German photographer, Michael Werner, writes the interesting blog, Two Way Lens, which explores the journeys of contemporary photographers, but I was also curious about his own work. His site reflects a broad interest in all things visual, several series influenced by his graphic design education. Michael has exhibited widely, and was featured in Humble Art’s Collector’s Guide to Emerging Art Photography.

I was drawn to his series, The land of milk and honey, because the images feel like paintings; paintings that are contemporary but set against timeless backdrops. Be sure to explore his other series, each with a unique approach to the medium.

The land of milk and honey, the reward of the righteous, the place of peace and abundance at the end of toil and travel. This series concerns the private landscapes we create for ourselves in public places – perfect moments and dream states. Elegant cities and gardens, during the most glorious seasons of the year, provide the setting for picnics, playing, relaxation and laughter. Everything is available here, there is nothing to search for.

However these lands exist equally inside the minds of the inhabitants, independent of the external splendour of architecture or horticulture. These are moments of relationship shared with other people and their experiences or with the self and its journey. They are a worthy indulgences into a states of rest and fantasy or simply escapes from the reality of work and haste. These lands are not destinations of themselves, rather opportunities along the way to soak up beauty and reflect. The static photographic image reinforces the delusion that we create for ourselves that in this moment of pleasure, the journey is complete and the reward received. The transience of perfection can be ignored… if only for a moment.