Art brings beauty to our lives, and the fine art photography of Kelly Merchant is an excellent example of the importance of beauty. Her photographs of people allow the viewer a glimpse into, what we can imagine as, the true personality of each individual. As any good artist, Kelly researches the subject she undertakes on many levels, and her current series, The Secret Language of Flowers, is a breathtaking example of her artistic research skills as she explores this ancient language. Every photograph is serene yet provocative, vulnerable and strong, and naturally spiritual. It is easy to imagine these photographs as being a reflection of Kelly’s beautiful life in High Falls, New York.

Kelly’s commercial work is well known in the New York area, as her work is often found in local magazine spreads. She approaches this work with as much artistic flair as her fine art work. She shares a natural lifestyle reflective of the area she calls home. It is romantic, simple, and full of charm and a very high-end country life.

Kelly’s photography reminds us all to seek out the beauty in life and never let go of the dreams we hold dear. Enjoy the photography of Wandering Educators Artist of the Month, Kelly Merchant.

Amaranth

Hortensia

Cedar, Protea, Spruce

How long have you been an artist?

That’s a tricky question for me. I’ve always thought of myself as a craftsperson. It wasn’t until I was accepted into the New York Foundation for the Arts MARK program in 2011 that I really felt comfortable calling myself an artist. I’ve been taking photographs for about 30 years.

Cedar, Snowdrop, Sprice, Bells, Fireland, Chestnut, Juniper

Yew, Andromeda, Cranberry

Is your art your full-time career?

I do commercial as well as fine art work, and my husband and I sell antiques on the side. Photography is my career, yes, but I wouldn’t say I make a living off it.

Where do you work? How long have you been there?

I work in High Falls, NY and I’ve been here 14 years. Before that, I lived and worked in NYC.

Yarrow, Bougainvillea, Gladiola, Rose, Leaf

Amaryllis, Crown Imperial, Red Tulip, Jonquil, Celosia

Do you have favorite places you like to create?

Outdoors, if possible. But I also just sit and stare and ponder when conceptualizing a piece. Ideas also come to me while doing my daily Buddhist practice.

Dogsbain

Snowdrop

Grass, Scotch Thistle

What does a typical day look like? Is there a typical day?

No, there is not a typical day for me. I can do commercial work, fine art work, and computer work: working on images, researching a project, doing PR, social media, etc.

What materials do you prefer?

Large format film-4x5 and 8x10 is my preference, although more and more film and instant film is getting discontinued every day, which is a shame.

Houseleek, VA Creeper, Foxglove, Fern, Osmunda Fern

Grass, Pinks

Dragon Plant, Aloe, Fern, Queen Anne’s Lace, Ivy, Blue Salvia, Moss Rose, Grapevine, Heliotrope, Euonymus, White Fuschia

Where/How are you inspired?

I’m mainly inspired by people, and what I think may be going on inside their heads. I’m also inspired by how natural light works within a space.
Of course, I’m also inspired by The Secret Language of Flowers, which is a project I’ve been working on for a few years. It involves nature, secret messages, and each individual’s interpretation of them.

Houseleek, Dogwood, Spindle Tree, Iris, Cactus, Jacob’s Ladder, Mum

Willow

Ivy, St. John’s Wort, Cockscomb, Hollyhock

How do you know when your piece is done?

I do a lot of preparation for each photograph, so by the time the photograph is taken, I almost feel as if it’s completed. The process is very important.

Do you work on one or more series at a time?

Not usually in my fine art work, I’m pretty obsessive with each project. I can do fine art work and commercial work at the same time, however.

Dead leaves, Broken straw

Oak, Daffodil, Sweet William

If you were not a painter/sculptor/photographer, etc., what would you do?

Possibly a creative director or a producer.

How can our readers find and purchase your art?

www.secretlanguageofflowersphotographs.com

Box, Stonecrop, Amaranth, Globe Amaranth, Houseleek

Bay, Sumac, Walnut, Larch, Pine

Would you like to share anything else with us?

Support your local artists. They help make your community beautiful.

Feature photo: Hortensia.