At first glance you might think you're looking at ornate nature paintings. While the images are indeed art, they're actually composed of hundreds of different photographs that were taken individually. Quebec, Canada-born artist Ysabel LeMay not only shoots these photographs, she carefully assembles them together until she gets her desired result. Each work takes her, on average, between 4 to 8 weeks to complete. This process is called “Photo-Fusion.”
“Each branch, each flower, each leaf is photographed and positioned one by one,” she tells us. “Every insect, every plant, every bird that I capture with my lens has an individuality that I want to enhance and share with the viewer. I believe it is often in the simple details wherein lies divinity.”
With a background in graphic design and painting, LeMay decided in 2010 to leave that all behind and turn her attention to photography. All was not lost, however, as she utilizes the skills she's learned in her daily work. “My background as a painter gave me the visual maturity which is the understanding of space, form, movement, and depth,” she says. “It gave me comprehension of spatial organization which is essential to what I do. The understanding of color harmony and the discipline of being able to work in my studio everyday and surpasses myself. “
Ultimately, what stories is she trying to tell? “I see my work more as a reflection of my personal connectivity with Nature more than a story. It express the creative connection I have with her. It is here, there, all around, living, transforming, and it never ceases to enthrall and inspire me. I let her lead throughout the rhythm of the seasons. By means of my camera, I attempt to capture her subtleties and beauty in its purest form as I interpret to you her divinity as I sense it. A leaf may appear commonplace at first glance, but when our eyes linger over it, the mundane becomes something of wonder.
“The arrangement of colors, the shapes that define it and the veins that crisscross throughout become the personas. My art, is a tribute to Nature. It is an offering; A moment of contemplation.
“For a transient moment, I hope my art will transport you to an illusory place. An abode where it feels good to sojourn, and revitalize oneself.”
Amazing.
Thanks for the tip, Carmelo Blandino!
