Assignment Instructions:
Still Life Photograph
Still Life- One of the principal genres (subject types) of Western art - essentially, the subject matter of a still life painting or sculpture is anything that does not move or non (or no longer) living. Still-life includes all kinds of man-made or natural objects, cut flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish, game, wine, and so on. Still-life can be a celebration of material pleasures such as food and wine, or often a warning of the ephemerality of these pleasures and of the brevity of human life.
More info on still life here: Review post: STILL LIFE
Instructions:
1. Use your phone camera to take a still-life photograph of objects that express your personal identity. Think of objects that are important to you or just part of your daily life.
Here are some questions that might help you start choosing objects:
Do the objects have cultural importance to you and your family? What do you eat often? What specific clothes do you wear? What video games, books, movies are important to you? The options are endless; just choose objects that give the viewer a sense of who you are.
Process:
Arrange the objects to create an interesting, thoughtful composition. Think about how you arrange the objects based on levels of importance. For example, if you really love soccer and include a soccer ball in your composition, make sure it is clearly visible and not obscured by other, less important objects.
Make sure your photograph is well lit. You can use overhead lighting, table lamps, or natural light to light your photograph. Just make sure the image is not dim.
2. Write a detailed paragraph about the subject matter and context of your photograph. Next, describe the content of the photograph. What are you trying to convey with this image?
Remember:
Subject Matter = the person, object, or space depicted in a work of art.
Content = the meaning, message, or feeling expressed in a work of art
Context = circumstances surrounding the creation of a work of art, including historical events, social conditions, biographical facts about the artist, and their intentions
3. Submit your final photograph and paragraph in a single word file. Make sure your name and date are at the top of the document.