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Artwork copyright Shelley Jordon. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Still Lifes

Still life artworks have existed throughout history and many cultures. A "still life" is an artwork that shows objects that don't move, such as fruit and other food flowers, vases, bowls, books, and more. The objects are often carefully arranged, and they are often common, everyday things.

A still life can be about the shapes, color, light, and/or composition. The objects may also be symbolic. They make you look at the world differently, more carefully. They might be about a mood or about the artist's skill. Often, there is a suggestion of human life nearby. They celebrate life and its small pleasures, that life is good, but they can also warn that life is short.