Elevating the Ordinary. Creative Prompt.
Creating a post inspired by something in a contributor’s writing continues this week. Again, a not-planned post, but a companion or response piece that formed into an idea for a prompt as I did the layout and upload for the Twisty Tree Dee story and reflected on Dee’s words…“April sees possibilities in the ordinary”.
My thoughts lead to… Why not share a prompt about elevating the ordinary through photo-art this week? And, I knew exactly what photos I wanted to share for inspiration. Thanks to Dave for providing these engaging closeup images that showcase the lines, texture and earthy elements of harvested garlic when studied and magnified.
“Our lives are stories built of small moments. Ordinary experiences. It is too easy to forget that our days are adding up to something astonishing. We do not often stop to notice the signs and wonders.”
Photo Credit: Dave Tebby • Garlic Harvest • 2019
Creative Prompt: “Elevating the Ordinary”
Invitation.
I invite you to create photo art by featuring an ordinary item. This creative prompt is about noticing as we create art. Often, inspiration and source material for art making and creative expression can come from our day-to-day experiences… the familiar… the ordinary.
This is an invitation to focus in on these ordinary items and spend some time noticing the understated or subtle beauty these objects provide us when we take the time to really observe the visual offerings of colours, shapes, lines, textures, patterns and marks.
Have fun as you capture images of the ordinary through the camera lens. You can take close-up photos like the samples shared in this post below, create a unique setting in which you showcase your selected object, create a story narrative, or take that item on a location adventure to find alternate settings where you can place and photograph it.
Materials.
• An object - Find your inspiration in the ordinary! Discover something in nature or find something from your everyday space. This ordinary object can be your creative starting point. The possibilities are endless!
• A camera is the other needed item for this creative prompt.
The Beauty of Recently Harvested Garlic.
“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph”
Photo Credit: Dave Tebby • Garlic Harvest • 2019
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
Photo Credit: Dave Tebby • Garlic Harvest • 2019
“The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”
Photo Credit: Dave Tebby • Garlic Harvest • 2019
“Photography is the beauty of life captured.”
Photo Credit: Dave Tebby • Garlic Harvest • 2019
“Even the most ordinary life is a mystery if you look close enough.”
Possibilities in the Ordinary.
Have fun finding something ordinary to inspire your photo art. The ordinary becomes elevated by creating interesting photo compositions from closeups, scenes or still-life groups. All the while taking the time to notice and be present in that space. Photo art projects like these can become such interesting and playful personal art projects to explore.
And, remember that even taking the time to just notice the ordinary object and reflect upon it in your mind brings you into the process, directs your gaze and focus and encourages a mindful moment.
