Jamie Beck
Jamie Beck is an American photographer and visual artist who lives and works in Provence. Inspired by the bounty of the seasons, her still lives are composed with fruits and flowers gathered from the landscape surrounding her home.
For Autumn 24, Jamie has photographed a quince still life. This piece reflects her interest in the still lives of the Dutch Golden Age and their use of light and shadow.
How would you describe your work?
My work is a romantic appreciation for the beauty that is around us in our day-to-day lives. To find my subject matter, I simply let nature, the light, the season show me her splendour, and it is to that I focus the gaze of my camera.
First thoughts when Ffern approached you about responding to a fragrance?
I approach composing my photographs with layers of life that can be found in harmony with each other, and Ffern creates their scents in the same way - scents that tell a story of a season, a moment, and celebrate that natural balance. When I walk through the countryside in autumn in Provence, the quinces dangle ripe from the trees. I love to forage for my photographs, so Ffern’s quince note in autumn feels harmonious with my life in the South of France.
How did you approach the photographs?
I start by being present in my day and seeing what sparks joy in me at the market, in the garden, or on a walk. I dance with nature and she shows me what she wants me to see. From there, I bring home the subject matter to the studio and begin to put together the elements to tell the story of this moment in time, this place of Provence. I set my camera up on a tripod as many of my photographs are long exposures - up to ten seconds each. To create one of my photographic still lives will take me an entire day and all my focus.
Can you describe what Autumn is like in Provence?
Autumn is a blanket that rolls down the mountains with the fog quieting the vineyards, the Frenchmen, the colours of the flowers. The landscape turns tones of marigold, chocolate, rust, and sage against the cool blueness of the mountains. I love autumn in Provence.
Can you describe your favourite scent?
Personally, I get drunk on the scent of roses in May…
Where else do you find your inspiration?
I always find inspiration in the old cathedrals of France and Italy. The art is divine, the smoke of incense contrasting with the holy water. Statues in draping and crowned in gold, angelic light streaming in, and enough peace and silence to sit and listen to your thoughts that will guide you to what to create next.
What is the best advice you could pass on?
Be authentic to yourself and follow your heart to the places you love, even if only in your dreams.
Photography by Jamie Beck.