film photography and makes each print unique.

Honoring my past significant relationships and the grief of losing my child has been healing and is meant to heal others. These are the flowers I was not able to send.

Two print options:

1. Archival pigment photographic prints on vellum gilded on verso with hand-applied gold, or gold- or silver-toned metallic leaf. Varnished on both sides. Image: 14” x 10.5” or 10.5” x 14.” Framed: 17.5” x 21.5” or 21.5” x 17.5” with UV-protective acrylic glazing. Signed, titled edition of 5, 2 APs

2. Archival pigment prints on Hahnemuhle fine-art papers 32” x 24”. Framed: 33” x 25” with museum non-reflective acrylic. Signed, titled edition of 5, 2 APs. Printed under my supervision by Highland Studios, Cold Spring, NY.