Jamie Beck Honors THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE

Wondering how Jamie Beck’s THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) could possibly compete with her bestselling An American in Provence? When the artist’s new book arrived in the mail, my mother was visiting, and the moment she glimpsed the cover, she gasped. “Everyone, everywhere should display this beautiful book!” Even before opening it, we both sensed the artistry arising inside, and we were not wrong. More than a lovely collection of pretty South of France landscapes and still lifes, A LUMINOUS MAGIC RADIATES FROM THE ARTIST WHO PLACES HERSELF IN THE PATH OF BEAUTY. We need her fine art, her flowers, and her heartfulness.

A romantic glimpse from Provence in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck

photos: by Jamie Beck – courtesy of Simon Element

I hope you’ll enjoy my interview with Jamie Beck and treat yourself to THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE. You’ll be supporting an artist who has discovered “priceless peace” delicately blooming in the French countryside.

Jamie Beck Interview & The Flowers of Provence

THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) is so breathtaking you may find yourself transported to quietude. Author and fine art photographer, Jamie Beck traded New York City for Provence where her art career is in bloom. She delicately preserves flowers, captures romantic landscapes, and creates images to inspire wonder.

I asked her about her reverence for the unforever of what blooms now and will soon fade.

THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) by Jamie Beck. #jamiebeck #provenceflowers #frenchflowers
THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) by Jamie Beck

Nature, Beauty & Timelessness

Hello Lovely: HOW DOES YOUR CONNECTION TO NATURE INFLUENCE YOUR IDEAS ABOUT BEAUTY, TIMELESSNESS, AND THE PARADOX OF HOLDING ON AND LETTING GO?

The author with a bouquet -from the romantic book THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck

Jamie Beck: Nature and Provence are always changing, a bittersweet realization that forces you into appreciating the present moment and seeing the beauty and importance in all the stages of life. 

I am endlessly inspired by observing the cycles of growth, rest and re-emergence. It bounds me to see that time changes and shifts each day and throughout the course of months and years. Much like the subject of my new book…flowers.

They are part of an ecosystem. Beautiful but also a part of a bigger whole–making honey, pollinating fruit trees, providing nourishment to the soil, offering medicinal applications for us. Flowers can even tell farmers signs of disease before it attacks their crops.

In the end, nothing can stop the flowers in spring from blooming nor inhibit my curiosity to capture life through a photographic lens. It’s all in the way one chooses to see. The paradox of creating a photograph is that I am immortalizing a moment forever and maybe that’s what also allows me to take it fully in the moment and then release it after the click of a shutter.  

A romantic chateau moment from Provence in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck #frenchcountrybooks

Slow Living in Provence

As I considered Jamie’s commitment to a slower lifestyle in Provence, I thought about my own relationship with the beautiful prairie landscape where I work and live. I thought about the pitfalls of American work culture which rewards one for: work indoors, short vacations, productivity, and nature-deprivation.

Eloise in a field of Provence lavender from a lovely page in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck

Hello Lovely: HAVE YOU FOUND WAYS TO BALANCE CONTENT CREATION WITH WHOLEHEARTED EXPERIENCES IN NATURE?

Jamie Beck: When I’m creating a photograph, I like quiet. I have to work alone. I need to hear the thoughts and story that dances about in my head. To hold still to click the shutter and preserve the moment, the light, the day, the feeling. I feel fortunate, except during the season of a book launch, that my life in Provence fuels detaching and rewards you for slowing down to take it in.

Jamie Beck quote from interview with Hello Lovely Studio.

You often hear people here say “On a le temps…” or “we have the time…” Nothing is rushed. It’s human and natural. – JAMIE BECK

A romantic country French exterior from Provence in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck

Embracing Effortlessness & French Sensibilities

Hello Lovely: IN YOUR BOOK, THERE’S A NOTION ABOUT FRENCH CULTURE YOU SHARE THAT STRUCK ME. YOU WRITE “NOT EVERYTHING HAS A PRICE, AND CERTAINLY NOT BEAUTY.” WHAT HAS EXPOSURE TO SUCH CULTURE AWAKENED WITHIN YOU? 

Jamie Beck: The French, especially the women, set their own rules. Here in Provence, it was the women who were out harvesting the grapes during the first wars in full Provençale wear. Style has no age limits as long as it feels like you–you can do it.

There is less of the in your face, biggest, brightest mentality and more of a harmonious dance with care throughout the years and life.

Jamie Beck quote from interview with Hello Lovely Studio.

You embrace age and celebrate it because it’s natural. That’s one of the greatest lessons Provence has given me; what is natural is most beautiful. -JAMIE BECK

A charming lamb with a wreath of flowers from Provence in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck

Viewing the artistry Jamie has gathered so beautifully in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE and pondering the life of flowers reminds me of themes arising in my own personal growth. For example, letting go of delusions that contentment awaits in some future destination as opposed to right here, where peace and joy are alive on the journey.

A romantic garden from Provence in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck

Jamie Beck on Living Well

Hello Lovely: WHAT DOES HEALING WITH NATURE AND LIVING WELL LOOK AND FEEL LIKE RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Jamie Beck: What first began in my little apartment (now my studio) expanded to the market. Then, when I got a bike, I was able to go further…into other villages, farms, and landscapes. 

Right now, to me it’s about  pause and reset. Each season has something beautiful that I create in my studio. Inspired by the nature around me that’s just outside my door, what’s new seasonally at the market, or just bloomed that morning in the garden.

Some days it is just the way the clouds look in the sky. It’s really quite simple. And within that simplicity, I find inner peace. Priceless peace. -JAMIE BECK

Jamie Beck quote from interview with Hello Lovely Studio.

So beautiful, Jamie! Thank you for such tender reflections and for the treasure of your fine art which embodies such priceless peace.

The Gift of Jamie Beck’s THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE

Just wait until you glimpse the beauty inside! Visit Jamie Beck on IG…her lovely von lovely book makes the perfect gift:

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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Trees White Wallpaper Mural
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Myla Slipcover Sofa
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Milagro Heart
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Tree Mural Wallpaper
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Shaw Daybed
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Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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6 Comments

  1. Carole
    October 24, 2023 / 5:11 pm

    A lovely post … And you are so right, Michele. If we don’t recognize, enjoy and appreciate the beauty and joy in the present, why would we think we will be otherwise in the future?

    • Michele
      Author
      October 24, 2023 / 8:40 pm

      Thanks for reading with such tender sensitivity – so often beauty and Eden are right under my nose. xox

      • Carole
        October 25, 2023 / 10:11 pm

        You’re welcome, Michele. It’s a problem we all share.

        • Michele
          Author
          October 26, 2023 / 7:55 am

          Thank goodness we have each other to keep finding our way back into the garden!

  2. October 26, 2023 / 6:57 am

    What a beautiful post, Michele! I fell in love with Jamie Beck after you introduced us to her book, An American in Provence, and I am excited to know that she has a new book out. Your interview invites your reader in with a gentleness and peacefulness that I felt as I perused her first book. Is it her first interview about the book? Jamie writes in the first book, “Live life with patience and she will reward you with gifts that will fill your heart with appreciation!” My heart is filled with gratitude for the gifts you offer daily. Thank you.

    • Michele
      Author
      October 26, 2023 / 7:51 am

      I’m so touched by your kind words and insight. I love Jamie’s new picture book – there isn’t as much text in this one, but flowers speak volumes. You seem to be connecting with the same sensibilities I am – patience is not at all an easy practice and thus we need encouragement! Thanks for reading with such tenderness and gratitude. I’m so happy to have you here.

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing