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.
