Janine Joles Photography

dead stone

2014-03-07T14:57:00.000+01:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

What a colossal waste of life spending one's time trying to fit in for fear of being singled out and ostracised from the pack...

ahoy there!

2013-09-10T14:26:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Last Friday Guido and I were treated to a few hours sailing on the lake near Riva Del Garda. Being a fairly new experience for me, I quite enjoyed the whole dynamism between the need for protocol in the pursuit of relaxation. All in all it was an exhilarating day trip, and that night we slept like babies...

summer so far - part III

2013-08-26T14:11:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Often it's the simplest things that make me the happiest: a blue sky with wispy clouds, the concentric pattern of tree stump, the sound of rushing water. Could it be because these things inspire me to slow down, to pause in the moment, and to appreciate the subtle, yet endless beauty found beneath all the chaos?

summer so far - part II

2013-08-23T13:41:00.002+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

This summer my mother and my aunt from England came to visit for two weeks. Us girls planned a road trip, or I should rather say a boat trip, south down Lake Garda to the picturesque peninsula town of Sirmione. We stayed in the nicest bed and breakfast situated literally alongside the castle and on the waters edge. The lake views from our bedroom window where spectacular; you could even hear the sound of waves lapping during the night.

Sirmione is quaint and relatively easy to explore thoroughly by foot. First in the central old town of Sirmione there is the 13th century Scaliger Castle whose medieval fortified interiors and 360 degree panoramic views are really worth a look. Then for a small fee you are free to roam over the extensive archaeological site of an ancient Roman villa called The Grottoes of Catullus located on the end tip of the peninsula. There are also many beautiful walks, and if you get tired of all the sightseeing there is a multitude of boutiques, trinket shops and gelaterias back in the old town for your perusing pleasure.

If you wish to visit be sure to book into the Hotel Meublé Grifone - I can vouch that along with the perfect location, stunning bedroom views, and the largest breakfast buffet ever, you'll find the friendly owner of the hotel a real sweetheart!

In a nutshell I must say that Sirmione in the summer is really charming...

summer so far - part I

2013-08-20T12:26:00.002+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Summer so far has been great, albeit for the pesky mosquitoes ;) I can't believe how quickly time has flown over these past few months; I suppose that's what happens when you're having fun!

We've been keeping ourselves busy outdoors - hiking, running, cycling - basically making the most of this divine weather. We've also enjoyed swimming in the lake, the long evenings on the balcony, and our vegetable patch that has been giving and giving.

How about you? How has your summer been so far?

shades of green

2013-05-27T20:40:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Some random shots from last summer, and these past few weeks, in various shades of green - sea green, teal, emerald, mint... what's your favourite shade?

ceniga - an oasis for the soul

2013-05-24T11:45:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles | Font: Kulminoituva)

A few kilometres from my home in Dro lies Ceniga, a quaint old town nestled between green fields and the banks of the river Sarca. Besides its beautifully preserved roman bridge, and pebble beach (popular with the locals in summer), not much happens there.

Its back streets however hold some really dear visual treats, some of which I run/walk past nearly everyday... okay, every other day :) These charming vignettes - a peachy window with cascading greenery, a humble saint cradling a cheerful babe - have become such welcoming and comforting sights that I understand now why so many go to such lengths to maintain them... they are an oasis for the soul in a world full of senseless things.

a promise of summer

2013-05-23T16:43:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles | Font: Notepad | Quote: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

So for the most part of our spring 2013, the weather's been pretty wishy-washy. Apparently there's some kind of rainy weather system stuck above northern Italy at the moment, so we really have to make the best of the sunny days. The nice thing about the rain though, is all the green that comes with it... lush, verdant, flourishing green - a promise of summer to be.

Please go read my recent interview with Mariella Amitai (@mariellaamitai) of Hollywood Road, which covers a number of interesting photo related topics including - how I became a photographer, where my inspiration comes from, what my rather non-committal stand is on the analogue vs. digital debate, and my further positive thoughts on how the internet helps make art more accessible.

roses, roses everywhere

2013-05-10T12:43:00.001+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

The roses are coming into bloom again! Think I'll dedicate the coming weeks to capturing their gorgeous beauty...

