Birch Beauties
by Barbie Corbett-Newmin
Title
Birch Beauties
Artist
Barbie Corbett-Newmin
Medium
Photograph - 2d Digital Image, Watermark Not On Actual Print
Description
Chew the bark of one birch tree and call me in the morning! Because of the presence of Salicylic Acid, birch bark and twigs form the basis for traditional Native American medicines for pain relief and indigestion. Salicylic Acid is the ingredient used in aspirin. Native Americans in Northeastern US forests made wide use of the outer bark of white (or paper) birch for canoe construction, wigwam coverings, hunting and fishing gear; musical instruments, decorative fans, and children's sleds and toys. However, nowhere is the birch a bigger deal than in the USSR. The white birch is considered the national tree of Finland and Russia and is one of Russia's main symbols. Named for its thin and smooth white bark, which peels like layers from the trunk, it is probably the most common and most beloved plant. White birch species (Betula spp.) have wide usage in everyday life and folk medicine. Birches' thin trunks were frequently associated with a thin body of a young lady, while its spread boughs reminded of a girl’s braids. A birch also has catkins, or flowers, that are called ‘earrings’ in Russian, because it reminded ancient Russians about girl’s accessories. Therapeutic beating or scrubbing with leafy birch was an ancient spa procedure still wide spread into the 20th century. Birch tar was used for cleaning before soap came to Russia - and is still used in natural cosmetics. Birch bark souvenirs are still popular in many old Russian cities. Also the bark was used as manuscripts in 11-15th centuries before the mass production of paper. Russian peasants made shoes from birch barks up until as recently as the 1930s! This stand of birches was photographed in northwestern Russia and is soothing to the eyes!
Honored by features in FAA/Pixels curated groups:
USA Photographers ...10/06/2021
Vertical Images 10/06/2021
A Tree or Trees in Black and White...10/07/2021
Your Very Best Photography...10/10/2021
1 A Day Waiting Room Art...10/11/202
Bath and Spa Prints..11/08/2021
Just perfect 11/15/2021
Barbie Corbett-Newmin owned an award-winning Detroit advertising agency and served on the Board of the Paint Creek Center for the Arts in Rochester, Michigan. Since retiring she became an internationally award winning artist and photographer, exhibited in Art in Public Places in Charlotte County, FL, displayed in Florida galleries and has sold work internationally.
Look through the themed galleries to find just the thing for your home, office, note card, cell phone cover, pillows, cards, notebooks, T shirts or other decor, apparel and gift needs. Browse the attractive custom printing, matting and framing options available, all competitively priced. Your print will be beautiful, long-lasting and guaranteed, and no watermark will be visible. Your comments are appreciated. Come back often; new images are added frequently.
Uploaded
October 5th, 2021
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Comments (24)
Nikolyn McDonald
I love birch trees - the white bark is so distinctive: color, peeling texture, horizontal markings - and the trunks are so straight and tall. Lovely in color or perfect, as here, in black and white.
Gary F Richards
Magnificent capture, lighting, shading and artwork! F/L voted for this piece in the contest HIGH CONTRAST BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Leslie Struxness
Great photo and great description
Barbie Corbett-Newmin replied:
Thanks very much for your visit and compliment and for reading the information!!
Calvin Boyer
In addition to the banner, I am adding this more permanent recognition of its FEATURE on the homepage of A TREE OR TREES IN BLACK AND WHITE. I try mightily to feature only images that would be at home in a juried competition. No doubt that this image fits that bill. CONGRATULATIONS! And consider adding your image to DISCUSSIONS "Please post your featured photograph here" for greater, long-lasting visibility.
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