Botanica ... Flight
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Botanica ... Flight
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.
~Leonardo da Vinci
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Astrantia bavarica, Astrantia carniolica, Astrantia major, Astrantia maxima, Astrantia minor
Family : Apiaceae
While today, the Astrantias are now used primarily as garden ornamentals, centuries ago it was used medicinally. The botanist and herbalist, John Gerard, published a famous illustrated botany book in 1597 - 'Great Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes� (1480 pages!) - wherein the Masterwort is first described.
He describes the 'vertues' of the 'wilde Masterwort' this way:
"Herbe Gerard with his roots stamped and laid upon members that are troubled or vexed with the gout, swageth the paine, and taketh away the swelling and inflammations thereof, which occasioned the Germanes to give it the name Podagraria because of his vertues in curing the gout."
The root is the strongest part of the plant. Stomach and female ailments are aided with the use of Masterwort, and it is used in the treatment of migraines.
This beautiful wildflower is rarely found in its natural habitat any more. If it is to be found, it would most likely be in a cool meadow.
A wee bit of folklore: growing Masterwort in your garden will protect your family and home. If there is a habit you want to be rid of, or a project to complete, carry a piece of the plant with you to enhance your willpower.
Sources:
Wikipedia ; also the blog: "Name That Plant"
Gerard's Herbal [John Gerard's Historie of Plants']; ed. Marcus Woodward
The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants [S. Gregg]
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Falling in love with this photogenic plant was easy to do: a step backward, a slight turn, a play with the Light ... and another magical image emerged. There were no digital enhancements to these images, merely Light frolicking with this fantasy flora presenting us with an aura of delicate delights, a series of ever-changing colours.
While the petal formation here might look like bird wings, it really is not taking flight :)
Captured in natural light; uncropped; unedited .. Nature in all its splendour.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
Global Flowers Photography
Greeting Cards For All Occasions
Macro Photography
Fine Arts Professionals
Your Very Best Photography
10 Plus
All images are copyright © Connie Handscomb
Thank you for for respecting the copyright.
© All Rights Reserved
Uploaded
October 27th, 2016
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Viewed 706 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/26/2024 at 5:54 AM
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Comments (65)
Michael Hoard
Greetings Connie, this is absolutely, stunning, exquisite, masterful macro photograph composition titled Botanica Flight a sensational National Geographic moment, Bravo!!! L, Fav, Cheers from The City That Care Forgot, New Orleans, Michael Hoard
Connie Handscomb replied:
Michael, your incredible, wonderful comment is received with the maximum of delight... wow! You've made my day! Thankyou so much, & please enjoy your weekend!;))
Liesl Walsh
This is so beautiful! Very artistic!! Love it! l/f
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Liesl ; much of the "artistry" courtesy of Mother Nature : I'm just the 'go-fer':))
Cheryl Rose
A delicate, exquisite beauty here, Connie! Such a fabulous POV, depth and light. There is even a sense of wind! Truly lovely capturefg! l/f/tw
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, Cheryl! I'm fading fast here - getting on here time wise but I'm so pleased to see you! I agree: the sense of wind , I think the DoF / soft background contribute - this bloom lends itself to some amazing plays with Light ; thankyou for your incredible kind support; you inspire me :))
Frozen in Time Fine Art Photography
Perfect angle and wonderful depth of field!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Hi Robert! Thank you so much for your visit; truly appreciated , as is your thoughtful comment & support;))
Morris Finkelstein
Very beautiful floral close up of Masterwort, with great use of dof, colors, light and shadows, and perspective, Connie! F/L
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Morris! One of the joys of capturing this plant is its shape & overall structure; it allows for creative use of all the things you've mentioned & I'm so pleased you have mentioned on them. And I'm honoured by your lovely complimenting comment:))