Customer Reviews

Bent Objects: The Secret Life of Everyday Things

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Lately, I've been immersing myself in business and personal development-type books and hadn't realized how badly I just needed something "fun" to read until I got Bent Objects in the mail. Back in March, I featured some of Terry Border's work on DudeCraft and became an instant fan of his clever scenes involving pocket combs, flowers, circus peanuts and cheese doodles. The book Bent Objects continues in the tradition of Terry's blog, featuring funny and sometimes dark scenes from the lives of the inanimate objects that surround us.

In less skillful hands, I imagine that a project like this could get tiresome fairly quickly, but Border's Far Side-type take on things keeps surprising the reader, page after page, and the way that he is able to create such vivid characters out of bits of wire and things from his fridge is nothing short of amazing. I continually found myself empathizing with eggs that were about to be beaten, hot dogs that were shunned by buns, and toilet paper rolls after a rough day at the office.

In addition to the characters Border creates, he also includes a nice introduction in the book that details his journey from childhood to a career in photography to the defining moment that led him to making tiny wire sculptures out of stuff in his house. He also provides commentary and sketches on a selection of pieces throughout the book that shed light on the genesis of some of his ideas. Finally, in the back of the book, there's a nifty "how-to" section that shows you how to make your own characters out of corks and wire.

If your looking for a great gift with which to kick off your Christmas shopping, Bent Objects would be a perfect fit for the creative and clever folks on your list.

I have two degrees in Photography, and I love the medium. This book, however, was brought home because someone thought it would appeal to the humor of a 9 year old girl. It since has become a favorite of the entire house.

The funny thing (and the pictures are really really funny) about that is that this appeals to me both for its humor, and for its photographic sensibilities. As funny and in many ways nonsensical as these pictures are, they are also very serious works of art. Much in the way that William Wegman's photographs of Weimaraners (gray dogs) dressed up in costumes, or the somewhat absurd self portraits of Cindy Sherman. There is in these pictures something remarkable. They're like gesture drawings, in that they capture emotion with such minimal cues. They are not mundane.

Terry Border has a unique gift for giving life to everyday objects. After going through the book to find the humor at surface level, there is still a wealth of goodness to be had. The text that accompanies many of the pictures adds character, and the amazing attention to detail help make this a book you'll want to share. You'll never look at a cheese doodle the same way again.

Should be the question running through one's mind when reading or more correctly, seeing this book. Terry Border is doing some amazing things with cheese puffs, cacti, and paper clips among other things. This book is perfect for any moment of semi unhappiness. The photography is pretty straight forward and simple, the magic lies in the sculptures he makes using everyday things to convey ackward moments of inadequancy in so many social situations. Who hasn't felt out of place at a fancy party from time to time, like a cheese puff at a tapas party? Or wondered why a beautiful girl is with such a loser ala a rose mating with a cactus? I wish I would have picked it up sooner, it lives in my car right now ready to be pulled out at any occasion.

Suffice it to say that this is one of the more original art forms to come along in a long time. First, one must say that Border shoots positively lovely still life photos--with simplicity, precision and great lighting. So it's a suitable coffee table book! It would be enough if his quirky food-formed "clay-mation" still life shots were simply funny. They are.(And they are made even funnier, sometimes, by the titles he gives them). But they are not just photos, they are "captioned photo art cartoon humor". But separate from the humor, they stand alone as good photography. Every single character is one so life-like that you would not be surprised to see it get up off the couch and walk out of the room. They are food-drawn cartoons. Let's just say he has a seriously bent mind. But one you'll like. (And since he lives in my hometown, I am hoping to bump into him--once I determine first that he's not as weird as he just might be!)

I became aware of Terry Border's work last week through an email someone forwarded. After viewing a few examples of his work I absolutely knew I HAD to get his book. Ordered through Amazon w/free super ship and received it today. Tears ran down my face as I turned the pages. This guy is talented. Way creative and I hope he has many more books in his future. The book itself is printed on colorful, great quality stock + is hardcover. You rock Terry. Thanks for the laughs and I can't wait to share with friends + family.

I ordered a copy of this book after seeing a few images online and I was not disappointed. I would recommend that people check out the author's blog before purchasing, since some of the humor is a little twisted and not for everyone. The pictures can be subtle, crude, entertaining, sad, shocking, and thought-provoking (some all at once).

I read one copy and bought 7 more to give away as gifts. This is the perfect book to send as a Christmas present. You will not be disappointed, the guy has a wonderfully funny view of the world.

This book is perfect for any age. Great photographic images and the captions make you think! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

This is a wonderful book full of funny and thought provoking images. The creator obviously looks at life a bit differently, but uses everyday objects to show his ideas. The scenes are creative and very well photographed. I would recommend this book as a great gift for the holidays, etc. I look forward to seeing more of this artist's work in the future.