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

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.