Santa Monica No. 13

In Santa Monica No. 13, Ken Evans crafts a formal and almost architectural study of a California succulent, capturing its radial elegance and surface detail with sculptural precision. This image, part of Evans' monochromatic Santa Monica Series, takes a familiar botanical form and transforms it into a symphony of repeating geometry, subtle textures, and tonal drama. The result is both meditative and monumental - an homage to the quiet grandeur found in nature's design logic. The photograph is composed with commanding symmetry. Each leaf radiates from the center in a hypnotic spiral, their forms alternating between light and shadow in a pattern reminiscent of sacred geometry or ancient mandalas. The fine, serrated edge of each leaf - rendered in stark contrast - acts like a calligraphic outline, separating each form with a crisp, almost etched line. At the core, the unopened bud reads as a hidden nucleus, drawing the viewer inward. Evans' use of black and white proves especially effective here. Without the distraction of color, the viewer is pulled into the topography of the plant’s surface, where stippled textures and faint imperfections offer a natural counterpoint to the mathematical rhythm of the form. It is this balance - between exactitude and irregularity, between precision and imperfection - that elevates the piece beyond botanical photography and into the realm of visual meditation. This work melds nature with abstraction. It would complement collections focused on minimalism, structure, or botanical subjects, and it stands confidently both as a single piece or within a grid of related works from the Santa Monica Series. Santa Monica No. 13 is at once accessible and intellectually satisfying - an image that reveals new layers of order and intricacy the longer it is observed. This print is carefully crafted to ensure the highest quality and detail, bringing the image to life in your hands and on your walls. Perfect for art enthusiasts, collectors, or simply to add a touch of elegance to your space that will last for generations.