Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #111: Everyday Objects

Patti today has set a challenge which for me is very difficult. One of the things I love doing with my photography is to take unusual photos of everyday objects, although often my objects are outdoors. Today, however, after spending a long time browsing through files and amassing way too many possibilities for the challenge, I finally decided on just four, plus a quote I came across only minutes before the challenge arrived but what I’d like to think inspires my photographic aims.

Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. ~Roald Dahl

Let’s start with a little something for the body as well as the soul.

Sometimes when cooking, or in this case baking, I have to quickly get my phone to take a photo. These are liquid ingredients for a recipe.

Years ago, my sister-in-law and I went on a splendid trip which included Vicenza, Italy where I found some beautiful perfume bottles which I managed to get home intact. 🙂

Finally a little something from our living room in Illinois, where nothing is free of the possibility of being decorated for Christmas.

One enjoyable sidelight of this challenge was seeing many photos I hadn’t seen in some time and was delighted to discover all over again. Thank, Patti.

for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #111: Everyday Objects

Shipping out

While waiting for our plane on Thursday afternoon, we spotted a small jewel in our little corner of San Francisco International Airport, an exhibit entitled: “From Ship to Shore.”  Since the exhibit is located on the wrong side of security, I guess only travelers see it, but we enjoyed it.  And since I’ve been waiting for hours for the Weekly Photo Challenge to be posted (to no avail, so far), I find the waiting aspect of this post particularly apropos!!

Sailors were at sea for many weeks or months, providing time at least occasionally to wile away, so they expressed any artistic bend by decorating the everyday objects that they used or made, thus transforming them into anything but ordinary.  Wood, rope, bone, shell…all were used to create beauty, sometimes for daily use, sometimes to take home to family.  Some men eventually sold their crafts when they were onshore or might even be hired for specific commissions.

Here are some of the works of art on display.  Unfortunately, the venue isn’t conducive to being able to find a spot without reflections, so you’ll have to enjoy them as is.  If you’d like to see more examples from this display, you may click here:  http://www.flysfo.com/museum/exhibitions/ship-shore-nautical-arts-san-francisco-maritime-national-historical-park.  And for how to dress at the seaside, visit “People, Places and Bling”, http://peopleplacesandbling.com/2013/09/26/paris-tips-embracing-sailor-chic/.

Still life without veggies (or roosters)

I’ve never been a big fan of traditional still life pictures. Here are some examples of still life photos (since if I did drawings of them, they’d be unrecognizable) of things around our house that I like. They may not be “still life” in the traditional sense, but I hope you enjoy them.

Gnarly

My parents bought me this coat rack in Cody, Wyoming many years ago as a surprise and I’ve treasured its beauty in my everyday life, as well as the love it represents, each day since.

Practical beauty

I know you thought from the title that you were going to read and see pictures about me, but sorry to say, it ain’t so.  Alas.  But weep not.  I think you’ll enjoy what follows almost as much. 🙂