Patti, author of Pilot Fish Blog, offers this week’s topic for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #111:“Everyday Objects.” In her post, she throws out this challenge: “take another look at everyday objects and see them from a different perspective.” Even though we’ve been home, inside and isolated, pretty much the whole time of the COVID quarantine since March, it was fun looking around with a different perspective at what we collect and use in our home.
In the photo above, you see five little sock monkeys that have definitely been around. Some were stitched and clothed by my mother; others were picked up at antique shops. But through it all, they’ve remained friends, comforting each other in this old barrister’s bookcase. Just hangin’ out as pals do, of course.
As long-time collectors of antiques, we’ve used our collectibles, especially antique quilts, in decorating our condo. One old quilt hangs over a banister, another highlights a wall, and yet another drapes gently over an old apple-picking ladder. The quilt in this picture, purchased from an antique shop in Texas Hill Country, graces a double bed, one of the first antiques we ever bought.

Sometimes, everyday objects look different depending on how you view them. Close-up photography can produce a graphic image or highlight textures and lines you might not have seen until you study a piece more closely — like this rush seat in an antique ladder-back chair.

Moving a familiar object into a different light can also make you see something you hadn’t noticed before. This buoy purchased in Maine has withstood much in its time — or so it seems when you look closely at the weathering, cracking, and crazing going on with the painted surface.

Even a stack of vintage leather and canvas suitcases have an artful look about them when they top a painted steamer trunk found in the back of a “piled high” antique store.

Finally, a change in lighting can enable us to see an everyday object differently. A pop-up rain shower diminished the light streaming into our guest bathroom, forming a bit of an artsy photo with just an ordinary towel hanging on a hook on the wall.

Thanks, Patti, for this “everyday objects” challenge. If other bloggers would like to participate, just post your photos, then link to her blog. Be sure to include the Lens-Artists tag.
Still looking for different perspectives right under our noses,
Rusha & Bert
lisaonthebeach
Awwww, the sock monkeys remind me of one my brother used to have when we were small. I think my grandmother made it for him. Nice photos!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I still love sick monkeys and still have a need for something that makes me smile!! These little guys do just that!
lisaonthebeach
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Amy
Such a spect everyday objects collection, Rusha! I love your antique quilt. The last image is beautifully captured!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Amy. That quilt has been with us for a while. I move it around to different rooms and fold it different ways. It always makes smile. Appreciate your comments always.
Leya
Great choices! I must say I loved your thoughts on the light on the ordinary towel – and so well photographed!
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you. Iām definitely still learning, but mostly I just love capturing what I see more than learning the technicalities! Itās just a hobby for me. Your comment meant a lot.
Leya
It’s a hobby for me as well. I try to learn something new as often as I can, but right now there is not much time for it.
Oh, the Places We See
So very true! How can we be so busy when I know I was much busier when I was younger? Oh, well. We have the time we have.
Leya
That’s it. Let’s make the best of it!
Rupali
Wonderful choices and oh! those monkeys are lovely.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. I probably need to look at everyday things more often and then practice my camera skills. And those sweet monkeysā Iāve had them a long time! Love those little guys! Have a great weekend!
Rupali
Have a great weekend you too.
WanderingCanadians
I love the sock monkey collection!!
Oh, the Places We See
Me, too! They make me happy no matter how I pose them. And we put them out at Christmas, too!
JohnRH
Excellent photos and selections. Monkey sea, monkey dew. š
Oh, the Places We See
The monkeys keep me smiling!
maristravels
Wish I could join in your challenge this week but my imagination has atrophied – I blame it on covid19 – why not, everyone else blames it on what is wrong with the world at the moment. Your photos of your treasures are lovely and gave me a great deal of pleasure.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look. You must love antiques and old things as I do. Iām not sure who wants to inherit them when I go, but theyāve given me great pleasure for many years. Thanks so much for commenting!!
Greenglobaltrek
Good bouquet here of assorted shots. My favorites are the adorable monkeys and the vintage suitcases. Love the quilt too.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for lovinā our things. Weāve had fun collecting through the years. Now wondering what will become if all of it!!!!
pattimoed
Hi, Rusha. A thoughtful and beautiful collection! The rush seat has marvelous texture and the lighting of the ordinary towel makes it stand out. But my heart was stolen by those monkeys! What an adorable collection! I enjoyed the glimpse of your treasures.
Oh, the Places We See
I love those little sock monkeys, too. We put them out at Christmas just so we can see them again and again. I don’t know who will inherit them, but I hope the monkeys make them smile as I do when I see them!
pattimoed
They definitely made me smile!
Tina Schell
Very nice Rusha – I’m a big fan of the monkeys, in fact they made me chuckle out loud at my memory of childhood – a nice way to start the day. I also love your “artsy” closing image. A great example of the beauty that light can convey. Nicely done.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. We’ve enjoyed the monkeys immensely — and they get center stage at Christmas. It’s interesting what things from childhood mean the most to us in adulthood. And these little monkeys are a great reminder that we shouldn’t take life so seriously. Thanks for your comments, as always.
Sue
Love those monkeys!
Oh, the Places We See
I love those monkeys, too. Theyāve been known to show up on the sideboard in our dining room with little signs like Happy Birthday, etc. Part of the family, I guess. And maybe that makes us all monkeys!!
Sue
I like this story!
Anonymous
Thanks for making me look at things in a different way.
Maybe just pick one thing out at a time!
Oh, the Places We See
Itās fun to do these photography challenges because it does make me wonder how I could take a different sort of picture. Thanks for taking a look and commenting.
CompassAndCamera
These are great! Love the chair seat texture. It’s usually covered up. š
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! I like that one as well.
by.lily
Great selection of photos! I love the suitcases. Sock monkeys are so cute and I also love quilts!
Oh, the Places We See
I love quilts, and Bertās mother had several that we inherited. They are treasures!!
beth
I love well-loved sock monkeys š
Oh, the Places We See
Aren’t they great!!!!
beth
Yes