Stillness: Whispers From Nature

by Kent J. Burkhardsmeier

Stillness intertwines outdoor landscape images and original poems by photographic artist / author, Kent Burkhardsmeier. The poems reveal the author’s journey seeking peace in nature—through nature’s universal voice of presence, centering, and hope. The images offer space for the heart and mind to wander—carefree.

Award-winning photographer Kent J Burkhardsmeier discovered comfort during the pandemic while meditating on his outdoor nature images. The more time he spent with the prints, the more they whispered tranquility to his soul.

Stillness is the first book in the artist’s Whispers from Nature collection. Currently, he is working on the second book in the collection.

The Limited Edition is numbered and signed by author. Only 100 books are available.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Kent Burkhardsmeier grew up in the vast, open landscape of North Dakota where he began his interest in photography. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kent had a successful business career working at EDS and Microsoft. During that time of his life, he traveled extensively and lived in many places within the US, as well as internationally (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Italy, and the UK)—providing numerous opportunities to explore distant locations, meet wonderful people, immerse in their cultures, and photograph incredible places in nature.

Today, Kent lives in Deerfield Beach, Florida with wife, Susan.. Burkhardsmeier’s photographic art has been recognized internationally and exhibited in the US, the UK, and Cuba. His work is featured in LensWork Publishing’s 2016 and 2019 Seeing in SIXES books plus its 2020 Our Magnificent Planet book.

Reviews

[Melinda Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to treasure and revisit. Kent Burkhardsmeier is a gifted photographer and poet, and what he delivers in these pages is an almost spiritual experience. Every page is a testament to the power of nature to quiet the mind and fill the heart.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stillness: Whispers From Nature, is a collections of photographs that calm the soul, and enhance quiet reflection. The images are beautiful and moving. Kent captured a diverse of array of scenes from around the world. Through his photographs, he conveys a sense of calmness and stillness. The combination of the photos with his poetry is unique, and brings a new dimension to Kent's artistry.
There are many beautiful books of photos that have been published, but no other with the unique combination of photography and poetry from a single artist.

[Leanne Pardo]

Stillness by Kent Burkhardsmeier has the power to transport readers to their happy place. For me, the image of sky and palm trees on page 72, along with the poem Awakening, had me daydreaming about my annual vacation to Palm Springs. This feel good book is a fantastic gift idea for the holidays. Why not add a note about your happy place for the recipient to ponder? What a great way to connect during this oddly disconnected year of 2020.

[Paula G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Stillness: Whispers From Nature" feels like the author has gently taken your hand and is leading you through the landscapes. You can see them through his eyes and feel them with his words. The book is a wonderful escape into nature. Thanks you for letting us into your work for a short period of time.

[Shane Balkowitsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kent's photography mixed with his subtle and honest poems is something to behold. I felt as if I was with him when he snapped each exposure. I am so very happy to have his book on the shelf so that I can share it with others.

[Bill Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love photography. I love good photography. I love inspiring and insightful photography. Therefore, I love "Whispers From Nature". Most books of this genre will offer you stunning photographs with perhaps an explanation of where they were captured along with a pertinent side story. What Kent has done here is added his own poetry alongside these wonderful images. Now, when you view these images and your mind takes you on its own journey, you are given the opportunity to BE on that journey with the photographer. That is a very different experience that you owe yourself the opportunity to indulge in.

[Larry Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kent,
I’m overwhelmed by how good this is. I’m honored by the mention of our photo buddies. I’m impressed by the foreword written by Melinda Gates who does so much good in the world.

I love the photos I have seen and remember, and the poems that accompany them. I see inspirational posters.

Thank you for creating something that improves our lives and makes our coffee table better. I’m putting cotton gloves with it!

[Jennifer Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kent is a fabulous photographer and poet- this book is a work of art and has brought us lots of joy!

[Kevin Burkhardsmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a book and more than a group of pictures. The beautiful images captured in nature with restful, thoughtful words make this work a must for one coffee table. Not only is it presented with artistic character, it is done with wonderful class. I highly recommend it!
Kevin Burkhardsmeier

[Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

"we join the world's chorus
jubilation in awe"

These are the last two lines of Kent's poem entitled "first blue". When we first open his book, Stillness: Whispers From Nature, we are greeted with "jubilation in awe"; and the book continues to evoke imagery and word-songs until the very end. What makes it so remarkable for me is that, while I knew of Kent's amazing photography, I didn't know that his art also included the ability to translate the language of shadow and light into the language of sound and harmony. What a gift he has created with his camera; and what a gift he has made available for all of us to savor and cherish.

[Paula Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kent's photographs and poetry in "Stillness" are a treasure and a balm! Flipping through, the images take my breath away. But I am going to enjoy one each day, after waking, when my mind is quiet and free. Amidst pandemic and political upheaval, it will be a gift to be transported every day to a peaceful place in the wilds.

[Georgia C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stillness: Whispers of Nature is a filled with Kent Burkhardsmeier's gorgeous photography combined with insightful poetry. It offers a calming respite from the world. I enjoy reading it often and highly recommend it to others.

[Ashleigh]

I held

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful meditative journey.