Umbra - synonymous with with dark, murky, gloom. "Lily of the Umbra" is meant to remind us of the brightness, hope, and purity that can emerge out of the mire of life. As struggle is a condition for all people, either individually, or collectively, there will be islands of peace and beauty around which we can rally and take heart. The bright water lily was photographed growing in a murky pond. I was immediately drawn to the contradiction that this scene possessed, and knew I had to photograph it.