Still life – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Exploring Art Through a Reflective Sculpture

Captures from Finland, Photography, Still life

Art inspiring photography has a unique ability to captivate and draw us into a world of creativity and imagination. I saw this remarkable artwork and can genuinely say I spent more than a few moments lost in its beauty, taking multiple photos of the mesmerizing reflections it created.

The artist Keith Tyson has embedded fragments of meteorites collected from Antarctica into a polished steel sphere in his work titled “Field of Heaven.” The concept is to unite materials that have originated as far apart from each other as possible.

A polished steel sphere titled ‘Field of Heaven’ by Keith Tyson, reflecting intriguing details and surroundings.

Each angle revealed something new, and I found myself striving to capture that one inspiring shot that would encapsulate the essence of the piece. One of the photographs I took appears to show a crow peeking out from the depths of the artwork, its silhouette forming a mysterious figure that invites curiosity. Another image conveys a sense of wonder, resembling a stone or a meteor hurtling forth from a brilliant star, as if it were a fragment of the universe capturing a fleeting moment in time.

Through these reflections, I felt a profound connection to the art, showcasing the hidden narratives and emotions that art often evokes in those who are open to its interpretation. What is your interpretation?

A striking sculpture featuring a spherical design with star motifs, displayed elegantly on a pedestal in a gallery.

Embrace the Night

Photography, Still life

Dance with me, I put my arms around you. With each gentle sway, let us twirl and spin under the soft glow of the lights, surrendering to the magic of the night.

A delicate swirl of smoke dances gracefully in the air, in a mesmerizing, ethereal pattern.

Ethereal smoke wisps dance gracefully, captivating the ambiance of the moment.

Embrace Pink

Photography, Still life

One Word Sunday: pink

“One Word Sunday: pink” my focus is on makeup essentials, featuring a vibrant pink, a soft pom-pom, and a compact mirror. Overall, conveying a playful yet chic vibe that appeals to beauty enthusiasts. How does that wording work for subscribing to this post?

Makeup essentials, pink lipstick, a soft pom-pom, and a compact mirror.

A close-up of pink lipstick tube alongside a fluffy pink accessory, embodying a feminine and stylish aesthetic.

Close-up of bright pink lipstick ready for application.

Soft and sweet milkshake at sunset

Photography, Still life

Debbies Six Word Saturday

Mango 🥭 milkshake with whipped cream and sprinkles

“Still life with apricots”

Still life

“Still life with apricots” refers to a genre of painting and photography that depicts a collection of apricots alongside other inanimate objects, often used to explore themes of nature, transience, and the beauty of the everyday.

A cluster of ripe apricots beside a green decorative bowl.

A vibrant display of apricots spilling from a green glass bowl on a white surface.

Fresh apricots arranged on a reflective surface with a green bowl in the background.

How to Survive November 2025 – 30

how to survive November, Still life

These images ends my this years How to Survive the November journey.

Thanks Lepis for hosting again. We survived 😀

December is here as decorations in malls will remind us every time we go shopping

November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 29

how to survive November, Still life

This round vase is something I added to my vase collection, now I have to buy some flowers to compliment it. Something simple or more full – I read that: The open bowl-shape enables the flowers to sprawl out naturally, creating a full and overflowing display, perfect for full blooms, such as hydrangeas, peonies, or large roses. So now available in shops are roses.

How to Survive the November

A round glass vase with a decorative tag, placed on a wooden table, with soft background lighting. — A decorative round glass vase with a tag – a minimalist design for November’s theme.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 28

how to survive November, Still life, Traveling Singapore

How to Survive the November features a photo from last winter’s trip to Singapore. Today’s round features four dark, stylized figures holding a large, reflective chrome orb. The orb distorts the reflection of the hotel entrance and the surrounding area. The statue is located at the entrance to the Atlas Hotel. I’m the red spot 😀

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 27

how to survive November, Still life

Today, it’s just this for How to Survive the November. I enjoy candles, and these holders are one of my favorites due to their designs and the warm ambiance they create. There’s something truly magical about lighting a candle on a chilly November evening, making my home feel inviting and warm during this season of hibernation.

