Anne Berry: The Garden of Endearment

Anne Berry: The Garden of Endearment by Aline SmithsonJuly 31, 2019

©Anne Berry

The fact that children are spending less and less time in nature – and some not at all – is not only a tragedy for individual children, but for the future of our species. For this contact is so important for psychological and spiritual development. When I think of my childhood I remember spring bulbs pushing up pale shoots through the dead leaves, spiders in the garden carrying tiny babies on their backs, the scent of violets and honeysuckle, and the sound of the wind rustling the leaves as I perched for hours in the branches of my beech tree. It was that magic of childhood that shaped the passion that drives me to spend my life fighting to save and protect the last wild places on the planet. — Jane Goodall, Ph.D., D.B.E., U.N. Messenger of Peace

Several years ago, I bought a photograph by Anne Berry. It’s something that I cherish and enjoy every day. The photograph is at once mysterious, beautiful, and poignant, qualities that she brings to all of her work. Anne’s forte is the worlds of children and animals and the natural places where magic exists. Her newest project, The Garden of Endearment, leaves a space for wonder and fantasy as she imagines a world where we live in harmony with flora and fauna.

There is so much excitement coming up for Anne. She will soon be the juror for the PhotoPlace Gallery for an exhibition on the theme, Childhood, with a deadline of October 14th, 2019. On September 26th, Anne will open the exhibition, Anamalia: Anne Berry and Henry Horenstein, at The Lovett School in Atlanta, GA. with a reception and artist’s talk that same day. Intrusions of Grace: Anne Berry and Lori Vrba opens at the Lamar Dodd Art Center, LaGrange, GA. with a reception and artist talk on October 11th, and finally, Enquires of Myth, Ritual, and Narrative: Greg Banks, Anne Berry, Addison Brown, Mary Anne Mitchell, Dale Niles and Karey Walter, the barn at Slow Exposures, September 20th-21st.

Anne Berry is an artist from Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for photographs of children and animals that capture the enchantment and power of the natural world. In 2013 and 2014 Critical Mass included her work in their Top 50 Portfolios. Anne has had solo exhibitions at the Centre for Visual and Performing Arts in Newnan, GA, The Lamar Dodd Art Center in LAGrange, GA and The Rankin Arts Center in Columbus, GA. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, including The Fox Talbot Museum in Lacock, England, SCAN Tarragona in Spain, The Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Arts in New Orleans. Books include Through Glass (North Light Press, 2014) and Primates (21st Editions, 2017). Anne’s work is featured in National Geographic Proof, Feature Shoot, The Flannery O’Connor Review, Hufffington Post and Lens Culture, among others. Her work is in many permanent collections, including the National Gallery of Art. Anne lives in Newnan, GA, and she is a founding member of Pigs Fly Artist Collective.

©Anne Berry

The Garden of Endearment

I imagine a land, scared and wild, where what counts cannot be counted. The natural world possesses an invisible but powerful energy. Humans can communicate with animals. Children don’t doubt these facts. They still live in The Garden. As adults, we know that they can’t stay. One gray night it will happen: a veil will fall, a gate will close, and the marvelous will cease to exist. What if we could help children keep their sense of awe and respect for nature and foster a belief in the value of things not seen but felt?

I use antique analog lenses to make square black and white prints, purposely creating an atmosphere removed from reality and a longing for a lost green and meaningful past, but the natural settings, the animals, the children themselves and the metaphorical elements speak of hope and grace. It is an urgent call to honor and protect nature.

Print Information: Pigment Prints on Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta (310 gsm), 10”x10” edition of 10/1 artist proof. Framed dimensions – 15”x15”