This show challenges the widely held assumption that a photograph is a piece of the world, which needs to be identified and interpreted before we know how to react to it. In these pieces an image of nature is juxtaposed with analytical ‘left brain’ information and intuitive ‘right brain‘ meanderings. However, it is only when we transcend language and enter the wordless dimension of ‘no mind’, when the brain’s chatter is silent, that we can connect with the subject and with nature, the matrix which itself connects all things. ‘Paradigm shifts’ is a term that has now entered the language to describe any profound change in our frame of reference. The show runs from 05 - 25 Mar 2010 at Eleven Spitalfields gallery in London.

The Transition series of images symbolize Carol Sharp‘s journey through the literal into abstraction, where she explores our connections with nature on a deeper level. Oscillating between and co-existing as physical and abstract realities, faded stalks of reed join their ambiguous reflections in the water. This is where they will eventually return and disintegrate, before re-emerging, once again re-enacting their perennial metamorphosis. Carol exhibited Transition as part of Photomonth in London October 2009 The Transition series can be viewed on the Collections page of this site.

This delightful shot of a London Plane tree seedhead was one of the final 3 short listed for Single Image of the Year in the Garden Photographers’ Association’s annual awards 2008. Once again Carol’s image attracted much interest as it had a different approach to the usual imagery. As well as careful framing and selective focus, the choice to present it as a blue duotone emphasizes the freezing weather.

The Black and White Spider Awards is the leading international award honouring excellence in black and white photography. Hundreds of thousands of images are entered so Carol was pleased to get to the final stages. Among 3 images nominated to the shortlist in the Nature category was this dramatic image of an agave from a series called Rhythm. The complete Rhythm series can be seen on the Collections page of this site.

	The main focus of Carol's work is nature, and where better to be surrounded by a wealth of beautiful subject matter, than at her home in Norfolk. This subtle black and white image of Honesty gently opening to disperse it's seeds, was one of a set of six short listed for the Norfolk Photographer of the Year competition 2008 and exhibited in the accompanying show.

	A delicate blade of grass balances a drop of morning dew, with the aid of a slender rope of silk. This was one of four images chosen for the semi final of the prestigious worldwide Shell Widlife Photographer of the Year competition, In the Creative Visions of Nature and In Praise of Plants categories.

	This dramatic black and white image of the weed Creeping Thistle, caused a stir when shown on the big screen as one of the final 3 short listed for Single Image of the Year in the Garden Photographers’ Association’s annual awards. These awards are part of the Garden Media Guild’s annual event where the best garden and plant images and journalism are celebrated.

Carol's sumptuous image of the darkest of tulips 'Queen of Night', was chosen out of thousands of images as a finalist in the Plant Portrait category of the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition 2007. Carol was also commended for her portfolio entry, a series of ferns, and a single close up of a palm frond. Prints are available as part of the Art on Demand program at 18 of the world's most prestigious museums and galleries including Tate, Natural History Museum, MoMA New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art New York and Smithsonian Institute Washington to name a few.

	This striking image of a musk thistle won a Judge’s Choice award at the prestigious 2007 AOP Awards. The AOP Open is a competition run by the Association of Photographers featuring eclectic images selected from over 1,700 entered by photographers worldwide, of which only seven were selected to receive awards.

	Show sponsors Marshall’s high profile garden was designed by Scenic Blue, incorporating a garden room. They chose to furnish this with colourful canvases and floor cushions from Carol’s Vibrant Palette collection. Many of the TV broadcasts were made from the platform immediately above this room.

	Carol exhibits annually at the prestigious GPA International Photographic Competition, one of the UK¹s most respected photography events, showcasing both original and visionary work in its field. Carols winning image was selected for the front cover of the July/August 2006 Garden Design Journal.

	Carol designed an acclaimed stand for displaying her books, ‘From Bud to Seed’ at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2001. She displayed plants beautifully lit behind a wall in which she set large magnifying glasses, giving the audience a chance to look ‘through the lens’.

Carol’s increasing botanical knowledge led to a concept for a series of books in 2001 where she chose 10 top plants that were interesting in all life stages, entitled ‘From Bud to Seed’ - published by Conran Octopus. She photographed each stage in exquisite detail revealing a beauty and character unseen by the naked eye. The books were launched at an exhibition at the Association of Photographers gallery where huge enlargements were made of the shots.

	Carol submits annually to the Garden Photographers Association Awards, and has been selected to exhibit every year. In 2004 her image was used on the cover of the awards book and brochure.