Foraging - The Art of

Foraging by definition is searching for a wild food source.  The idea of searching for and finding sustenance in the wild is natural.  With this definition in mind, foraging for food for our creative senses is truly a exciting adventure.  Seasonal, botanical, clean, unexpected define the art of floral foraging.  Train your eye, take a centering breath, and embrace the moment where you are!  You know,” garden yoga”.  Each season brings foraging opportunities galore.  Every growth stage of a plant is useful; the seed, the pods, the leaves, the bark, the flowers back to the seed.

The art of foraging can be cultivated.  Many tools are useful, whether it is a trowel, clippers or a camera.  A friend of mine, Carol Stewart, takes foraging to the next level in two forms.  Carol is one of the most gifted amature photographers I have met.  She is an artist who is able to capture nature in remarkable forms.  The way Carol captures dogs, pheasants, to flora is stunning.  Foraging with a camera is just one of Carols tools.

Carol has another form of foraging in her arsenal.  Imagine nature preserved!!!  Carol is the classic southern hostess and of course guest.  She has taken the hostess gift to another level.  Her gifts are personal, creative, foraged and stunning. Camera and clippers in hand, Carol forages in the woods, gardens, roadsides for the perfect plant specimen to capture.  The foraged prize is presented in a classic, unique fashion.  Carol presses the foraged find and secures it within a simple black frame upon white matte.  The specimen is dated and identified then signed by this amazing artist.  These treasured foraged botanicals grace homes from Birmingham, to Savannah, to Highlands. Oh, the fortunate hostess who has been given a Carol Stewart foraged original.

Remember, we all have opportunities to enjoy the gifts of nature.