In Clarence’s Footsteps: Valentina Pulinetti

Occasional pop-up photo exhibitions on www.clarencebicknell.com – number 2

In italiano: https://clarencebicknell.com/sulle-orme-di-clarence-valentina-pulinetti/

Valentina Pulinetti

Valentina Pulinetti, a young self-taught award-winning nature photographer, shares Clarence’s great passion for nature. “My passion for nature and animals prompted me to dedicate myself to this photographic genre that can give many emotions and satisfactions.” She lives in Sanremo in Western Liguria – Italy’s rocky northwest corner – and has been dedicating herself to this photographic genre for thirteen years, which can be extremely satisfying. During her excursions, she searches for the most beautiful and rare botanical species, as well as hoping to see and photograph wild animals. During the spring and summer, she goes on several occasions to the Vallée des Merveilles and the Val Fontanalba to enjoy the same beauty that Clarence also loved. The Vallée des Merveilles, located in the Mercantour National Park, is a small natural paradise in the Maritime Alps an hour and a half from Nice. This fascinating place is known to nature lovers for its wild landscapes, crystalline lakes, rocky mountains and various flora and fauna. Visitors can explore vast areas of marked trails, ideal for trekking and hiking. In addition, the Valley is home to a varied fauna, including ibex, chamois and marmots as well as a large number of birds, including numerous birds of prey.

See Valentina’s photos in the gallery below – click on an image for larger, and browse through

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Valley is its archaeological heritage, with over 40,000 rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, which tell ancient stories through symbols and depictions of animals and tools. Clarence Bicknell sought out, copied and catalogued 11,000 of them in 12 summers from 1897. In the Mercantour National Park, 2,067 plant species have been recorded, including many rare and endemic ones. Among the most characteristic plants are Alpine Rhododendrons, which colour the slopes with their pink flowers; Gentians, famous for their intense blue; Edelweiss, a symbol of the mountains, which grow in extreme conditions; and Wild Orchids, which add a touch of elegance to the Alpine meadows. There is certainly no shortage of rarities such as Saxifraga florulenta which grows on the cliffs and rock faces over 2,000 m above sea level. As Valentina reminds us “mountain flowers should be admired in their natural environment and should not be picked, because those who love nature respect and protect it. The best collection of plants can easily be made with photography.” Many of the flowers photographed by Valentina are those that Clarence Bicknell painted… https://clarencebicknell.com

Valentina adds “My greatest passion, in addition to that for photography, is that for horses, wonderful animals with which I share unique moments in the saddle. I am associated with the UIF (Italian Union photo – amateurs). I continually participate in national competitions and with my great pleasure I have already received numerous prizes and awards. I made some photographic exhibitions that have enjoyed pleasant appreciation. I collaborate with the editorial staff of Travel-Eat, head of the MoreNews group, where I take care of a column dedicated to the flowers of Liguria.” When she does not have her camera in her hand Valentina is a real estate agent. She has a master’s degree in law.