Have you ever created a perfect presentation when all the elements came together without a misstep?
Susan says, “Rarely, if ever, do we achieve perfection. There are so many times in a day when we have to say done to something when we are not done. Time runs out on us and taking ideas with it. Other tasks press us to give up and move on leaving near perfection merely near. It happens all too frequently when working on a presentation: not enough time to put the important finishing touches on the design, take another hour to practice to master all the transitions, but there is no time left. It can be very frustrating, but also it might just be a wake-up call telling us that we can’t achieve perfection.
Finding Perfection in Nature
While it is difficult to ask that our design be perfect, we can still look to the perfection in nature for guidance and inspiration. The basic elements of design are all represented there very well. The palette of this small fern garden is a masterpiece of monochromatic color – literally hundreds of nuanced shades and tints of green create this green world. The balance of the fronds and leaves is also perfect as they alternate position across the central stem, starting large and becoming smaller in tiny gradations toward the tip. I think that when perfection eludes us as it will, nature holds the inspiration. Look for small answers and take tips when you find them.”
Be Creative: Don’t get hung up on one idea. A new perspective may be your solution.
Lucia says, “The scene was a beautifully lit fern garden. I worked on many angles to try to capture this small landscape. I wanted to fill the frame with a sea of green, but the more I tried the more frustrated I became. As a result, I wasn’t pleased with any of my attempts. In the end I decided that a close-up of a small section of the garden would have a greater impact. Everything that was evident in the larger scene is here in this close up – the subtle lighting, the many shades of green, and the shapes, both large and small. I’m happy with my decision because in concentrating on a small section, I was able to create a pleasing representation of the whole fern garden. Sometimes it’s good to know when to let go of an idea and look at something from another perspective. You may be surprised at what you’ll find.”
