Shining in the Dark — The Art of Paul Barson

Shining in the Dark

The Art of Paul Barson

“Flowers grow out of dark moments.”

– Corita Kent

Feeling a Little Blue

Keep Moving Forward

Editor’s Introduction Originally, I'd planned to interview Paul to help viewers better understand his mindset and process in shaping his beautiful, evocative imagery. I was fascinated by how he could create such intimate and emotional images using nature as his muse. His flowers had distinct personalities and moods.

Sadly, this interview never happened. Cancer robbed us of Paul too soon. His mysterious way of capturing nature and reinterpreting it is lost with him. Perhaps that's for the best. Maybe magic shouldn't be explained but just experienced.

Instead of an interview, we invite you to learn a little bit more about the artist and the man through his images and the words of those who knew him.

Waiting for You, Waiting for Me

Just the Two of Us

Together We Stand

Don't Go

Softly I Bloom

I Shall Look Over You

Caught Up In Life

Close But Turning Away

Last Chances

Let Me Bloom

Set You Free

Tears of Purple

The Power of Three

Waiting In Hope

Tears From The Heart

Be Still My Beating Heart

My Heart is Your Heart

My Heart For You

Two Hearts Beat as One

Paul had the unique ability of seeing beauty in the simplest things...

I had never truly appreciated nature until I saw it through Paul's eyes. The way he captured a lone leaf on a snow dusted surface, or a flourishing bloom being kissed by the sun was truly poetic.

Paul’s friendship has impacted my life in a way that I’ll never be able to explain.

I’ll forever be grateful for him and his gentle heart.

For reminding me that wherever there’s darkness, you can always find the light.

— Meagan V. Blazier

Dark Hearted

Freed For A New Life

Our Time Will Come

I Can See Right Through You

Bigger Is Not Always Better

All Have Their Time

Hold On Tight

Life Is A Journey

Paul always loved walking, especially up in the Peak District in Derbyshire...

We would often go for long walks with family and friends. Paul always kept walking, no matter how difficult it got. A park ranger once said, ‘he could take Paul walking anytime, because he always kept going’. Paul loved walking and climbing in the Peak District.

As he got older he developed his creativity, teaching himself to play the guitar very well. He formed a band with a group of friends and they often performed, they also put some of their music onto disks.

He met Janda in the US, eventually going over there to live and getting married. They were very happy.

— Gordon Barson

Little Things Can Have Big Meanings

“One of the most attractive things about flowers is their beautiful reserve.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Life's Struggle

Help Each Other

Landing Light

Paul was my friend. I will miss him.

— Andy Shipley

Freedom and Peace

Folds of Time

Blood Sucker

I Have My Eye On You

Rise to the Challenge

Break My Rusty Cage

All for One

Wheel Of Life

As young kids, mum and dad would always be putting us in the back of the car and heading off into the Peak District in Derbyshire...

As soon as we arrived, we would both jump out and run off to explore. Mum and dad would mash a cup of tea and make some sandwiches then shout us back and we would all sit down for a picnic, these were magical times as a kid.

I’m sure this is where our love of the great outdoors came from.

The beauty of nature is reflected in much of Paul’s art, as was his ability to transform the ordinary into something breathtaking, deep and rich. Art you can get lost in time and time again.

His perseverance to stick at it and keeping going he got from dad, his patience and empathy came from mum. He always had bucket loads of both to give, he loved to share his skills and experiences, encouraging others with his ever kind words.

Your Soft Glow

I'll Catch You If You Fall

As we grew up our love of the outdoors turned to camping and rock climbing. When it came to climbing Paul had it all, ropes, boots, chalk, skill and strength. I had the car and very little idea on how to get to the top of that always vertical rock face. I suppose that made us the perfect team.

Paul’s strength on the rock face was his patience to solve problem after problem until he was finally at the top. Then, he would talk me through the moves until I was standing next to him high on the rock face, both of us feeling like we were on top of world.

