We are a world that loves stuff. One look at the tv show Hoarders will confirm that, as human beings, we develop emotional and psychological attachments to objects. Certain things may represent for us the physical manifestation of the memory of a time, a place, a relationship. Canadian artist Christopher Stott celebrates this connection by elevating every day objects to the subject of portraiture.
Stott takes simple objects, isolating them against a neutral, traditionally lit backdrop, he treats them his subjects tenderly, as another portrait artist might portray the innocence of a child or quiet strength of a grandmother.
Compositions containing multiple objects take on an interesting dynamic– they seem to communicate, to regard and relate to each other in an almost human-like way.
By choosing subjects with an already inherent history, the artist celebrates the lives of these every day objects– the people they have served, the differences they may have made to a human life, the treasured memories that may be associated with their torn pages and chipped paint.
To see more of Christopher Stott’s work, please visit his website. Maybe these portraits will inspire you to look at your “stuff” a bit differently!
Featured image is Quartet, oil on canvas, 48×24. All images are via the artist’s website.
Mac
January 5, 2012 at 10:18 AMFantastic Art! Great post thank you!
Lesley
January 5, 2012 at 10:42 AMGlad you liked it, Mac! Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers!
Lesley
Tsulaa
January 5, 2012 at 1:14 PMWOW! I can’t even begin to describe how amazing these are! I’m definitely checking out the site. Thanks!
Lesley
January 5, 2012 at 1:17 PMGlad you enjoyed Chris’s work, Tsulaa! Thanks so stopping by, hope to see you again soon. 😉
Cheers!
Lesley
Beth Parker
January 5, 2012 at 1:32 PMI love your site, Leslie. You’re doing a great job and I’ll be watching for more. 🙂 By the way, I found you (via facebook) from your post on those 6′ ice words. Fascinating!
Lesley
January 5, 2012 at 1:37 PMThanks so much, Beth! This site is truly a work of my heart. I’m glad you enjoyed visiting! Be sure and take a look around, there are so many tremendously talented artists that have been featured! Be on the lookout for a fun little retrospective post tomorrow. 🙂
Cheers!
Lesley
barbaraelka
January 12, 2012 at 8:32 PMI enjoyed your blog very much
Lesley
January 13, 2012 at 7:57 AMI’m so glad, Barbara! Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers,
Lesley