Laurie Peek has done everything photographic: newspaper, event, documentary, marketing, from the very personal to the very public, but at this point in a highly-eventful life and career, she’s focused on fine art photography, alternative processes, and a high-touch, painterly approach to her work. “In Lieu of Flowers” offers lyrical abstractions, hand-crafted marvels, composite concoctions quite literally grown in and assembled from her own garden. Originally the project was part of her recovery from personal loss. It has become an offering to others, in lieu of flowers, memorializing feelings for which words are quite inadequate. These images are decorative without being trite, emotionally-loaded without sentimentality, and possessed of the unity in variety that is a grail for artists of all persuasions. Ansel Adams said that a photograph is usually looked at – seldom looked into. Laurie Peek’s portfolio invites and rewards a long linger, and a return visit.