Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Still Life Found


I've always been fascinated by the still life. I've also found it extremely difficult to create a still life that doesn't look overly "set up." I do like the concept of the found still life. I suppose coming upon a collection of items that happen to appear as a nicely composed still life doesn't meet the strict definition of a still life, but I'm often drawn to such scenes because I see in them a stillness, a suspended moment that certainly relates to or reflects an aspect of someone's life. I understand that I'm applying an entirely different definition to the term "still life," but it better suits the way I see and make photographs.

Photo: ©2009 David W. Sumner

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your comment brought up memories of when I was about twelve. I attended adult painting classes and was also mentored by a cousin of my mother's who was a professional artist. In both cases we created so many still lifes, often with copper pitchers and bowls that reflected the light (hard to paint) and real flowers and fruit. And I like your idea of a still moment.

John W. Wall said...

Hi, Dave. I don't know the formal definition of "still life", but this excellent shot of what I take to be its usual subject matter is of a piece with much of your other work. To me, your still life vision extends beyond formal definitions.