A warm, glowing candle in a round glass holder, creating a cozy atmosphere for November.

Elegant candle arrangements in round glass candle holders,

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 25

how to survive November, Still life

Today, it’s just this for How to Survive the November

Frosty Festive decorations hanging amidst brown leaves.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 23

how to survive November, Still life

Today, I just gotta share some pics of the amazing food we had yesterday—it was a total feast for the eyes! Seriously, everything looked gorgeous and tasted so good. The flavors were delicious and there was so much variety that we couldn’t help but go for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). We really had an unforgettable evening. How to Survive the November

A cozy living room scene featuring a yellow sofa adorned with decorative pillows and a round wooden coffee table with a small floral arrangement.

A beautifully plated dish with hors d’oeuvre and a sparkling drink, perfect for a delightful dining experience.

So feel free to express yourself in photography, painting, or drawing it’ not too late to join us. Don’t forget, there’s an entry link for your submissions!

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 18

Black and White photos, how to survive November, Still life

Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. Yesterday’s visit to the hospital, I ended up driving around for 15 minutes, not that bad, but I ended up being there earlier than I wanted, but at least I was not late. Results of these these tests will be released to me in December, still got one more test next week.

Today, again I want to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November. I don’t think many, if any, people type with old-fashioned typewriters anymore, but they do have so much more photographic appeal than laptops. There’s a certain charm to the keys. Unlike modern laptop’s, they transport us back to an era when writing was a more deliberate, thoughtful process. The errors were certainly harder to erase, so one put more thought to before typing the first thing to mind.

Close-up of typewriter keys with vintage design and classic typography.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 17

Black and White photos, how to survive November, Still life

Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. I’m on my way to the hospital for a few tests. Honestly, the parking situation there is such a pain. There are only a few spots available, which makes everything more stressful. I usually end up driving in circles, trying to find a place to park, all while hoping I won’t be late for my tests. The thought of missing my appointment because of parking just makes me more anxious, making this day drag on even longer than it already feels.

Today, I wanted to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November theme. But at the moment, time is on my mind. So, check this out: I have this vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR that my son discovered years ago in an old, abandoned house. It has such a classic design that really emphasizes both timelessness and functionality. The funny thing is, it hasn’t worked a day since we found it, and I can’t quite remember why we’ve held onto it for so long. I guess it’s just one of those quirky reminders of an era gone by. These days, it seems like no one really uses clocks like these anymore; we all rely on our phones to wake us up. It’s funny how quickly things change over time!

A vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR, highlighting its timeless design.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 16

Black and White photos, how to survive November, Still life

So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.

Today my post is going to include, obviously, How to Survive the November theme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.

A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.

Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.

A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.

A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.

A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.

A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.

A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 15

how to survive November, Still life

So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, and the trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the apple tree branches. There is still a dusting of snow on the grass from the first snow that came last night, and a few red berries still glow in the sunlight. That is what I see from my window at this moment—a perfect snapshot of another November day.

Intricate vintage style jewelry pieces amidst colorful decorations.

And my photo for today has nothing to do with the weather; I love all kinds of jewelry, mostly gold and silver. I occasionally make the mistake of buying other things, like these vintage-style earrings, which happen to be round. My sister at least once called me Hely täti, which translates as bauble aunt, trinket aunt, gewgaw aunt. I don’t know which is the most appropriate translation; maybe the trinket aunt. Someone can correct me 😀

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 14

how to survive November, Still life

So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning, the sky is blue, trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the branches, slightly moving in the wind. There are still signs of the cold night on the grass and a few red berries glow in the sunlight. The light created shadows across the landscape, illuminating everything with a gentle warmth. That is what I see from my window at this moment, a perfect snapshot of nature awakening to another day.

