2008 aia homes tour

The 2008 AIA Homes Tour was such an inspiration! We saw a nice collection of modern homes and this one by Nana Kim of 9 Square Studio is perfect in every way. Oh, to be able to build in central Austin... Interior pictures from 9 Square Studio website, and AIA website.

nyc: banchet flowers

Photographer Kathryn Yu was kind enough to send over these behind-the-scenes shots of NYC florist Banchet Flowers, which was recently part of Open House New York, a once a year event which allows the public to see private spaces around the city. You can see more of Kathryn's beautiful work on her flickr page.

leaf polaroids by jeff tolentino

I'm finally hopping on the Polaroid bandwagon. How nice are these simple shots of leaves by Jeff Tolentino? Check out the whole set on his flickr page.

los angeles floral design: lily lodge

I've been contemplating organic flowers lately. Is it possible to run a flower shop that uses mostly organic flora? While perusing Brown Turtleneck Sweater I came across just such an enterprise... Lily Lodge. I love the philosophy and the story behind the owner, too. All images from their website.

austin photographer: rick tolar

I'll be headed back to Auckland before the always-awesome East Austin Studio Tour, but while I was flipping through an old guide, I ran across Rick Tolar's beautiful photographs of flowers.
He was kind enough to answer a few question for Crosspollination below.

How did you come to specialize in photographing flowers?

Actually, photographing flowers started accidentally when I happened to shoot a Dixie Blue Iris that was blooming in my yard. Even though I had many years experience in studio photography, I had never taken photos of flowers. I showed my image to some family members who coerced me to try some more. 103 images later I had finally established myself as a fine art floral photographer. My technique is fairly unique in the fact that I only use natural reflected light in a completely dark studio. This gives me the dark background that is so common in my images.


What are some of the forms and colors that you are particularly interested in right now?

My interest has been evolving over the past few years and I seem to be heading toward images that are very close to the subject. I like to flood the image area with color and close enough to add a little mystery as to what type of flower it is. I am also leaning towards multi-panels that compose one master image, primarily printed on canvas. It is interesting that I seem to have two distinct types of customers. I have those that absolutely love that particular flower and the bold, bright colors of the close up and then I have customers that love the color and do not seem to care what flower it is.


Where can we see more of your work?

I will again be in the East Austin Studio Tour this year with a collection being shown at Resonance Studio at 1406-D Smith Road. I will participate in the Cherrywood Art Festival and the LBJ Wildflower Center’s Christmas Shows, too. In April, I will have a collection of my wildflower images in Texas Highways. My website is being renovated at this time, but look for an opening by November at www.ricktolar.com.



Flowers shown from top are African Aloe, Blue Passion Flower, Bluebonnets, Hedgehog Cactus, and Hibiscus.

Thanks so much, Rick!

floral papers and jewelry by prismera design

Poppytalk Handmade's latest Mix Tape market has some great items... I'm loving the jewelry and paper goods by Prismera Design.

fall wine tasting

I love monochromatic looks, and what better color than red? When I had Pollen I had the opportunity to create the flowers for a fun wine tasting event at Laguna Gloria in Austin. Galvanized metal containers with dried kiwi vine, Sumatra lilies, red roses and dahlias, James Storii orchids, and millet.