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
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.
A tilt, a shift, a new angle. When we distance ourselves from the negative inputs, and look to more positive influences, everything changes. A geometric pattern with converging lines and affirming blue gives us a focal point that looks amazing in a contemporary home or office.
All the pieces, thje patterns, the colors. Just like all the experiences we have that make us into the person we are.
Passing a pool plastering truck, I noticed that the shotcrete hoses had an interesting triangle pattern, and the coil created an arch. The owner of the company said it was a first when he saw me taking photos of this. This is a fun abstract industrial art piece to get people talking. Perfect for a lobby or conference room.
Curves and straight lines, about as opposite as you can get. All of our experiences in life ride the spectrum of contrasts. There really is no beginning and end. Everything becomes easier when we recognize this truth.
Let's throw out gender-specific themes. How about allowing pink, blue,and that non-specific yellow to live in harmony? A running board has a lot to say here. A fun art piece for a child's room or a living room that could use the unity this abstract art provides.
For all the miles this Studebaker truck has traveled, the plastic cap on the headlamp is still intact. They don't make 'em like that anymore. For the person who has been through it all and still shines bright, honor them with this meaningful wall art.
Now how do you comb through that? These would be really amazing dreadlocks to have, but in actuality, they are flowers on a King palm tree. I passed them on a walk and came right back with camera and tripod because they were so intriguing to me. Repetitive pattern artwork works well for reducing stress.
A natural and undisturbed arrangement of window glass shattered picks up colors and sparkles like diamonds.
Can you read the first line on the chart? A scrambled visual acuity test and humor for my eye doctor. I will forever hear your words, "one or two?"
Who says square pegs don't fit in round holes? You've just got to give everything a chance. This close up is of a wheel well of a vintage wagon used in Death Valley to haul lumber and borax. The square pegs are redwood cross sections.
Walking along Rockport Harbor in Maine, amidst all the larger vessels sat a small boat. I loved the placement of the oars and rope, and the colors. The message I heard was when the moter fails, pick up the oars and row. Buy inspirational wall art for your office as a reminder of your personal strength.
A network of intricately woven patterns, just like our own inner architecture. Emotions are our first screen for the infromation we receive, and how fitting that the color red of passion is right up front. An intriguing abstract to ponder deeply into.
The saying goes "objects in mirror are closer than they appear." And yet, I think the clouds in this vintage vehicle's side mirror loom larger than in the sky. Symbolic wall art for reflecting on where thinking is clouded with judgements.
"Socket Man, burning out his fuse up here alone." Oh, c'mon, laugh. A fun and silly face find in the bathroom of all places.
An orchid plant sends up a long-awaited branch of flowers that looks like a bonzai tree.
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. Hang this inspired wall art where you need that reminder to keep moving forward.
I've been told I have an eye for detail. Maybe because I notice things like this weed, and in this humble object, I see an intense love of life, of the magic the universe produces if we are willing to just take our time to notice. Consider enriching your personal space with emotional abstract art. You deserve to be reminded of the beauty that exists in you and all around you, no matter how humble.
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 speak to you.
We all have places and experiences we want to add to our lives, but for a moment, be grateful for all you've already experienced. There's a lot of color in your life.
A La Catrina sculpture of a dog on a leash out for a walk with a shadow dog and alternating bars of dark and light. I chased this photo for the first weeks of the pandemic, and it gave me hope. If you collect La Catrina art, consider adding this to your collection.
With the top seeds already lifted, a masculine dark interior is revealed with a feminine, light exterior of wispy stars bursting outwards.
Eager faces at attention, hanging on your every word. What is this, you ask? An old cash register. Someone's taken the number coverings off the keys, and left our friends here naked in the elements.
You enter the house of mirrors and you think you see. But with each slight movement, everything shifts and distorts and bends. We flow in a constant change throughout life; seeking and continuously altering our perceptions, getting to the understanding that we are part of everything. Do you see a Rabbi too?
Handthrown terra cotta pottery painted in geometric patterns inherited from the Incans. I love how the placement at the market created a pattern within a pattern. Add some Pervian spice to your decorating with this image as your kitchen wall art. Or for your restaurant.
A lightbulb stood the test of time still intact on a vintage, rusted Studebaker. Wouldn't classic car art be perfect for an entrepreneur's office?
I admire freshly-fallen raind balancing on leaves. Each drop reminds me of my hopes and dreams. As they merge into the pond, I recall that I am connected to everything.
Imagine a vine inching upwards, its branches staggered in the same fashion that we experience and learn in steps. I found this radiator discarded at a lumbermill developing a beauty in its ageing patina. Let this piece of rustic art remind you to reach ever upward.
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.
