WHISPER OF A WINDFLOWER
The Floriography of Valentina Fielder
One night in early summer of 1822, Valentina Fielder, a young botanist of extensive training, could not sleep. Images of roots, seeds, bulbs, pods and pistils crowded in her mind. She stepped out into the bright...
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To Hear the Young Sunflower's Soaring Thoughts (wrist release technique), by Fielder (ca. 1831)
from the recovered notebooks detailing Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
To Sense Magnolia's Pride (closed eyes technique), a photographic
re-enactment of Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
Listening for Baby's Breath by Valentina Fielder (ca. 1841)
Fielder's instructional sculptures depicted methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
For White Flowers Apply a Light Airy Gesture (naiveté, blind trust)
a photographic re-enactment of Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
Lightest Encirclement of a Pink Blossom (mother's love),
a photographic re-enactment of Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
A selection of Fielder's drawings, instructional sculptures and photographic re-enactments
was displayed at the Grunwald Gallery of Art at Indiana University Bloomington, 2008. -
Unknown, a photographic re-enactment of Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers.
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Comforting the Evening Primrose (state of despair) by Valentina Fielder (ca. 1833)
from the recovered notebooks detailing Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
Gathering Heather (protection), a photographic re-enactment of
Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
Queen Anne's Lace Spreads Fertility (lift a single bud from the bouquet)
a photographic re-enactment of Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
Listening to Evening Primrose (early morning technique) by Fielder (ca. 1829)
from the recovered notebooks detailing Fielder's methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
A selection of the recovered sketches and notebooks of Valentina Fielder,
found in an abandoned hunting cabin in the woods, detailing Fielder's
remarkable methods for perceiving the messages of flowers. -
A selection of photographic re-enactments of Fielder's blossom-in-hand
drawings was recently displayed at the Salem Art Center in Salem, Oregon. -
Listening for Baby's Breath, (detail) instructional sculpture by Valentina Fielder, circa 1841