This collection of photographs features intimate vignettes of woodland waterways found in Northeast Ohio.  For photographic artist Karen Ollis, FLOW is an on going meditative study of Water she finds while enjoying time in Nature. Karen an avid hiker explores in such areas as the Cleveland MetroParks System and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

 

Karen explains what lead her to creating FLOW. “As a professional photographer there are times when walking in Nature is the best stress reducer. It is an activity I have enjoyed since childhood. Invariably much of the subject matter for my fine art photography is Nature based. I seem to have a kinship with water and its hypnotic qualities which are instantly soothing to me. I find the subtle nuances I see in the organic designs created by moving water mixing with the reflections of surrounding woodlands to be genius, possibly of higher intelligence. I was captivated by these designs and so began photographing them forming the FLOW collection over a period of years. In creating with water I found it incredibly healing.

 

Elaborating further Karen says, “We experience any natural element through our senses which develop perceptions of time and dimension. To me, Water is a living energy in constant motion ~ the forms are ever changing never to happen exactly the same way again. The endless interaction with its environment and all the elements become a never ending wheel, a revolving source of inspiration. As well, Water is central to all living things so when I am attuning to the energy of Water, I am becoming more aligned with living in the present moment... the Flow of the life force within ourselves and possibly all living things. Our bodies are made up 60% water and the surface of the Earth is 70%, so it only makes sense to me that Water as an element is a guide to beneficial rhythms essential to holistic balance.”

 

Creating FLOW within the constructs of photography requires varying quantities of time and perspective to capture what Water is revealing in a current, reflection and season. Karen’s photographic collection encourages the viewer to actively engage expanding their awareness of the freshwater tributaries around them. She believes that with reverence, a deeper relationship can be developed and the natural process of Alchemy presented in Nature can be better understood.

 

Karen reminds us, “It is important that we appreciate our available freshwater resources as other regions experience scarcity. Nature is constantly changing so what you see today, might not be there tomorrow. One way to show gratitude is to fortify our waterways by keeping them clean. Practical solutions are often the most effective by eliminating garbage, along with the usage of chemicals and plastics. Other supportive methods are donating time and money to ecologically based organizations and volunteering at local Park systems. Whatever one does, I hope it is moving with the Flow.” Front Cover: Discovery and  Back Cover Photo: Morning Waves, Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park by Karen Ollis.

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The FLOW 2026 12 month Calendar and Planner are now available. This high quality time keeper is designed in two orientations. The Planner with the beautiful photographs situated on the left hand pages and the months on the right side with space of notes. It measures 11x8.5 inches closed and opens horizontally 11x17 it has a unit price of $29.95 plus sales tax and shipping. The Wall calendar is 11x17 inches open with full bleed imagery at the top and month at bottom, also priced at $29.95 plus sales tax and shipping. To order and make payment arrangements, contact the studio preferred with email karen@ollisphoto.net or 216-403-2396. Venmo button soon. 

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For marketing or publishing applications, I do offer imagery for graphic designers and art directors who are looking for the unique and artistic imagery for communication materials.  Licensing of images is available by contacting the studio via email.    

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