CREATIVE EYE GROUP MAGAZINE NO. 86 SEPTEMBER 2021
A FRUITFUL YEAR
Walnut
JULIE COWDY ARPS
22
Beetroot
M
y holiday home is in the Lomagne, a region of SW France famed for its garlic production. Each July the market stalls overflow with heaps of violet ‘tresses d’ail’. One of these plaits of garlic bulbs began a series. During the summer months in France I set up my chosen subjects on the terrace, where the strong, natural lighting makes it easy to achieve detailed studies. I decided that I wanted to photograph the garlic and then add a layer of text. I happily foraged for other ‘fruits of the earth’ from around the garden and meadow, collecting a branch of bullace (a cross between damson and sloe), also pears and figs. I wanted to study each item in more detail, so I made separate photos of seeds, leaves and cross-sections of their fruit. The compost heap was a fertile source, supplying a sprouting avocado and walnut.
