Tom Baril: Botanica [Hardcover]

Tom Baril (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

Carrying on his passion for producing exquisite imagery from both behind the camera and in the darkroom, Botanica is Tom Baril's second monograph and follows his remarkably successful self-titled book from 1997. Baril, who worked as Robert Mapplethorpe's printer and helped develop the lush quality of the late photographer's definitive works, is now a highly regarded photographer in his own right, and achieves stunningly beautiful results that are at once classic and contemporary. Reproducing 60 of Baril's floral images in a large format design that echoes the scale of his prints, this book harkens back to the early illustrated books of the nineteenth century and such classic tomes as the legendary Urformen der Kunst (1928) by Karl Blossfeldt, as well as to works by modernist practitioners like Adolphe Braun, Man Ray, and Irving Penn. Baril's work though is distinguished from that of his forebears by his unique toning techniques and use of solarized Polaroid film. Singular in its grandeur and design, Botanica is certain to become a highly collectible book by one of today's most acclaimed photographers.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: Arena Editions (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892041200
• ISBN-13: 978-1892041203
• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 11.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,533,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Presentation of Floral Photography, April 20, 2000

By 

Sandra E. Norton (Murfreesboro, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tom Baril: Botanica (Hardcover)

Botanica, Tom Baril's second publication, further demonstrates his mastery of floral photography. The design of the book presents a collection of sixty, large format, black & white photographs. While no text accompanies the photographs, the subject flower of each is named and eloquently presented in an array of richly hued tones. Through his lighting, printing and toning techniques, Baril evokes the personality and character of each flower. The photographs are both dramatic and serene and capture a luminoscity and texture that brings the flowers to life on the page. Those familiar with Baril's first publication will recognize several photographs that have been reproduced in Botanica, displaying an evolution of Baril's exceptional photographic sensitivity and technique. Collectors of fine art photography and lovers of flowers, alike, will discover, in this book, a sense of inspiration and delight. It is a valued addition to any collection!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Botanica, May 25, 2000

By 

ulf lundell - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tom Baril: Botanica (Hardcover)

I think that compared to Tom Barils first book I can "only" give this book a 4. In my copy of botanica you can see the screen pattern in some pictures. The print quality in the first book was superb. And I would prefer the original size of the prints. Otherwise Tom Barils photography is amazing and I hope I get a chance to see his work in original prints.

Ulf/Sweden

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquistie high-quality b/w flower images, May 1, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Tom Baril: Botanica (Hardcover)

I highly recommend this extraordinary coffee table book to anyone who loves flowers. It is packed with 60 exquisite images printed in subtly toned black & white on quality matte finish paper. The large images show every intricate detail.

Baril's images are in a classical style, using special effects including solarization and toning that only bring out the natural beauty of the subject. The remarkable detail and unique composition make each image special.

I enjoyed the wide variety of flora including an exotic passion vine, elegant calla lilies & a magnificent sunflower. More of my favorites are gladiolas & brugmansia, as well as hosta ready to burst into bloom.

This book is a masterpiece of elegant simplicity. The photos are printed one to a page on one side only. The only detail given is the name of the flower. The images speak for themselves and you can get lost in them for hours.