A blooming success

2013-04-29T17:09:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Guido Del Giudice)

Some photos from my exhibition's opening reception at Frizzi nursery this last Saturday. A big thanks to everyone who made it despite the rain. I'm thrilled with how it went; especially the positive feedback! Everyone seemed to agree that the exhibition is beautiful and refreshing. It's no wonder I'm grinning like the Cheshire cat in all these photos; it was a blooming success :)

But it's not over folks! The exhibition stays up until the 22nd June 2013, and I will be there every Friday and Saturday afternoon between 15.00 and 19.00 for sales and questions. Hope to see you there. Have a great week.

-------

Ecco alcune foto dall'inaugurazione della mia mostra fotografica al vivaio Frizzi, Sabato 27 Aprile. Voglio ringraziare tutti gli ospiti che sono venuti malgrado la pioggia. Sono molto soddisfatta con il risultato; particolarmente i commenti positivi! Tutti hanno confermato che la mostra è stata molto bella.

Non è ancora finita! La mostra rimarrà aperta tutti i giorni fino al 22 Giugno 2013. Io sono disponibile i venerdì e sabati pomeriggi dalle 15.00 alle 19.00 per le vendite e per rispondere ad eventuali domande. Spero di incontrarvi. Saluti.

an exhibition invite

2013-04-19T09:58:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

I can't believe that my exhibition launches in a weeks time! It's been hard work coordinating such a large project with 11 main images from the Sticks & Stones collection and over 80 images from the Jardino Collection. If you're in Riva Del Garda on Saturday the 27th April 2013 please come to the opening reception at Frizzi Nursery between 16.00 and 18.00. You can enjoy some light refreshments in a beautiful conservatory full of spring fresh blooms while viewing my photographic creations. Hope to see you there, or perhaps another time up until the 22nd June 2013. I'll keep you posted...

La mia mostra comincia la prossima settimana; non ci posso credere! Ho lavorato molto per completare questo progetto che comprende 11 fotografie principali della collezione Sticks & Stones e 80 foto della collezione Jardino Collection. Se siete a Riva Del Garda il Sabato 27 Aprile 2013 siete invitati all'inaugurazione al Vivaio Frizzi dalle 16.00 alle 18.00. Ci sarà un rinfresco tra i fiori e le mie fotografie. Spero di incontravi Sabato, se no la mostra e aperta ogni giorno fino al 22 Giugno 2013. Vi terrò aggiornati...

a walk in the rain

2013-04-05T17:27:00.000+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

It doesn't bother us that the weather's been rubbish for weeks; we still like a walk in the rain. Incidentally, that little town to the right of the castle is where we live now.

Non ci preoccupa che il tempo é stato brutto per molte settimane; ci piace camminare con la pioggia. Quella piccola città a destra del castello è dove abitiamo.

noon twilight

2013-03-27T13:48:00.001+01:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

From my recent meditations on the concept of shadows I have come to understand that they bring an unexpected depth to an otherwise monotone landscape. Would you agree?

Dalle mie meditazioni recenti sul concetto delle ombre ho capito che regalano una profondità inattesa a un paesaggio monotono. Siete d'accordo?

two seasons

2013-03-21T11:12:00.000+01:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Yesterday we went for a walk around Lake Tenno. The first signs of spring could be found in a few blossoms, but winter's frosty grip has yet to depart. I'm really longing for warmer weather, and wearing skirts, and sandals, and sipping on prosecco spritzers on the balcony in the evenings...

Ieri siamo andati a caminare a Lago di Tenno. I primi segni della primavera erano evidenti nei germogli, ma l'inverno é ancora con noi. Non vedo l'ora che arriva il caldo per indossare le gonne, i sandali, e per bere il prosecco spritz su balcone la sera...

hiking: monte baldo

2013-03-12T11:47:00.000+01:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Last weekend we joined six friends (and a dog) on a 16km hike to the snowy summit of Monte Baldo along Lake Garda. It was beautiful sunny day and the sky was crispy blue. The going was tough but worth the effort because of the breathtaking beauty you're treated to along the way. Pity I forgot to use sunscreen. Ouch!

La fine settimana scorsa siamo saliti sulla cima coperta di neve del Monte Baldo con sei dei nostri amici e un cane. Era una bellissima giornata di sole e il celo era azzurro. La passeggiata era molto difficile ma ne valeva la penna per i bei panorami. Peccato che ho dimenticato di usare la crema solare. Ouch!

Full circle

2013-03-01T13:41:00.001+01:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Hello friends. Once again I return to blogging here. Why you ask? Because I miss it. This time however, I choose to blog for pleasure without the pressure. Gone are the days when I slaved for hours composing the perfect post. Life's too short and perfection is boring.