We never got that chance to take, that American climbing road trip but we were very fortunate to get a few days laughing and joking over old times and building new memories with Paul and our American family, moments that I will always treasure.

I miss you bro.

Love, Mark

Broken But Stronger

All the flowers of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.”

– Indian Proverb

Let Down

Those That Give Light

Starting Light

Swan Song

A Little Time Can Go A Long Way

Weary But Not Beaten

Pushed To The Side

Go Forth Little One

'Til We Meet Again

Beauty Can Come From Within

The Beauty of Imperfection

In My Time Of Dying

Be Yourself

You Bring My Heart To Light Again

Running Only To Get Closer To You

Touch Me Softly

Holding On

Black Hole Sun

Light In The Dark

Rememberance

When All Around is Dark the Light Becomes Easier to See

Stand and Shine

True Colours

All Have Their Time

Beauty May Fade But The Light Never Will

Together

I have known Paul for nearly 40 years...

When I first met him he was a quiet, very creative teenager. He would always be making and listening to music, taking photos or working on his computer. I believe Paul often had great understanding and empathy but I have only realised how much recently. I had always kept in contact with Paul by taking photos of his UK family sending him pictures of events or new additions. Recently, I had also been sending him photos of the flowers and birds in our garden and surrounding areas. My photos are amateurish, I enjoyed this process! I hope Paul did too! Paul always had kind, encouraging and positive things to say about my photos.

He always made me feel that I could keep trying, which I will do.

Yesterday we went for a walk along the local canal. I took a photo and thought, oh Paul would love this one.

I’ll miss you Paul xxx — Mandy Barson

Starting To Fall

Loving Arms

True Beauty Is Within

New Beginnings

Hold Me Close

There For You

Tears In The Rain

The Passing Of Time

I Stand Alone

Love Sets You Free

I May Bite

Beauty From The Beast

Be Thankful Before I'm Gone

I Shall Make It Down

Reach for the Light

Rainbow In The Dark

Out Of The Dark

Rise To The Top

Flower Flake

Hold You Tight

My Tower Of Strength

Shine On

Love Me, Leave Me Not

Falling On Dark Days

“Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity.”

– John Ruskin

Stand Strong To The End

Guide The Way

Stand Strong

Waiting For You

Your Time Will Come

“Open the bloom of your heart and become a gift of beauty to the world.”

– Bryant McGill

The Light Within

Soft Embrace

Fading Away

Paul Barson was an amazingly talented artist...

His photography and his ideas of beauty amazed me, but his best talent was his ability to make my sister and everyone around him laugh and smile.

He was a fantastic brother in-law, uncle to my daughters and friend. It was wonderful knowing him for 17 years, I will miss him always.

— Debbie M

Find A Way

Fighting To The End

Holding On To The End

What Hides Beneath The Beauty

There's Always A Bright Side

Trying and Tiring

Know Your Worth

Pushed To The Side

Don't Say Goodbye

Winning The Battle

Feeling A Little Blue

Never Give Up

Leap Of Faith

One Last Time

Fading Away

My Guiding Light

Catch The Fallen

I'll Catch Your Tears In The Rain

When Darkness Surrounds You

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them” — Henri Matisse

Know Where You Stand

Perfect Together

On The Way Up

To my dear friend Paul...

I'm remembering all the good times we spent together, like going out with friends to the Rock House and Sitwell Tavern and coming home a little worse for wear. Such great memories. The best days of my life.

Paul loved climbing. I wasn't as brave as him, but I enjoyed the days out in the sun. We used to go camping with friends and always had an amazing time. Paul loved music and was a gifted musician. He helped to shape and drive our band, Ivy Gash, with friends Andy and Dave. We had some belly laughs in the practice room and some dodgy gigs. One I particularly remember was at the Victoria Inn in Derby, where the only spectator was a man and his dog. We made a joke about it for years afterwards.

