My Quirkiest Project Yet

Sat Outside, a photographic study of other people’s former furniture

The original idea for this project remains somewhat of a mystery. If pushed, I’d say the closest I can get is to say that seeing discarded indoor furniture left at the end of someone’s porch is complete novelty.

Sat Outside #1

As a Brit, residing in Canada, this is novel. Sure, you get fly tipping and dumping alongside blatant littering in the UK but you rarely get indoor furniture sitting roadside like it’s waiting for a bus.

Sat Outside #2

The intrigue sparked by a tatty looking piece of furniture left curb side takes little explanation. Different colours, patterns, shapes and sizes. Office chairs, gaming chairs, dining table chairs, stools and armchairs, imprints from hours of former owner’s leisure still evident. Now made redundant by a pair of cheeks.

Sat Outside #3

Frayed arm rests and split cushions, stacked and partially dismantled. The small but intimate insight into other people’s living quarters is fascinating (at least, to me).

Sat Outside #4

As an image is projected of the interior of people’s houses is channeled through a sofa or armchair, we are also welcomed into their dining room and kitchen with full sets of chairs ready for a new home or a bonfire.

Sat Outside #5

Sat Outside #6

After we have feasted on full or half sets, we transition to a greater degree of comfort for some serious lounging around.

Sat Outside #7

Or is it the bathroom? Hmm…

Sat Outside #8

But what makes this an interesting project to me - beyond the novelty, which I assume will wear thin like many a cushion - is the sheer quirkiness of indoor furniture plonked outside. Sometimes, this is so random it brings pure delight to my shutter.

Sat Outside #9

Sat Outside #10

I can promise you there is no product placement here. The only movement is me shuffling around trying to position the furniture in the frame.

Beyond the positioning there is condition to consider, too. Some items give you the distinct impression they featured in a mosh pit before being evacuated in parts to the street. Others, well they could be in a home near you soon.

Sat Outside #11

Sat Outside #12

Others? Well, sometimes they are just parked in the wrong place.

Sat Outside #13

Thank you for visiting, I hope you found my quirkiest project interesting!