My apologies to those subscribers who receive these posts by email. In the updating process my RSS feed appears to be randomly emailing entries from long ago. Spam to some, a friendly reminder to others ;) In fact if you're reading this in your email right now, you should click on through to see the changes I've made to my website. A new year, a new look, and I like to think, a new attitude. A presto, x

Sticks & Stones (Feb 2013)

2013-02-10T15:33:00.000+01:00

With Sticks & Stones, the photographer has returned to creative quietude with an exquisite new collection of nature inspired images. By combining her love for Taoist principle with the allegorical image of the Japanese Zen-garden, she hopes to unite the viewer with the essence of nature sans superfluous interpretation.

The photographer has made it a point not to interfere too much in the creation and realization of the final compositions. Ordinary objects found in the natural surroundings of Dro, Italy have been loosely arranged in a modest fashion on creased linen, then captured in natural light. Even a few ‘happy accidents’ such as double exposures play a central role in the fulfillment of this series.

Wu wei is the key Taoist principle behind this fortuitous method. Known as the art of letting-be, wu wei means non-action or non-doing. As one diminishes doing, premeditation and control over outcome, one behaves in a natural, uncontrived manner that, according to Taoist principle, is in harmony with the Way.

Tao Te Ching, by Priya Hemenway, Chapter II

The Sage is occupied with the unspoken
and acts without effort.
Teaching without verbosity,
producing without possessing,
creating without regard to result,
claiming nothing
the Sage has nothing to lose.

With the emphasis on creative simplicity, Sticks & Stones demonstrates a visual language completely unadorned and Zen-like in its austerity.

{Matte finish, archival giclée prints on 260 gsm paper. Available from shop.janinejoles.com}

Con Sticks & Stones la fotografa é ritornata ad una serenità creativa con una nuova collezione molto elegante di immagini ispirate dalla natura. Fondendo il suo amore per i principi Taoisti con le immagini allegoriche del giardino Zen giapponese, ella spera di dare alle persone l’essenza della natura senza interpretazioni superflue.

La fotografa non ha voluto interferire troppo nella creazione e realizzazione della composizione finale. Semplici oggetti trovati nella natura nei dintorni di Dro, Italy sono stati disposti semplicemente su “lino stropicciato” e poi ripresi in una luce naturale. Anche qualche fortunato incidente, come una doppia esposizione, ha contribuito nella creazione di questa serie.

Wu Wei é la chiave del principio Taoista dietro questo metodo fortuito. Conosciuto come l’arte del lasciar stare, wu wei significa non-azione o non-fare. Quando si diminuisce il fare, la premeditazione e il controllo sulla riuscita finale, ci si comporta in una maniera naturale che, secondo il principio Taoista, é in armonia con la Via.

Tao Te Ching, Capitolo II

Così l’Uomo Reale permane nel non agire, 
insegna senza parlare, 
dirige senza comandare. 
Conduce allo sviluppo senza appropriarsi, 
compie senza fare. 
Essenzialmente non risiedendo nei correlativi 
partecipa della forza originaria.

Con l’enfasi sulla semplicità creativa, Sticks & Stones presenta una lingua visiva completamente disadorna e Zen nella sua austerità.

{Stampe fine art giclée su carta 260 gsm. Disponibili da shop.janinejoles.com}

Ubiquitous (Oct 2012)

2012-10-27T15:54:00.000+02:00

Inspired by the spirit of high Romanticism and the sense of place, or genius loci, present in the historic landscape, the overall image of the Ubiquitous Winter 2012 collection is a timeless sentiment that embodies a new and restless spirit, full of haunted visions and uncanny silhouettes.

With the emphasis on strange and eerie spaces, each photograph is characterized by a preoccupation with the ever changing inner states of consciousness, and the obscure yet profound mystery at the heart of all existence. There is a dislocation between past and present, between the individual subjects and the space they inhabit. All this mystery translates to a poetic, nostalgic and cryptic mood; one that verges on the irrational, even the fantastic.

Monochromatic tones combined with sharp contrasts of light and shadow offer a moody, vaguely portentous refinement that addresses the viewer directly and personally. The luminous quality of the Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique paper, on which these black and white images are printed, gives them a timeless character that is reminiscent of photography originally produced in the traditional wet darkroom.

