How I choose items for Still Life set-ups (COVID edition)
On Sunday (May 31st) I’ll be on instagram live for another round of Studio Still Life Sessions. Just like last month’s session I’ll set up the still life on Saturday and take a few photos from a few different view points and upload them here. Feel free to work off these, or set up your own still life and work alongside everyone! All levels and disciplines of artists welcome!
If you’re interested in setting up your own still life (either Sunday or any other day!) - I thought I might share a little bit on how I go about finding the objects I use, during a time when I can’t exactly run out to our nearest thrift store or my favorite place, The Scrapbox.
Shopping my Basement
Even though we moved into this house almost 3 years ago, there are still a few plastic bins that are untouched in the basement. They still have the little sticker on them and everything. I like using these as places to start, because I’ve quite literally forgotten whats inside. It could be Christmas stuff (I KNOW there is a bin of plastic garland somewhere down there…) old sketchbooks, gardening tools… it’s an absolute toss up. I’ll pick a bin, commit to finding 2 -3 items and make those work.
Having someone else pick
This can be as simple as entrusting your still life to a family member or roommate, or as complicated as assigning numbers to a whole bunch of objects and letting someone (or random number generator online) pick what gets used. It all depends on how you want the final set up to look - people will tend to naturally choose items that look ‘nice’ together - so if you’re avoiding that, try the random aspect!
Think of a theme!
Themes can be handy when trying to create a still life. The more freedom you give yourself when picking objects, the less planned the table will look in the end. Choose a color and find things in your space that are that color, or shape, or texture; this can be a really neat way of examining certain truths behind surfaces and designs.
Curbside Treasures:
If you’ve got gloves and some time, consider checking your local ‘free’ item site, and see what’s being left out on the curb. I’ve found a few fun lamp bases and baskets that I’ve used in my setups a few times. I realize that this is slightly different in the time of a pandemic, so if you do go this route remember to wear gloves, sanitize the item and wear a mask if you think you’ll come into contact with people!
This is what I’m starting with - can anyone guess the theme?
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Studio Still Life Sessions
I’ve had such a wonderful response to the live workshop/Q+A’s/hangout times I’ve been holding on instagram, so thank you all for joining in these last few weeks! It’s a been a nice bright spot to talk with you all in the midst of some really scary, strange times.
You may have been present for a Sunday afternoon last week when I hosted a live still life event on instagram, and I’m excited to announce that this session will now be held monthly on the last Sunday of the month at 3 pm EST!
For each session I’ll set up a still life in my studio; some will have themes, some will focus on a certain line or movement, some will be more abstract and some less so. Ideally there will be something for everyone to work from.
Once it is set up I’ll have photos from multiple angles uploaded here, so you can draw with me, set up your own still life, or simply come hang out. I always enjoy seeing what people make during these — so feel free to add your setups, sketches or what-have-you to #studiostilllife!
Here’s an example from @mjenkins_art;
I love how multi-layered her set-up is, the addition of the mirror would make for some really neat play with reflections too!
The next live still life will be happening on Sunday, May 31st at 3pm est - I’d love to see you there!
A few shots from the last event:
No RSVP or anything required, just mark your calendar, stay tuned the day before to see the uploaded photos (unless you are making your own still life) and join in.
<3