Paul was great company. He was quick witted and made everyone laugh. Everyone got along with Paul.

We missed him when he went to America. I often mentioned him and hoped he would come back for a visit one day.

He was one of the best friends I ever had. I will miss you Paul — your kindness, humour and friendship.

Be at peace my dear friend xx — Theresa Walker

Without The Dark There Is No Light

Just Close Your Eyes

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

Vulnerable

Pushing Through Together

My Petal, My World

Spring Into Light

With Many There Are One

I Will Die For You

Beauty And The Beast

Fight For The Light

Wallflower

Soft Embrace

“But he that dares not grasp the thorn.

Should never crave the rose.”

– Anne Bronte

Never Give Up

Strength In Being Alone

Standing Still Passing By

The Last Waltz

With A Little Help From My Friends

“A world of grief and pain flowers bloom — even then.”

— Kobayashi Issa

A Stranger In The Dark

Everyone For Themselves

“A weed is but an unloved flower.” ― Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Look On The Bright Side

Keep From Drowning

Cold and Lonely

No More Use

Dying With Hope Inside

Last Light Of Day

Rise Above

Against All Odds

Balance Of Nature

Even When You Drain Me, I Stick By You

Together To The End

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Forgotten

Until Our Time Again

Paul was always there for me in difficult times...

He would reach out and offer his help. I remember how a friend of mine lost her son and Paul, even not knowing my friend in person, offered help. He was giving, loving and compassionate. We connected through conceptual photography. He was always ready to help.

I remember once a friend was struggling with anxiety and I introduced her to Paul and his fine art flowers. She got so inspired. He offered so much help and advice that when he was gone, she was first to reach out and remember that connection.

Paul was a beam of light and I’ll miss him always. I always wanted to learn how to draw flowers and I’ll honor his memory and get inspiration from his images.

— Kris Kashtanova

Bend Over Backwards

Spiraling Down

I Will Go On

The Parts You Lose Are The Parts That Shape You

Needed No More

Dare To Be Different

Eternal Flame

The Changeling I

The Changeling II

The Changeling III

The Changeling IV

The Changeling V

Let Your True Colours Shine

Killing Me Softly

A Shell Of My Former Self

Standing Tall

“When life is not coming up roses Look to the weeds and find the beauty hidden within them.” ― L.F.Young

Fallen But Not Forgotten

In The Still Of The Night

Break On Through

Drifting Away

Sweep Me Into The Night

The Dawning of Truth

In November, the earth is growing quiet.

It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets.

— Cynthia Rylant

Focus On What Is Ahead

Break Out Of This Cage

Stand Proud In Your Light

Words Without Actions

Night Dreams

Not Missed Until It's Gone

Cast Aside

I Don't Want To Let You Go

Dancing In The Dark

Ghosts In The Wind

Moving On

In This Light

Loving Arms

“Winter forms our character and brings out our best.”

– Tom Allen

All Wrapped Up In Yourself

The Light Within You

You Tore A Hole In Me

Broken

The Mourning

Lost And Alone

What can you say about a human like Paul Barson?

His art takes you into a whole other dimension.

He teaches you how a simple flower bud can tell a story: One of light and joy, another of sadness.

I never looked at flowers the same way after being introduced to his work.

His heart? That is where the magic happens.

Into The Storm

Paul was the quiet, supportive artist that would lift you up, compliment your successes and always leave encouragement on what you perceived as a failure.

If you are privileged enough to see his other work, often faceless, you have seen a true artist at work. His self portraits encompass all he is as a human and an artist. He was a gift to us all.

I am so incredibly grateful to have run across his path and lucky enough to have learned from his grace, kindness and talent.

Forever grateful.

— Jennifer Gerst

Numb

Cracks in the Mask

Brumous

Tower Of Dreams

Them

Will Miss You When I'm Gone

The Beauty Of Change

Left High And Dry

Time To Go

Life Change

Seems like only yesterday when I first stumbled on to your work...

