AOP Competition - Research

I have decided to do research into still life involving a form of dance and ballet. I feel this could become an interesting project, as I want to try and show the gruelling and agonizing effect that dance has rather than the generic pretty exterior. 

A brand-new pair of toe shoes presents itself to us as an enemy with a will of its own that must be tamed. - Toni Bentley 

I really like the image above, as it is very detailed and shows the wear and tear on the shoes. This could portray the brutal effect which ballet could have on the dancers body. I also really like the beads and lace which accompany the shoes, they could represent how delicate and fragile the dancer is. 

I also may try and incorporate other ballet objects (such as the net tutu above) as it gives a different insight into the ballet scene. I really like the different textures the materials show through the images.

After researching and looking at various images, I have decided I want to try and use a bold and plain background. I feel black velvet could be very effective. 

 I have been looking at previous work featured on the AOP and came across a still life series by photographer Sarah Jackson. The link to her series of work is below;

 http://www.awards.the-aop.org/2011_Students_Awards 

I have also found inspiration from flickr.com ; 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alyssakai/5367954081/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkimball/248836229/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photodigs/2158637199/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82072543@N00/1523833177/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sledhockeystar7/4293325777/