Allita Irby

My art work centers on the recording or documenting of nature. A collector since I was a child, I would play in the garden and meadow and bring home flowers, rocks and other found objects. 

My love of organics and botanicals is expressed in the Shinnecock (North American) Indian practice of making bundles of dried flowers and herbs wrapped in fabric and/or leather. Sage is included in the center of the bundle for good luck. The original concept of my “bundle” design was to honor the four directions: north, east, south and west and use the feather colors of white, yellow, black and red respectively (Native American). The four colors also correspond to the four seasons: white for winter, yellow for spring, black for summer and red for fall. It is also believed the four colors represent the four colors of mankind. I do not limit myself to four colors but use many feathers of other colors found in the rainbow which include blues, purples and greens. 

For my love of landscapes, sand and sea, I use photography to capture nature. I am fascinated by the multitude of blues in the skies and in different bodies of water. My subjects include flora, landscapes, and beachscapes. I aspire to capture in color the compositions, the detail, and clarity Ansel Adams photographed. In Yosemite National Park in 1968, where Adams’ photos of pine cones and eucalyptus leaves were on view, Mr. Adams was quoted to have said of his work, “My approach to photography is based on my belief in the aspects of grandeur and minutiae all about us”.

Found objects are incorporated into my three-dimensional art works. Plastic bags and natural materials make up a series of sculptures which represent braided hair styles.

I'm also a member of the Lake Authors of the Wilderness. 

Contact me for more information or to purchase any of the artwork shown. 

Allita Irby, Locust Grove, VA 22508, 301-928-4023, airby9@gmail.com