I was instantly mesmerized by the beauty and detail. I was impressed that you lived in the midwest, in the same state I did. Younger me thought that maybe some of your magic could seep into those flowers buried in the same soil I walked on.

I had no had idea of your greatness when I would ask frivolous (now) photography questions that you would always answer, in as simple terms as you could. Thank you for being kind. Thank you for making me feel like I not only could, but already was, a photographer.

A mentor, and didn’t even know it.

RIP Paul.

— Linda Wolf

Light Before The Storm

Slipping Through The Cracks

Numb

Finding The Light

Noah

Excerpt from Paul's online post, introducing this piece....

I promised myself I would jump out of my comfort zone now and again this year, after all, that's often where we learn the most!

Although I'm aiming for these shots to be good, I certainly don't expect them to be. The whole purpose is try new things, learn more, grow, get new ideas and have fun!

That's what's going to make them a success to me! Two things in one on this shot, off camera flash and B&W, well three things, a selfie too...

— Paul Barson, March 3, 2017

Fingers Don't Fail Me Now

The Warning

I met Paul in 2017, when I joined a photography group on Facebook called The Lightbulb Project....

I joined hoping it would help me to become more creative with my photography. Paul was one of the first people I met in the group. From the first photo I posted, he was always there with kind comments.

I appreciated this because I have always been so nervous to share my work. The space, and the people sharing in the space, made me feel safe.

Paul was a huge part of that. In the group, Paul shared his gorgeous photos that inspired me to push myself further as a photographer.

Paul captured nature and flowers in a truly unique and captivating way.

I was always mesmerized and in awe of his gorgeous work. He also made very cool conceptual pieces. He was such an artistic person. I loved the wonderful narratives he would write to go along with his photos which gave extra insight into what he was thinking when creating.

I appreciated that he was willing to share a piece of himself.

Paul was always one to send a positive message, helpful feedback and encouraging words. I will miss his artistry and his kindness.

— Sarah Zimman Dulong

Zombies of the Corn

Look Through the Outside, Look to the Inside

Winter's Start

“There is peace even in the storm” ― Vincent van Gogh

Silence

Lay Me Down

The Leaving

Dear Paul...

I just loaded up on another cup of coffee to help me concentrate this morning as I try to figure out how to select a giveaway winner without you. I hate having to read directions and follow steps. It would be so much easier just to send you a text with a funny gif of a dumpster on fire and tell you that I'm in a pickle and could you please help me out?

And of course, you'd send a laughing emoji and say you'd be able to fix it after you'd had your cuppa.

But this morning, when I realized I couldn't do that, I didn't cry. I felt proud of that. I just told myself I'd figure it out and kept going. I felt like maybe I'd gotten past the worst of the grief. But then I saw Meagan's beautiful photo of you (included three pages ahead ) and had a big grief setback.

Paul was diagnosed with cancer about two weeks after my assistant and friend, Wendy was diagnosed with the same.

I'd just started a Go Fund Me for her. Only two people helped me with my work, both had colon cancer. If you haven't gotten checked, this is your reminder.

I felt bad that I'd just done something for my assistant, but now my right hand man was also afflicted with the same illness. I asked Paul, could I help him in any way? He said, no. He'd be alright. But I felt guilty. Paul wasn't one to let me feel guilty though. He'd remind me about a task that needed doing, and like a squirrel I'd be distracted. We kept on happily working together for months. He'd bring his laptop to the hospital for God's sake. He was just so giving.

Things got worse. After more tests, his doctors didn't give him much hope. They felt it was too late. I begged him to get another opinion. He did and this time, they agreed to try to treat it. But it wasn't working.

In July and August, I stopped hearing from him. I assumed the worst. That I'd never have the chance to talk to him again. I regretted it so much.

I made some art for him. I'd send him text messages. Nothing. No response. I tried to come to peace with it. Then one morning in September, I got a text from him. I gasped and sat straight up in bed. It was like a message from a ghost.

