As artists, it's easy for us to look elsewhere for inspiration and forget that there are places unexplored in our own homes. I like to remind myself of this every so often and search for something obvious that I've never really looked at.
I have never been so attached to a pair of slippers in my life. In fact, I'd most likely frame them before I even considered the garbage. They're one of my theater acquisitions (when you work backstage, your house slowly becomes furnished with stuff from shows you worked on) and were worn by one of my favorite actresses/people. Working with her and getting to know her as an actual human being was an amazing experience. Oh, and they're from Anthropology, a place I will never be able to afford.
So wouldn't it seem only natural to take a closer look at something that means so much to me? Nope. Of course not. They're just slippers, right? It got me thinking, why keep all this stuff if I'm not going to take a closer look. If I'm not going to pay attention to the little details, what's the point?
Look at the stitching and how it's slowly coming apart, but even after years of wear, it mostly holds strong. And the hole, it's been there forever now, never growing in size, just big enough to slip my big toe through. The rest of the slipper is still in great shape, it's just this one little detail that gives away it's age.
So here's a new project for you. Find something you see every day, but never notice. Write a story about it, take a photograph, draw a picture, doesn't matter. Just pay attention. Go somewhere you've never been without leaving your home. I can say with all confidence that I've never taken such a close look at the hole in the toe of my favorite slippers.
I might just turn this into a blog "carnival" or meme or whatever you want to call it. We'll see how round one goes.
I love this idea. It's something I've thought about, not so much as an art project, but as a way to keep things that I wasnt to get rid of, if that makes any sense. Even better to do it in an artful/mindful manner. I will join you (even though I don't have a blog...).
I love the shot you took. Are these from MR? Comfy old slippers can't be beat.
Thanks! I'm really glad you're into participating. Obviously you don't need a blog (besides, if you wanted, you could just post it here). I really think it's a new/old source of inspiration that needs tapping into. Think of the stories those slippers could tell. Ha! Oh, and yes, they were MR's. :)
you must know i would love this one. i actually have a whole file of shots like this. need to revisit them and see what tales i can spin.
Seriously, are we kindred spirits or what? I can't wait to see what you have!
yeah, I like this idea. Something different than just shooting my kids and family all the time.
With a camera; right?!?
That had me laughing outloud. I didn't even catch it the first time.
Dumblond - That's exactly what inspired this. I was so tired of looking at and photographing the same stuff over and over. Glad you're into it!
Yeah, with a camera. Oh jeez that does look bad doesn't it.