Far from clichés, this collection represents the photographer’s signature style with its highly imaginative, subjective approach, and dreamlike or visionary appearance. In her opinion, Janine has created a series that “is directed towards the individuality of those who contemplate, and those who dream.” By combining creativity with elegance and quality of a contemporary level, the Ubiquitous Winter 2012 collection offers something elegant, evocative and eminently collectable for all styles of home decor.

{Satin finish, archival giclée prints on 310 gsm paper. Available from shop.janinejoles.com}

i carry your heart... in my heart

2011-08-26T16:44:00.002+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

reach for something pure

2011-08-20T19:56:00.004+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

Since I'm inundated with work and studies these days, I wanted to give you something inspirational as a kind of peace offering for being so absent around here. This desktop wallpaper* is the perfect motivator for me right now - reminding me to always aim for the good and pure in all I do. Please feel free to enjoy it too...

Extra wide: 1600x900(S) 1366x768 (M) 1920x1080 (L) 2560x1440 (XL)

Standard: 1280x800 (S) 1440x900 (M) 1680x1050 (L) 1920x1200 (XL)

Other: 1024x768 (S) 1280x1024 (M)

* For personal use only. Copyright Janine Joles. Etc, etc.

things that make me happy.now

2011-08-13T16:35:00.002+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

1. My new haircut, which confirms that shorter is sexier.
2. This weekend's duvet weather.
3. Winter root vegetables roasting in the oven.
4. My new copy of African Interiors, by Taschen.
5. Discovering the awesomeness that is my iPad 2.
6. What a Wonderful World, by Eva Cassidy.
7. Playing tag inside with Bacco dog.
8. Saying the words "my husband" together in a sentence.
9. Remembering good times with an old friend.
10. And these be.you(tiful) words by Kosho Uchiyama,

"Enable the flower of your life to bloom."

when two hearts become ONE

2011-07-25T22:36:00.003+02:00

(Photos: Janine & Guido)

Last Friday the 22nd of July, I married my heart's ONE true love - Guido - in a discreet and intimate ceremony before our parents, my sister and the Italian Consul at the Consolato d' Italia in Cape Town. Afterwards we were joined by a few close friends for a lunchtime feast at 95 Keerom. I wish I could describe to you just how true and deep it feels... xo

(a reason to) smile

2011-07-09T22:41:00.002+02:00

*Please be patient. This animated .gif needs a moment to load to be fully appreciated :-)

Smile Haiku
By Shekhar Kapur
my smile
caught
in it’s own smile

winterscapes

2011-07-04T17:08:00.005+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

While hiking Suikerbossie yesterday morning we were caught by surprise in a hail storm, fortunately after a quick dash we found shelter beneath some trees lining Myberg's ravine. Stuck literally between a rock and a hard place we had no choice but to wait. Once open paths soon turned into gushing streams, as ice quickly pooled along the grassy banks. When the temperature started to fall we huddled still closer with Bacco-dog hiding between our legs. In our silent waiting we marveled at the sight and sound of the storm pummeling Table Mountain's southern face. Breathtaking, raw and all encompassing, it passed over the mountain (and through our reverie) in a way that was refreshing to say the least!

Later that evening the sky was something else, and I couldn't resist capturing it's ethereal beauty to share here with you. Both these images are free to download as desktop wallpaper. To get yours simply click the image you like, then follow the download prompt to save. Enjoy... and please pass on if you're that way inclined :)

purple rain

2011-06-27T17:15:00.001+02:00

(Photos: Janine Joles)

The phrase "the map is not the territory" by Alfred Korzybski, became a personal mantra of mine after I used it to introduce my final year Bachelor thesis, The Zen Process of Jasper Johns. Divinely stated, it constantly reminds me that life's an illusion - an enchanting play of light and shadow, day and night, truth and fantasy.

Recently I've been meditating on reasons, and why we need them to make, validate, even breach our most important decisions. Are our reasons really our own, or are they tainted by the rhythm of those which our families, societies and peers have sung to us since day one?

Unfortunately they all too often are. Sometimes when I must decide, the reasons of others play back like a familiar chorus from the recesses of my memory. But I've never been one to do something because 'it's the right thing'. In my opinion - there isn't a yard stick big enough to measure the right thing. The right thing to do, should be what's right for you. It's your life, your path, and you have to walk it. Best you enjoy the journey, the way you see it :)