Life is Still
Age: 7th and 8th grade photography
Artist Inspiration: Laura Letinsky and Johannes Vermeer
Objective: To experiment with the formal elements of composition while creating a still-life photograph.
Project Description:
This project began with the examination of Vermeer's still life paintings. We discussed the use of the formal elements of composition and compared the paintings to the work of a contemporary artist. Photographer Laura Letinsky uses everyday objects that can be found around the house and natural lighting to make still-life photographs that are beautiful and strange. The following prompt instigated discussion about her work:
"Another word for everyday objects that relate to the home is “domestic”. How do these images use domestic objects to tell a story?"
Our class worked together to construct still-lives inspired by Letinsky’s images.
Student reflection:
"My photograph involved a lot of use of the still man figure. I learned that the photos can be even more directed after your initial thought is taken away. I have never used still life before but thought that it has a lot of mystery and does one thing an un-still person can't do - be perfectly still! A helpful tip was that you can do so much more before than after taken the photograph like in photoshop."
Students collaborating on still life composition.