Impossible to choose a favorite from these stunning Provence photographs, I knowwwww! But fortunately, we won’t have to decide since they’re all gifted to us inside THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE and AN AMERICAN IN PROVENCE. If you don’t own these books yet, you’ll thank me. And if you’re stumped for a gorgeous gift idea…here’s a taste of what you may give.
photos: by Jamie Beck – courtesy of Simon Element
Provence Photographs: JAMIE BECK Beauty
Jamie Beck Interview & The Flowers of Provence
It was a privilege to chat with Jamie, and I hope you’ll consider collecting her art and new offerings here! You’ll be supporting an artist who has discovered “priceless peace” delicately blooming in the French countryside.
THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) will leave you breathless and transport you to quietude. Author and fine art photographer, Jamie Beck traded New York City for Provence where her art career bloomed. It was there she began to preserve flowers, capture them in romantic landscapes, and create images to awaken wonder.
Provence Photographs: Beauty & Timelessness
I was curious about Jamie’s reverence for the unforever of what blooms now and will soon fade.
Hello Lovely: HOW DOES YOUR CONNECTION TO NATURE INFLUENCE YOUR IDEAS ABOUT BEAUTY, TIMELESSNESS, AND THE PARADOX OF HOLDING ON AND LETTING GO?
Jamie Beck:
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.
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.
Trading American Hustle for Provence Slow Living
Do you ever gaze at inspiring influencers on your social feeds and question whether you too could start over in a new place and adopt a new pace? Jamie’s commitment to a slower lifestyle in Provence inspires me to think about my own relationship with nature.
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.
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
BTW. If you’re already wondering how THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) could possibly compete with her previous bestseller An American in Provence, it is as exquisite! When my copy arrived, my mom was here, and just the sight of the book cover elicited a deep sigh.
“Everyone, everywhere should display this beautiful book!” is what she said even before paging through the collection of South of France landscapes and still lifes!
Effortlessness & Set Apart French Sensibilities
Hello Lovely: THERE’S A NOTION ABOUT FRENCH CULTURE YOU SHARE IN THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE THAT STRUCK ME. YOU WRITE “NOT EVERYTHING HAS A PRICE, AND CERTAINLY NOT BEAUTY.” WHAT HAS EXPOSURE TO CULTURE THERE 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.
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
The artistry here has reminded me of themes arising along my own journey. How often am I misled by thoughts of how contentment awaits in a distant future and not possible in this present moment?
What is Living Well for Jamie Beck?
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
The Perfect Gift: Jamie Beck’s THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
An American In Provence by Jamie Beck
An American in Provence (Simon Element, 2022) is also by Jamie Beck and contains captivating commentary, South of France lifestyle, and of course, breathtaking photography. I find this title an invitation to companion with the artist. Want to tag along in the light of the French countryside?
We love our French country splendor on Hello Lovely, but you’re in for much more with such vulnerable, life-giving depth from the author.
An American in Provence is uncommonly luminous and soulful.
Jamie Beck’s Provence Studio
What a treat to see inside the place she calls home!
Jamie draws from a well of generosity, wholeheartedness, and hospitality as she weaves together stories, art, and natural Provence wonder.
You may be surprised to learn the artist shares photography tips, recipes, and even a French glossary in the book alongside breathtaking photographs and self-portraits.
Thank goodness this artist awakened to the beauty of self-portraiture so her glow is immortalized.
Before moving to Provence, Jamie was a busy New York commercial photographer living what she terms a “perfect aspirational lifestyle.”
Now she knows contentment in France and within herself. While her 400-square foot apartment is now her studio, life still retains a simplicity missing from her New York days.
AN AMERICAN IN PROVENCE May Change You
This book touches on topics dear to me. What is the nature of beauty, and how can it heal us? Jamie’s enlightening artist journey may uncover something within you too.
I recall reading it for the first time and beginning to see my own surroundings through a freshened lens.
Understated Beauty & Slower Living
Of course you already know that whether we’re discussing the artist’s journey or the spiritual journey, it’s always about seeing.
Seeing things as we are not as they are (Anais Nin).
Like the simple pleasure of roasting potatoes from a neighbor’s garden stand.
Or vibrant autumn color outside the door…
There are never a shortage of moments to slow us and show us the sacredness of all things.
This is the power of fine art. Of books that open us to beauty. And of nature’s healing whispers.
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.
This was so interesting! I have her book and, as soon as I open it, I relax.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Author
Just what I felt too–thanks so much for joining me here.