Trying to keep busy during the pandemic can often feel like an insurmountable prospect to those of us creatives who made a living with music pre-pandemic. Or any other profession that nearly dropped out of existence. For me, it took months to get into some kind of flow again and regain any desire to create. It was as though the rug was pulled out from under my feet. I know I am not alone in this.
Now, when I have an idea, I push myself to act on it. It may feel like pushing a boulder up hill, but once I get going, it’s not so bad.
Recently I had the idea to try something new with my photography. I’d been seeing posts with photos of people recreating images of famous paintings and they were brilliant! That gave me the idea to try creating still lifes with objects I had on hand in the style of the old masters paintings.
I discovered there was far more work in gathering the objects, providing backdrops, staging them, lighting them, restaging them, and putting them all back where they belong again than actually taking the picture. With the help of a friendly neighbour who allowed me to raid his shelves for some interesting items, and a couple of good days when I felt energetic, I managed to get some shots that I think turned out pretty good. I had loads of fun and learned a few things, too.
Here they are… (click on photo to see a larger view)
