Flowers whisper secrets only the mist can hear.

 

ionanthos - jasmine buds

ionanthos – jasmine buds

 

ionanthos - dandelion (mint)

ionanthos – dandelion (mint)

 

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.

 

ionanthos - tulip

ionanthos – tulip

 

ionanthos - crocus

ionanthos – crocus

 

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.”

 

ionanthos - pears

ionanthos – pears

 

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.”

 

ionanthos - sunflowers

ionanthos – sunflowers

 

ionanthos - potatoes in a basket

ionanthos – potatoes in a basket

 

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.