Everyday Objects as Art
An out-of-the-ordinary view of everyday objects as art.
“It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.”
–Alfred North Whitehead
"Personal Strength." In a harbor amidst many larger vessels sat a small boat. I loved the placement of the oars and rope, and the colors. This is such a symbolic photo of having personal strength. Life will throw us challenges like motors failing. No wishing that away will help. You have to pick up the oars and row.
"Wavelengths." Extending out in pastel arcs, an energy vibrates from the center as though a universe stretches out into the cosmos. A beautiful piece to look at for the millenia where soft colors complement your interior. Are you on the same wavelength as me?
"Intimate Touch." At first glance, the curves and tan color look like human body parts, but in reality, this is a close-up of two tan eggs leaning into each other. That's a kiss of intimacy, and breakfast once this photo shoot is over.
"Square Pegs." Who says square pegs don't fit in round holes? You've just got to give everything a chance. This is a close-up of a wheel well on a vintage wagon used in Death Valley to haul lumber and borax. So yes, there was a round hole called a wheel. And lots of square pegs.
"Consider the Spinning Lilies." From Luke 12:27, "Consider the lilies, they neither toil or spin." A visual message about being anxious. Worry is unbelief. We all need a reminder at some point. Let this artwork help you to keep the faith.
"Many Paths." Looking closely at the stamens of this Easter lily, I am reminded that in life, we start from one place, but encounter so many possible paths. None is necessarily right or wrong. Just keep moving forward.
"Emergence." An orchid plant sends up a long-awaited branch of flowers that looks like a bonzai tree. How often do we value the flower over the potential of what is inside the bud?
"Stay at Home Command." I chased this photo for the first few weeks of the pandemic lock down. My La Catrina sculpture with a dog on a leash out for a walk created a shadow scene each morning that gave me purpose.
"Gear Head." Little ideas feeding into bigger ones, and around they turn. Dark recesses live amidst the radiant energy, as fanciful swirls of thought patterns fade one into another. Striking red grunge art for the gear head in your life.
"Humble Beauty." Do you notice the detail in simple objects like this weed? There's magic in what the universe produces. Remind yourself of the beauty that exists in you and all around you.
"Socket Man." Burning out his fuse up here alone. A fun and silly face I found. Perfect for the electrician in your life.
"Blue Morphos and the Sun." Complimentary blue and yellow, calm and sunny. The blue morpho butterfly fluttering towards the sun symbolizes high energy and change. Put those qualities front and center with this 'make you smile' art.
"Nature's Dreadlocks." How do you comb through these? Amazing dreadlocks, but in actuality, they are flowers on a King palm tree. Did you knnow that repetitive patterns help reduce stress? You'll need that after you try to comb these out.
"Yin Yang." With the top seeds already lifted, a masculine dark interior is revealed with a feminine, light exterior of wispy stars bursting outwards. We each carry the yin and the yang.
"Raindrops." Freshly-fallen rain balancing on leaves reminds me of my hopes and dreams. As they merge into the pond, I recall that I am connected to everything.
"Personal Boundaries." When space isn't an option, nature knows how to protect itself. For that important reminder about healthy personal boundaries, let this nature wall art give you a nudge. Ouch!
Everyday objects presented as works of art create a playful display in your home or business.
There’ll be second looks. I promise.
The beauty of everyday objects is that they hold secrets that most of us walk right by. The little details create amazing oversized artwork to add an intriguing accent to your decor. You won’t take these objects for granted anymore. Sink into the textures, details, patterns, and colors.
I’ve taken a second look many times. On those spur-of-the-moment occasions, like out walking dogs, I noticed a King Palm in bloom. What a gorgeous depth of purples. Or looking at an old truck, I notice clouds drifting by in a rearview mirror, sort of mocking the sky. On a walk, I spied a small pool of water with an arrangement of fall leaves holding onto the night’s raindrops.
Other times, I have a vision of an object and want to create the shot myself. That’s a great thing for summertime since where I live is beyond hot. Abstract still life allows me to control lighting and shoot the subject without the issues wind brings. Plus, if the weather is bad, I can literally work from home. I have a little studio in my office and turn the whole place upside down to create the shot I want. It looks so simple when completed, but there is a lot that goes into these shots. And a lot to clean up.
One of these shots was a piece of sculpture art I see every day at home. But one morning, I noticed how the morning sun created an interesting shadow on the wall. The La Catrina image was brought to life at the start of lockdown during COVID-19. That everyday object as art gave me a reason to move forward at such a difficult time.
Lots of other everyday objects around my house get scrutinized as potential models. Making breakfast one morning, I saw the graceful curves two eggshells make as they intimately lean into each other. And yes, that became an everyday object presented as a work of art. I personally love it for the reaction people have when they see it. And that’s the point: to give us a different perspective that’s both entertaining, creative, and sparks imagination.
What I find unique about still life macro photography is the focus on problem-solving it introduces. There’s always a lot of work to get the scene just right, making sure the background is clean and having the light fall in the right places without creating hot spots. One of my favorite still life photographers inspires me so much, and she makes this all look simple: Mary Jo at Still.
The experience puts me into the flow of creativity. We take so much in our lives for granted, and this type of art allows me to feel grateful for things I may have never given the time of day to. I hope that you fall in love with one of these everyday objects. This type of abstract photography art accents your wall space and reminds you to be appreciative.
