Flower Girls, 2016

“The main message I want to convey with my work is the importance of observing magnificence in our surroundings,” says Amsterdam-based artist Elspeth Diederix (1971, Kenya). Diederix seeks to reveal the unique essence and beauty of natural phenomena and of commonplace objects that often go unnoticed. Plants and flowers from her studio garden ('The Studio Garden'), from her project ('A Miracle Garden') in the Erasmuspark - a municipal park in Amsterdam, organisms from the depths of Lake Grevelingen ('Still Life Submerged'), underwater landscapes ('Ultramarine'), and a wide array of seemingly mundane objects come to life in front of Diederix’ lens. Her jewel-like still lifes with their subtle play of light, color and texture remind us of the restorative beauty of nature and of our everyday surroundings. Diederix’ work forms a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life and a reminder of life’s bountiful beauty.