In the quaint town of Waterloo, Indiana, resides an artist whose love for people, nature, and animals intertwines seamlessly with her artistic endeavors. Meet Katrina Bennett, a multifaceted individual whose journey in photography is not just a visual exploration but a heartfelt expression of her passions.
Katrina’s artistic journey took root in her profound love for nature and animals. A focal point of her work lies in the Garden of Ruby Stella Day Lilies, where vibrant blooms find a whimsical companion in the form of a Squirrel Tree Frog. It was a regular Wednesday in August a few years ago that marked the beginning of a unique encounter, a moment captured through Katrina’s lens and transformed into a captivating piece of art.
As Katrina recounts, her routine of tending to her flower and vegetable garden led to the discovery of a tiny green visitor nestled among the Ruby Stella Day Lilies. The chance encounter with the Squirrel Tree Frog inspired her to set aside the watering hose and reach for her smartphone, eager to capture the unscripted beauty of the moment. For Katrina, beauty lies in the raw and unguided facets of nature, where each frame tells a unique story.
On that particular day, the sun played its part perfectly, casting a radiant glow on the garden. With her keen eye for detail, Katrina managed to capture over 100 shots, each framing the frog from different angles. The water droplets on the delicate petals added an extra layer of allure to the already enchanting scene. Thus, the story of “Little Green Guy” unfolded, a charming frog who made Katrina’s garden his summer abode, hopping freely among the flowers and leaves.
Katrina’s approach to photography goes beyond a mere visual representation; it’s about encapsulating the essence of nature’s spontaneous beauty. Her passion for the art form emanates from a genuine love for the subjects she captures. The Garden of Ruby Stella Day Lilies became a living canvas for Katrina, where she painted with her lens, creating a narrative that transcends the boundaries of a typical photograph.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Katrina brings a wealth of experience from the restaurant industry. With two decades of dedication, her commitment to excellence extends into her current academic endeavors at Upskillist/Austin Peay University, where she is working towards achieving a Certificate in Floral Design. This combination of diverse skills and experiences enriches Katrina’s artistic perspective, adding layers of depth to her work.
In a world that often rushes past the intricate details of nature, Katrina Bennett’s work serves as a reminder to pause, appreciate, and find beauty in the unanticipated. Her journey, marked by a spartan yet conversational tone, reflects a genuine connection with the natural world and a commitment to capturing its fleeting moments. Through her lens, Katrina invites us to share in the wonder of her discoveries, fostering an appreciation for the untamed, unguided, and beautifully raw aspects of our surroundings.