A beautifully arranged floral bouquet in a textured vase, embodying the theme of ’round’ for November.

I was going to post these for the round theme only, but I have created shadows here too, adding a layer of depth to the overall composition. So why not at it to the shadow theme too. I have had this vase for years, and I still like it; its elegant roundness and simple detailing speak to me in a way that few other pieces do. It says something about its timeless design that transcends trends and fads, making it a constant part of my décor.

A decorative vase atop a book titled ’20th Century Photography,’ showcasing a blend of artistic elements.

Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

How to Survive November 2025 – 13

Captures from Finland, how to survive November, Photography, Still life

Here we are, and it’s that time again for the 13th entry for surviving November 2025. Food photography truly is a delightful endeavor; however, to capture those stunning shots, it’s essential to have an uncluttered space and a serene background. In my home, creating that perfect setting requires a bit of rearranging, given the abundance of items I have scattered about. Onions are surprisingly popular subject for photography; they possess a unique visual charm that is oddly captivating and beautiful. Their round shape lends itself perfectly to various creative interpretations across artistic mediums. Interestingly, I’ve even managed to sell a photo featuring onions—though I have to admit, it’s not one of these two.

A freshly harvested onion with a vibrant brown skin and green shoots, sitting on a reflective black surface. — A round onion reflecting softly on a dark surface, showcasing its warm hues and natural beauty.

A close-up shot of three onions artistically arranged on a wooden tray, highlighting their natural beauty.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

Captivating timekeepers

Black and White photos, Photography, Still life

This week, guest host Margaret also presents her take on the theme in her post, Clocks and Timepieces. and Leanne post is here Monochrome Madness

I was certain I wouldn’t stumble upon any clocks, yet how mistaken I was! My journey in search of clock’s began with a trip back to Riga, Latvia, where I recalled taking pictures of some remarkable timepieces and I was not wrong. After that, I made my way to Mustio Manor in Finland, which I recalled had an impressive collection of golden clocks with lots of details. I also discovered a few exquisite clocks at the Craigdarroch Castle Museum at Victoria Island, but I just posted one. These old house museums are fantastic venues that showcase some incredible clocks. In the end, I decided to set aside the vintage timepieces and conclude my collection with a row of more modern clocks from the bustling Flinder Street Station in Australia.

A striking black and white photograph of a historic clock tower in Riga, Latvia featuring intricate architectural details and a prominent clock face.

More timekeepers in from Riga below

An elegant vintage clock displayed on a decorative table beneath a classic painting in Mustio Manor.

So many more from Mustio Manor the gallery below

A vintage clock elegantly displayed in a beautifully decorated room at Craigdarroch Castle Museum, surrounded by ornate mirrors and soft lighting.

A monochrome view of Flinder Street Station with a row clocks and bustling activity outside.

A Glimpse into My Art Workspace

Photography, Still life

November Shadows #4 presents an unusually warm day for November; the temperature is 10°C, which is quite rare for us. No complaints here—I’m enjoying it! I plan to keep sharing glimpses of my study—my office space. I moved a desk from another room to create a workspace for my art projects, and currently, I’m focusing on aquarelle painting. Here’s a look at my desk; you’ll also see some of the statues I’ve created, along with my art displayed on the wall. Similar to the previous shot, this photo is taken with the light coming from the outside entrance, as the room itself was quite dim.

In my attempt to capture shadows, I created compositions in square, landscape, and portrait crops; since I have them, I thought, why not share?

A workspace, aquarelle painting supplies, colorful statues, and artistic wall displays.

A workspace featuring a colorful painting, hand-crafted statues, and art supplies, illuminated by soft light.

Artistic workspace featuring colorful statues and a vibrant art, showcasing a blend of creativity and personal expression.

Cellpic Sunday- Ladies lunch

Photography, Still life

It seems that I am frequently posting food photographs on this post, showcasing the delightful variety of dishes that capture my attention. However, I haven’t taken many photos with my phone this week. I do like taking shots of beautifully served food, usually it’s a meticulously plated gourmet meal at a restaurant. I always strive to highlight the artistry and creativity behind every plate.

