Summary
Well-known orchidist Max Fulcher is also a dab hand at flower illustration and photography. This new book demonstrates his deep love of nature. Never one to get bogged down in political correctness, Max revels in the language of flowers, and despite some poetic licence his visuals are exceedingly accurate—after all he draws from life—in vibrant living colour. Behind each soft petal lies painstaking work—intricate lines, often more telling than the sumptuous overlay of the finished illustration.
Some artists and illustrators work in oils. Others pen-and-wash, or watercolour. Max extends his artistic bent to effortlessly draw his subjects freehand on the computer—using just his trusty mouse. Mastering the creative power of the computer, just as he mastered advertising copywriting, art and photography in years gone by, his motto—Learn by doing!
Journeying through the decades, Time Traveler Max has worn many hats. First an advertising guru (50s, 60s and 70s), then photographer-at-large through Asia and the Pacific Rim (80s) and finally, with the advent of Apple Mac, desktop designer and artist (into the 90s and the new millennium). In this book Max takes us through, writing as he speaks, in shorthand—MaxSpeak!
Aside from some witty dialogue where the author encourages the flowers to speak for themselves, each illustration is accompanied by its common name, as well as the correct scientific name (necessary because common names vary so widely from place to place). Scientific names come in two main parts—genus and species. At the time scientific names were invented by Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s, Latin was the language of learning. Hence, we are saddled with Latinised scientific names. The first part of the name (the genus)is like a human surname, grouping related plants together. The second part (the species) is like a Christian name, but quite unique. But what to do when some wonderful cultivar has no name or has lost its name? Easy! Do what plant growers have been doing for years … call it a noid (meaning no I.D.).
About the Author
“What do you do for a living Max – photographer, artist, writer, promoter?”
“Yes.”
Journalists ask the question. They get a straight answer. Max sees himself as Jack of all Trades. A good Australian all-rounder.
Partner in a highly successful advertising agency in Sydney during the 70s and 80s, media claimed him as a 'traveling bon vivant' when he set to, adventuring the Orient and South Pacific in the 90s, creating garden and travel pieces for glossies and lifestyle magazines. Invitations to parties at Rangoon, his inner-city Sydney home, with its tropical orchid garden, became the hot ticket. His first book the enchanted orchid has sold 8000 copies worldwide, and is presently in its second edition.
Max now works from a slice of tropical paradise on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Indeed, his stylish entertaining continues and his orchid collection now numbers upwards of 2000 plants. He designs and produces creative material for clients, drawing on a diverse range of specialist skills and talents, using the latest communications and design technology. He also workshops marketing strategies and is highly sought after for troubleshooting the promotional plans of South-East Queensland business leaders and creative professionals.
To find out more about Max, visit www.maxfulcher.com.
