Concept
These are images are taken with objects that I have borrowed or found around my home, using them to create Vanitas style still life’s. For my compositions I have tried to make them as aesthetically pleasing as possible, opting for more vintage objects to create a traditional still life approach to my project, much like in the style of Vanitas.
For each of my individual images I have tried to create a theme with the objects that I’ve found. For example, with my first image I have tried to create a castaway/beach theme; finding shells and rocks to put in the foreground to help try and create this feel. I have also attempted to find objects with similar textures and patterns so as they compliment each other in the final composition. I also find that these objects are better to photograph, being able to capture the sharpness and detail of these patterns.
I have also tried to keep with some of the themes of Vanitas, using objects that invoke typical symbols present in such artwork. These include watches which reflect the theme of ‘brevity of time’ and rotting fruit which shows ‘decay’.
Influences
Images above:
https://format-com-cld-res.cloudinary.com/image/private/s–zM4LAXVe–/c_limit,g_center,h_1200,w_65535/a_auto,fl_keep_iptc.progressive,q_95/1_Steenwyck_vanitas_wy3ylp.jpg
http://collectie.groningermuseum.nl/wwwopacx/wwwopac.ashx?command=getcontent&server=images&value=1900_1930%5C1919.0251.jpg
My main influence has come from Harmen Steenwyck’s still life paintings, which I think show the Vanitas style very well. I like the compositions of these pieces, as they incorporate a number of different objects which work together and have an aesthetic quality to them. In Steenwyck’s work, each of the objects in his paintings each symbolise some element of human life. For example, musical instruments signify ‘pleasure’ to the senses, watches and clocks which symbolise the ‘brevity of time’ and skulls, which show death.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/harmen-steenwyck-still-life-an-allegory-of-the-vanities-of-human-life
http://markscheider.deviantart.com/gallery/
Another influence for my project has come from Mark Scheider’s still life photography. Mark Scheider is a photographer on deviant art, who has created a number still life’s in the style of Vanitas, some which make use of classic elements such as books and lamps; whereas others he takes a more modern interpretation, using junk food and coffe cups to provide a modern interpretation of the Vanitas style. I particularly like his ‘New Vanitas’ still life, as it takes a new spin on the classic still life by bringing it up to date through the use of modern themes and objects.
Alternatives
Reflection
This brief was my first chance at actually using a DSLR camera to create the still life images. Having not had much experience with them, before starting this course, I have soon been able to pick up most of the necessary techniques to be able to take good quality photographs. Overall, I am pleased with the final products that I have created; in particular the third image, which I think demonstrates a good overall composition and has been able to capture the sharpness of the detail present in the box and on the watch face.
Whilst most of my objects do not relate to that of the Vanitas theme, I hope that my images overall reflect the style of it, trying to encapsulate the traditional still life through photographic methods. I also took a few bits of inspiration from Mark Scheider, by trying to create a quite modern styled Vanitas still life.