“Cultivating Conversations in Photography” opened at the Troy University International Arts Center Monday evening with an artists’ reception for fine art photographer Elmore DeMott of Montgomery and current Troy University students

DeMott is an award-winning photographer widely recognized for images with a unique dramatic feel.

“Elmore DeMott found her inspiration through nature, primarily flowers, which prompted her photographic series, ‘Flowers for Mom,’” said Carrie Jaxon, IAC curator. “This led her to take a photo of a different flower every day for the past three years.”

Jaxon said DeMott reveals a unique perspective of finding beauty in what mostly goes unnoticed.

“Her enthusiasm for collaboration and education became the basis of the International Arts Center’s first collaborative exhibition between a professional working artist and current Troy University students,” Jaxon said.

Participating in the exhibition is Troy University’s Art and Design’s advanced photography class, led by photography professor Irby Pace. Participating Troy University Students are Hannah Singleton, Alex McCurdy, Ashley Sulzby, Chloe Lyle, Laura Bess Sullivan, Lydia Welch and Rachel Riley.

“Students were able to meet the artist and talk about her body of work and her life as a professional. They also received career advice from the active photographer,” Jaxon said.

“‘Cultivating Conversations in Photography’ reveals the eight unique creative responses of Troy University’s participating student artists and Irby Pace with Elmore DeMott.

“Among the dialogue which unfolds between the students and the professional, the viewer is able to appreciate the collaborative effort which bridges the gap between the educational and professional sector.”

DeMott said she is passionate about the power of art to inspire, to challenge, and to soothe the soul.

Her work includes exhibiting fine art photography, writing, and venturing out on speaking and photographic adventures that take her throughout her home state of Alabama and beyond.

“My passion for the wonders of Mother Nature inspired me to begin my ‘Flowers for Mom’ series in August 2016 to honor my mother’s Alzheimer’s journey and celebrate nature,” DeMott said. “Each day I seek a flower to photograph as a way to pause and acknowledge something beautiful, even on days wrought with the challenges of those in the circle of one with brain disease.”

DeMott said her “Flowers for Mom” discipline has opened her eyes to new buds, flowers both faded and full, and bees pollinating the garden to ensure future blooms.

“The tangible proof that life goes on,” she said.

Maria Shriver, founder of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, recognized Elmore DeMott as an “Architect of Change” and shined a spotlight on “Flowers for Mom.”

As a testament to the power of DeMott’s work as it resonates with people, Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, the Montgomery of Fine Arts and the Harrison Galleries in Tuscaloosa are among the many art centers, health centers and publications from Alabama to New York to Italy that have featured DeMott’s “Flowers for Mom.”

DeMott is appreciative of those who have joined her on her Camera Journey as she creates striking images with uncommon perspectives and lasting impressions.

The exhibition will be featured in the IAC Lobby Exhibition Space through July 26. Admission is free.