He was back. I was overjoyed. He told me he'd stopped taking the treatments and would like to get back to work. And so we did. It was like a piano had been taken off my back.

I had my work buddy back in September and he got me through my toughest quarter of my year. From September to December, Paul lifted my spirits and my business with his help, his humor and his calming presence. Some days he'd take a few hours to get back to me. Then sometimes a few days would go by. Once, he told me that he'd get back to me after his hospice nurse left. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

Hospice.

I just started bawling. I freaked out. And Paul had to comfort me and tell me it was all okay and not to worry so much.

To hear him tell it, he was only doing hospice for the free massages and good pot. As soon as he could gain some weight, maybe the doctors could perform surgery on him and give him more time. I felt reassured. And so I carried on with my busy life.

At a certain point, Paul's doctor's told him that he should get his things organized. He gave me all of his beautiful artwork to share with his family. I had experience making art magazines and so I suggested that I could make a coffee table book of all his work. He loved that idea. I worked on the book as much as I could, but Q4 is my hardest quarter.

And there were holidays and kids and covid and so much work. I got the book put together. I sent him questions for a written interview. He sent me revisions and I worked on making the changes.

“The Divide” by Jessica Drossin for Paul Barson But as Christmas approached, the gaps in our conversations began to grow longer. Paul kept reassuring me that things were fine, he just needed more time to get the pain under control. I was so deeply in denial that we were making plans for things we were going to do in March.

About two weeks ago, the texts stopped coming. And his niece told me that he didn't have much time, could I please finish the book so he could hold it? And it shouldn't have hit me like a punch in the gut, but it did.

And so I tried to get his book finalized. Removing all the placeholder type for the interview that never happened.

But I couldn't get it done in time. I was late again.

Paul was loved deeply by so many of us in the Photography community. He was a true giver. A light. A supporter.

Both funny and smart. He was also an outstanding talent. I'd always admired Paul's artwork, but it wasn't until I put this collection together that the full impact of his work struck me. The world Paul created was absolutely breathtaking.

I'm so grateful for the time Paul was in my life. What a guy. I hope he's now reunited with his beloved wife. I pray he is feeling all the love that those of us who were lucky enough to know him are trying to put out in the universe.

Thanks for being my friend Paul. You meant so much to me. You will never be forgotten.

— Jessica Drossin, January 27, 2022

“Flight of the Humble Bee” by Michelle Lee, Inspired by Paul Barson

I fell in love with his work...

I challenged myself to create that mood he captured that I connected to. He inspired me on a level I can't explain.

I am not a photographer, so I did this painting because of him a few years ago, it's called Fight of the Humble Bee. I will forever be grateful for his inspiration.

— Michelle Lee

No degree of worldly darkness can extinguish the glow of a soul's inner light” — Wes Fesler

”Paul“ by Meagan V. Blazier

You're Free

“Making the ordinary, extraordinary…”

Paul Barson was an award winning, internationally exhibited and published, self-taught, fine art photographer. He specialized in unique, dreamlike, magical, poetical and emotive floral portrait artworks.

Paul was born and raised in England. It was the natural beauty of the English countryside that inspired Paul and started him on his photographic journey as a young boy with a 110-film camera.

For the last 16 years of his life, Paul lived in Michigan, USA, where all of this book's photographic art was created. Over the years he shot many different genres before discovering ‘macro’ and the ability of this genre to portray the ordinary and often unnoticed in their true glory and wonder.

He created floral artwork unlike any others with his creative use of color, focus and primarily light and shadow. He combined this into his unique style that was developed over time.

With the use of a modest Canon DSLR and macro lens together with his processing technique, Paul gave each subject depth, beauty, soul, life and a story all of its own. Making the ordinary, extraordinary and unique.

Paul’s work has been internationally exhibited and published, has appeared in a number of magazines, received numerous awards and continues to be sold as fine art prints, book covers and NFTs.