The Everlasting Beauty of Nature’s Micro-Seasons

Mary Jo Hoffman discovered a passion for capturing the delicate beauty of natural objects when she posted her first photograph on her blog, Still (stillblog.net), back in 2012. What started as a single image of decaying aspen leaves transformed into a daily ritual of creating stunning compositions featuring found objects from nature.

Hoffman’s artistry knows no bounds, with her striking compositions of striped bird feathers, craggy pinecones, and even a hibernating bat, all thoughtfully arranged against a backdrop of vibrant white or dramatic black. Her unique visual style has garnered attention not only from luxury resorts but also from major retailers like Target, where her images have graced sheet sets and home decor.

Now, Hoffman is taking her art to new heights with the release of her remarkable coffee-table book, “Still: The Art of Noticing.” The book showcases a collection of her captivating images and is organized around the concept of “micro-seasons.” Inspired by ancient Chinese and Japanese traditions, Hoffman divided the year into 72 five-day periods, each named poetically to reflect the subtle changes in nature. From the whimsical “Waxwings Get Drunk on Fermented Crabapples” to the awe-inspiring “Thunder Rumbles in the Distance,” the book invites readers to immerse themselves in the ever-changing beauty of the natural world.

On April 27, Hoffman will be sharing her passion for noticing the intricate details of nature at Mia’s Art in Bloom, where she will be speaking and signing copies of her book. Additionally, she has been invited to give talks at the prestigious New York Botanical Garden and the renowned 92nd Street Y in May.

Through her artistic lens, Mary Jo Hoffman reminds us to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the wonders that surround us every day. “Still: The Art of Noticing” immortalizes nature’s fleeting moments and invites us all to find beauty in the smallest of details.

FAQ Section:

Q: When did Mary Jo Hoffman start her blog, Still?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman started her blog, Still, in 2012.

Q: What type of objects does Mary Jo Hoffman feature in her compositions?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman features found objects from nature in her compositions, including bird feathers, pinecones, and even a hibernating bat.

Q: Where can Mary Jo Hoffman’s images be found?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman’s images have been featured in luxury resorts and major retailers like Target, where they have been used on sheet sets and home decor.

Q: What is the title of Mary Jo Hoffman’s coffee-table book?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman’s coffee-table book is titled “Still: The Art of Noticing.”

Q: How is Mary Jo Hoffman’s book organized?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman’s book is organized around the concept of “micro-seasons” and is divided into 72 five-day periods, each named poetically to reflect the subtle changes in nature.

Q: What events is Mary Jo Hoffman participating in to share her passion for nature?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman will be speaking and signing copies of her book at Mia’s Art in Bloom event on April 27. She has also been invited to give talks at the New York Botanical Garden and the 92nd Street Y in May.

Q: What is the message behind Mary Jo Hoffman’s art?
A: Mary Jo Hoffman’s art encourages people to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Definitions:

Micro-seasons: The concept of dividing the year into smaller periods of time, each reflecting the subtle changes in nature.

Japonism: The influence of Japanese art, culture, and aesthetics on Western art.

Decaying: The process of breaking down or decomposing over time.

Hibernating: The state of inactivity or dormancy that some animals enter during the winter to conserve energy.

Jardinage: A French term that refers to the practice of arranging found natural objects in artistic compositions.

Related Links:
Still Blog: Mary Jo Hoffman’s blog where she showcases her compositions featuring found objects from nature.
Target: The major retailer where Mary Jo Hoffman’s images have been used on sheet sets and home decor.
New York Botanical Garden: The prestigious garden where Mary Jo Hoffman will be giving a talk about her art.
92nd Street Y: The renowned cultural and community center where Mary Jo Hoffman will be speaking about her work.