Dust to Dust 
 
          My monumental color photographic series of single autumn leaves floating on pristine minimal white grounds glorify the beauty of the natural world. These oversized digital images enlarge the leaves, far from their original size. The intricacies become easily recognized; the delicate veins, fine hairs, and different shades of natures fall glory. The placement of each leaf in the composition creates an abstract form, within this reductive picture plane, that gives them a unique formal attribute. 
          These natural artifacts photographed in the studio become majestic and sculptural, adding gigantic form and spectacular shape. They are transformed on a white backdrop and removed from their true everyday, allowing them to be seen anew, with fresh interpretation. 
          My project Dust to Dust symbolizes a natural life cycle with a dramatic visual impact. From the trees beginning (or the dust of the earth), flourishing through growth, and decaying when they have carried out their purpose (returning to dust). They symbolize a dedication to nature’s beauty and its end. Each leaf is unique, and at the same time equal in serving its major purpose.  
 
By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.
                                                   -Genesis 3:19
 
 
Benjamin Cegelka