Still Life With Oysters and Lemon: On Objects and Intimacy - Mark Doty

Still Life With Oysters and Lemon: On Objects and Intimacy - Mark Doty

Written by craig coffman

For many years, I have been ignoring the majesty of the still life. I would pass them by in galleries, museums, houses or where ever without giving them a second thought. Sure, I certainly can appreciate the skill and talent to create a drawing which accurately mimics reality, but beyond that I thought 'So what?' Being a photographer, I have been faced with the stigma of loving a 'lesser' medium. After all, most people believe (incorrectly) that photography merely captures what is there. They overlook the different ways to see and where a camera can take you. It is simply a snapshot of life.

Thus, I passed this simple view onto creators of still life works. Sure, they are only capturing what is set before them, but there is more to it. Mark Doty quite eloquently shows the reader the errors of such rash thought. While this book is short (under 100 pages), it is a dense read. Doty is a poet, and masterfully uses his command of words to bring you into the personal space of the still life. A space where color and form are combined into a silken web. Overlapping and defining while simultaneously concealing. A chorus of colors belt out their solitary note, in differing degrees to make one masterful composition.

Doty offers his exploration into the mind of the artist. How they labor over color and subject. What regions are fond of specific elements, and how to revel in their lush corners. Extracting the sublime and making it your own personal moment. This book has done wonders for my appreciation of this art form, and in a quick three hours undone twenty years of short sighted beliefs.

While this book might not be so profound to every reader, I strongly suggest anyone interested in art or poetry check this out. The writing is endearing, meandering and familiar while plumbing depths not regularly frequented. An enjoyable paradox. However the people which will truly benefit from this book are those who appreciate art, are artists or are interested in understanding art but do not get the attraction to still life. I regret that I did not read this sooner, as I have surly missed out on getting lost in the subtle details of grandeur hanging throughout our country.