As the range of textures, colors, patterns, and shapes revealed by the “scanography”
imaging process expands, the post-processing of the blossom scans require
individual finessing to reveal interesting details, or to lay a textured curtain
over regions to increase the mystery. This, of course, is where the gift of digital
manipulation plays out its magic. Enhancing details emphasizes petal veins and
pollen granules. Increasing the image contrast pops the stamen while subduing the
leaf. Adding a overlay texture veils the exuberant petal while enhancing the colors
flowing down into the shadowy interior.
Ghost Flower Textures
A final step in the composition is to apply a complimentary or contrasting
background and border that becomes an integral part of the print. Working with
scans of wood, washi, fabric, metal, stone, and paint as overlays, I surround the
ghost flower to add the final hint of mystery and color. The same image surrounded
by different textures and colors from the non-plant world can produce startlingly
different results in a composition.
Charred Lily on Shou-sago-ban Siding, Inujima Island, Japan
Ghost Flower Prints
Printing the ghost flower series offers additional choices as to how the final
composition appears and how it will fit into its final habitat—whether office,
bedroom, meditation sanctuary, or even outside on a shaded porch. The first
approach is to print the image on paper for a subtle presentation to be framed as the
client wishes. An increasingly popular print method is to use an aluminum substrate
and dye transfer the image in vivid colors. The aluminum print is very durable — it
can be hung outside in the shade and exposed to the weather — and the increased
reflectivity enhances the depth of colors, which subtly change depending on the
amount of illumination.
Size is the final aspect that affects the impact of the Ghost Flower images. All the
compositions start in my mind as 20x20”, a good size for most personal rooms.
24x24” prints increase the drama and help them standout in hallways and larger office
spaces. For small rooms and offices, the 18x18” size work well as the viewing distance
is typically less than 3 feet. The triptychs are an impressive 20x30” and—particularly in
the aluminum prints—make a dramatic visual statement.
Sunflower Nova