Like playing "statues" at recess in first grade, the "still life" in art wants us to believe that it exists as elements purposefully gathered together...constant unmovable, unemotional... and for many...uninteresting. I am like the first grader who demonstrates the nonsense of this, believing that nothing can sit still, much less remain still, forever. So when I collect objects for a still life, I do so in full knowledge that when no one is looking they will rearrange themselves and take on a life of their own. I love to catch them in those magical in-between moments when they are animated and expressive and very subtly surprising. I enjoy depicting their secret not-so-still lives.