Photographer Captures the Colors of Nature to Create ‘Encyclopedia of Rainbows’

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Butterflies

Butterflies

Self-described as “an artist who could never pick a favorite color,” Julie Seabrook Ream is known for her kaleidoscopic arrangements of everyday objects. In her most recent project, Encyclopedia of RainbowsReam has turned her attention to the natural world, creating compositions featuring color-coordinated flora and fauna.

Using organic objects like sea shells, eggs, and flowers, Ream carefully constructs configurations that exhibit earth's diverse color palette. Rather than craft arbitrary studies of tonality, Ream deliberately displays the articles so that they elegantly form visually satisfying rainbows. Some, like Berries and Feathers, convey a linear approach to arranging. As a result of their neat and tidy organization, the spectrum is obvious. On the contrary, others, including Leaves and Sea Life, are a bit less straightforward. While, compositionally, they appear to be a bit less structured, they still showcase Ream's knack for composing beautifully balanced formations.

Ream has compiled these images into a bright and beautiful book, Encyclopedia of Rainbows: Our World Organized by Color (published by Chronicle Books 2017), available through Amazon. Featuring a range of objects found both in nature and in “the built world,” the book illustrates Ream's ability to see beauty in everyday items, “from feathers to fishing gear, matchbooks to macarons, tulips to telephones.” Whether you're a color fiend or an organization enthusiast, Encyclopedia of Rainbows is sure to make you see the world around you through a whole new (colorful) lens.

In her new Encyclopedia of Rainbows book, color-loving artist Julie Seabrook Ream arranges objects into captivating rainbows.

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Berries

Berries

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Shells

Shells

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Eggs

Eggs

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Daisies

Daisies

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Feathers

Feathers

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Leaves

Leaves

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Sea Life

Sea Life

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World On the Vine

On the Vine

Ream has compiled these creations into a colorful book, Encyclopedia of Rainbows: Our World Organized by Color.

Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World Encyclopedia of Rainbows Book Julie Seabrook-Ream Rainbows in Nature Natural World

Julie Seabrook Ream: Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Chronicle Books.

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content