Flowers whisper secrets only the mist can hear.

 

 

 

Quietness is at the heart of Jolanta Zychlinska’s photographs. Devoid of distractions, her minimalist images allow us to contemplate each form and texture, and always a sense of depth. There is also richness in her colours, sometimes enhanced with deep shadows, like a chiaroscuro.

 

 

 

Based in Poland, Jolanta spends her day working for a logistics company. But a while ago she realised that a life spent in long hours at work was no real life at all, and so she found herself a dog. “He was so small, so cute and my old camera didn’t work. So I bought my first digital camera – an Olympus SP-510.” That was 7 years ago.

She continues to work in transport, but on-line at home for a different company. Her life is simpler, and she now has two dogs – Xena was adopted from the shelter 5 years ago.

She chose the business name based on the Greek origins of ‘Jolanta’.  “Jolanta in Greek is Ionanthos; where Ion means violet, and anthos means flower. I take photos of flowers, all kind of plants generally so I thought it was a really good choice.”

 

 

Jolanta first became interested in photography when she was about 13 or 14. “I had a Russian film camera. It was the end of primary school and I had to decide which school to choose. Oh, I remember that it was my dream to go to photographic school. But I would have to pass the chemistry exam – my mind is not very mathematical and chemistry was my nightmare. So I didn’t go there, but chose another school. Was it a mistake? Maybe yes, maybe no. Maybe school would kill my love of photography. I will never know.”

I asked Jolanta if there was one best experience for her as a photographer. Her response was that those great experiences happen to her every time she puts her eye to the camera. “Photography gives me a respite, lets me see things that I could not see without a camera. It allows me to stop for a moment and enjoy the things that surround me. I cannot imagine today living without my camera and taking photos.”

 

 

 

Her best piece of advice? “If you love something – do it. If it makes you happy – do it. Even if you are not the best in the world.”

You can find more of Jolanta’s photography in her Etsy shop, IonAnthosPhotography.