Yesterday I had lunch that took four hours with a friend; we enjoyed a three-course meal and a bottle of nice wine, savoring every bite as we reminisced about our past adventures together. Good conversation kept going, even though we got into a rather fiery one about what’s happening in the world, but we remained polite, respecting each other’s viewpoints while passionately expressing our own. Ultimately, we thought about the issue the same way but approached it from different angles, and this diversity of thought only deepened our connection, allowing us to appreciate the complexities of our discussions.

Starters: Burrata cheese, marinated tomatoes, Marcona almonds, and fresh basil and Creamy chanterelle soup with allspice cream and thyme

Mains: Grilled pepper steak with garlic–blue cheese gratinated potatoes, tomato–onion salad and creamy pepper sauce

Desert: French lemon meringue tart with vanilla tuile

A beautifully plated French lemon meringue tart adorned with delicate tuile, garnished with fresh flowers and herbs.

For John’s Cellpic Sunday

The Art of Ceramics in Monochrome

Black and White photos, Photography, Still life

First time I saw this, my first thought was I have nothing to share on this topic.

I did try to find a neutral spot to take a shoe shot, considering various backgrounds and environments that might complement the shapes and textures of the shoe. I could have used more time on creativity, as I could have explored different lighting or settings to really make the shoes pop visually. However, with the next two images, I just got lazy and took the shots in the cupboard where I keep jugs and bowls, simply because it was the most convenient option. The ease of just snapping photos in the cupboard won out over my original intentions.

So first thing this morning I took these images, the ceramic shoe by artist Kipa Kirsi (2013) is a gift from a dear friend.

And these Heluna Cow jugs, the bigger one was my grandmother’s, and during our trip, we found the smaller cow jug in Canberra. We thought it was funny that someone had taken the trouble to bring it all this way, and now we are returning it back to Finland. They are Vintage Arabia, a milk pitcher pottery by Kaj Frank from 1950.

Vintage Arabia Heluna Cow jugs, one a cherished heirloom and the other a recent find in Canberra.

The bowl with the sea decoration is also Arabia; my husband rescued it from his father’s barn. I think it is really pretty; the colors are white and blue. It’s called Sampo. Based on the seal at the bottom of the bowl, the manufacturing date is from 1928-1932.

A beautifully crafted bowl featuring intricate blue and white designs, showcasing vintage Arabia craftsmanship.

Then I remembered that I had these ceramic shots I took on Vancouver Island from the Craigdarroch Castle Museum, that showcases the grandeur of the Victorian era. It is the quintessential Victoria, BC experience, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s, complete with exquisite furnishings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history that reflects the lifestyles of the wealthy elite of that time.

For Leanne and Brian’s Monochrome Madness challenge.

Cellpic’s of a delicious meal

Photography, Still life

Starters or to share: King prawn pan with pilpil parmesan butter, rucola, and bread and Mains: Grilled beef tenderloin with fried king prawns in jalapeno sauce and grilled sweet potato

John’s Cellpic Sunday

Wiggly

Still life

One Word Sunday: wiggly

Repeat, repeat, repeat

Still life

One Word Sundays

Today’s word “repeat” got me thinking, and honestly, it feels like the universe is just taunting us with its insistence on repetition! Seriously, saying the same thing over and over is a tactic that grabs attention like an annoying earworm you can’t shake off. Picture a pile of colored pencils—oh yeah, they’re nature’s bold statement of vibrancy and monotony all rolled into one! These pencils practically scream, “Look at me! I’m identical, yet stunning!” When you snap a ton of photos, it’s like transforming mundane art into a riotous spectacle! Each image becomes an explosive reminder that repetition isn’t just for artists or philosophers; it’s a rebellious nudge towards those deeper thoughts about life and creativity that most of us shy away from—so, are you ready to embrace the chaos?