Title: Vein of the Storm

Subtitle: Lightning and a ball of flame crashes down in the forrest. Or does it?

Reference: composite reality, surrealistic illusion, lightning in forest night sky, glowing storm vein through trees, dramatic woodland lightning, atmospheric night photography, moody blue forest light

Artist’s Statement:

This image captures a moment where nature feels less like a landscape and more like a living system—nervous, reactive, alive. The lightning does not simply strike; it travels, like a pulse through the body of the sky, threading itself between the silhouettes of trees. 

Or does it?

Using the technique of postvisualization I learned from the work of Jerry Uelsmann, this image is not what it seems.  The “lightning” and “ball of fire” were actually created by photographing traffic from the air, at night!  I combined the long exposure pattern of night traffic with the image of a forest silhouetted against a night sky.  Decades ago, using color slide film, this was a challenging technical process.  This remains one of my favorite images, and is included in both the Film and Surrealism catalogs.

Summary:

A fleeting surge of light transforms the forest into a living circuit, where sky and earth briefly speak the same electric language.

Themes: Composite reality, surrealistic illusion, energy and transience, the dialogue between sky and earth, tension in split reality

Placement: Ideal for moody, contemplative spaces—living rooms, offices, or entryways where dramatic lighting and depth can be appreciated. Particularly striking in modern interiors or darker-toned rooms where the blue hues and electric contrast can fully resonate.

Formats: On metal, Archival Pigment Print on canvas or fine art paper with framing options

Limited Edition: 100