Gathered Light

Nomad. Storyteller. Explorer. Artist. The spirit embodied in the art of Love All Around is one of salty myths and sanguine confidence, as intentionally rough around the edges as a jagged jut of Patagonian shoreline, and yet somehow as delicate and symmetrical as a gull’s feather. It’s no surprise, really, that Seattle-based artist/photographer Renee Press draws her inspiration from travels she experienced throughout South America and elsewhere—after all, it’s practically unwritten law that all idealistic creative souls must spend at least a year abroad before settling down—but the way this “gathered light” sifted from around the world is transposed in her drawings and photographs is somehow fresh and inviting.

With deeply personal reflections such as Butterflies Everywhere and As One meeting offbeat snapshots the likes of Seasquatch and Totem Three, the drawings run together like borrowed memories. With revealing photographs such as those featured on the Fern Forest and Peace This Way cards evidencing her eye for striking image, the artist then takes these memories a step further by chronicling the actual travels that inspired the art, a blending of media that really helps us to feel we’ve gotten to know someone by the time we’re done perusing her gallery. And what better way to begin the tour than with a generous giveaway: We are happy to announce that Love All Around will be sending a print of choice to the winner of today’s drawing. To enter, visit LoveAllAround.etsy.com, then come back here to tell us about your favorite print. Tell us in an additional post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, or follow us on Twitter, and "tweet" about the giveaway. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. Contest ends 3/21/09. We have a winner! Congrats Missesprincess.