For the past decade, artist Myoung Ho Lee has been shooting trees around his native South Korea. However, these are no ordinary landscape shoots - he shoots each tree against a stark white canvas, creating the feel and focus of a studio portrait, and ultimately foregrounding what would normally be considered background. The result is an image that exemplifies purity, yet is quite elaborate to produce; creating each canvas to tree-size takes industrial cranes, ropes, and numerous extra sets of hands. The portraits are simple in concept yet complex in execution. 

After shooting, Lee retouches each image to erase any trace of man -“If the mechanics of the artwork were visible, it would be easier for people to recognize the scale and the method. But I want to hide them, to infuse a magical and vague aspect to my work, so that views may question and try to find answers themselves.” 

Our favorite (if we have to pick just one) is number II - with the hot air balloons in the background. What’s yours? 

A perfect - yet often overlooked place for a plant - is right there in front of you. 

TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR COFFEE TABLE INSTAGRAM-WORTHY: 

— Accessorize. A coffee table gives you a free pass to purchase that mini ceramic elephant you just have to have. Obviously. 

— Think “over and under”. Don’t forget to show bottom shelves some love, too. 

— Lack of storage? Contain creatively. Look for contains with unique textures and designs. 

— Mix modern and organic. Think shiny, oversized coffee table books, a big bowl of seashells, pillar candles in various heights, and a live plant in a swoon-worthy planter.

— Layer. Stack books, trays, bowls, & boxes to create height and strengthen the presence of favorite objects. 

Images via The Sill & Pinterest.