Photography Friday: Finding Nature in Unexpected Places with Liz Duffy...

Have you ever wondered if you're a city mouse or a country mouse? My guess is that if you have, it's because you live in the city, but wonder if you're missing out on the things we associate with the country: fresh air, green grass, unobstructed views of the stars...For me personally, I'm not quite willing to give up my city life, but I know that those things are precious and sometimes hard to find here.  We try to take advantage of the many beautiful parks, enjoy the sunshine when it comes, and make an effort to get outside of the city from time to time so that we appreciate what a more natural environment can bring. 

Liz Duffy is an art student in NYC who addresses this very tension in her work - I choose a few of her photography pieces here but she works in multi-media, most recently building an installation of drains and pipes, compelete with "nature's sounds" piped in to drive the point that that's the only way to hear those things amidst the noises of the city.  She plays a bit between what is real and what is not (see the "fresh fruit" plate below or the paper bird photo).  Patches of grass seem to be a reoccuring theme, whether in astro-turf format or real patches that she places in or around objects that wouldn't normally have them - like a cemented sidewalk.

Seeing her work definitely makes me appreciate the green space that DC has worked hard to set aside with its plants and flowers, and this week, with its cherry blossoms, and is a good reminder to get out and enjoy the nature that's right outside our doorstep, in whatever format we find it.

You can check Ms. Duffy's full portfolio and statement here and she exhibits from time to time in NYC.

All photos by Liz Duffy.