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Upload Date
3-26-2025
Department
Classics
Label Text
The glass elephant tray, with its intricate blue swirls and delicate form, catches the eye. Yet it is the broken ear—a subtle but striking detail—that draws one in. This imperfection invites viewers to look beyond the object’s decorative surface, shifting attention to the stories and mysteries embedded in its fractured history.
While initially appearing to be a flaw, the broken ear is a profound symbol of resilience and the passage of time. This imperfection invites us to ponder the journey it has undertaken—perhaps it was a cherished keepsake, a silent witness to countless conversations, or a relic of generations past. The broken ear, far from diminishing its value, enhances its narrative, suggesting a life lived fully, with all its stories etched by time.
With its broken ear, the glass elephant tray stands as a testament to the transient nature of our possessions. This single object challenges us to look beyond the surface, to appreciate the beauty in imperfection, and to acknowledge the unknown journeys that shape the things we often take for granted.
In photographing the object, I deliberately positioned it to highlight the contrast between the broken and intact ear, capturing the object from both the back left and right corners. The lighting was carefully set to bring out the glass's blue swirls, drawing attention to the imperfection. Through these choices, I aimed to emphasize the quiet story of resilience told by the broken ear, inviting viewers to reflect on the elephant’s journey.
Camera Settings: Aperture
F10
Camera Settings: Shutter Speed
1/8
Camera Settings: ISO
100
Lighting
Overhead and moveable lights: full.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
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