June 2023 News
The Passionate Spectator: Photography Exhibition
I’m excited to announce two of my images, I See You and Lady In The Morning Light, have been included in a group art show called The Passionate Spectator: Photography Exhibition at the Frederic C. Hamilton Gallery, Children’s Hospital Denver. The exhibit will also be available to view online. I’ll send details as soon as it’s available. The show will run through the summer from June 9-August 18, 2023. It showcases artwork from members of the Colorado Photography Arts Center. All artwork is for sale. Email me if you’re interested trenda@trendaroch.com.
The Frederic C. Hamilton Gallery, with its rotating exhibitions by local artists, offers respite, reflection, and inspiration to families during their hospital stay. I feel so honored to have been chosen to participate in this show.
I See You (left) and Lady in the Morning Light (right).
The Healing Power of Art
Art in a hospital setting goes beyond mere decoration; it embodies the healing power of creativity, empathy, and compassion.
According to an article by the Wall Street Journal, hospitals have turned to art as part of a broader push to create a healing environment. Studies show that visual art can help reduce stress for patients and increase satisfaction with care. In the bustling corridors and sterile rooms of a hospital, art serves as a beacon of solace, hope, and comfort for patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
Art has a unique way of capturing our attention and redirecting our focus, allowing individuals to momentarily escape their worries and immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity that surrounds them. Art can spark conversations, encourages dialogue, and creates shared experiences that unite patients, families, and staff. By showcasing local artists and their diverse perspectives, hospitals not only support the arts community but also promote cultural engagement, enhancing the overall well-being of those within the healthcare ecosystem.
The Serendipitous Nest
I have spent the past year with an idea for a photo rolling around in my head. I had seen an inspirational image. The image was a bird’s nest with eggs on a branch captured on a white background. I even gathered the items. I found the branch outside, I purchased a bird’s nest, (yes, they sell these at Hobby Lobby), along with some speckled eggs. I spent way too much time thinking about it. Should I paint everything white? Should I just paint the branch? Should I capture it from above? Should I shoot it straight on? After all the contemplation and brainstorming, I procrastinated. Then one day my sister sends me a text with a couple of empty bird’s nests she found inside her garage at her home.
These were the perfect nests! They were real, natural, messy and I suggested pictures (of course). I sent her my inspiration photo. She already had eggs from Easter decor. I suggested a URL for her photography business. All I got back was “😂😂”. But, 15 minutes later I get a text with these images…taken with an iPhone. So good!
We decided we liked the version on the white background. I spent a few minutes post-processing and this was the final image. We decided we loved the black and white. After she mentioned maybe she would print it, I sent it off to my printer before she could change her mind.
I learned a couple of things. First, creativity happens every day and in many forms. There is inspiration everywhere. When my sister found these nests on top of the garage door openers, the last thing on her mind was turning them into wall art.
Second, I need to stop overthinking and just move forward with my projects. I wasted an exorbitant amount of time thinking about the tiniest details and striving for perfection. I procrastinated instead of taking the plunge and allowing myself to learn.
I mean, look how amazing this impromptu project turned out! I’m calling it The Serendipitous Nest.
