STILL: The Art of Noticing

by Mary Jo Hoffman

The astonishing culmination of the artist-author’s decade-plus project to capture beauty, commemorate place, and see the world more fully Every day (every single day) for over a decade, Mary Jo Hoffman has made a photograph of found nature – no subject too small or too ordinary. For Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer, this daily ritual cracked open profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life. This book shares a selection of the breathtaking photographs from Hoffman’s enormous archive, accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice. STILL features 275 of the most stunning photographs the author-artist has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting – a true feast for the senses.

Genres: Nature, Art, Nonfiction, Photography, Essays, Natural History, Environment

318 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[Noodle Hag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I'm not critical enough of the books I read, for all the four and five star ratings I give. I think this is because a) with fiction, I read for the joy of it, so if I don't love it, I don't usually finish it, and b) with non-fiction, I just love collecting peoples' ideas about things, and that excitement tends to override any minor issues I have with a book. This one was rife with powerful ideas about image-making, and even more so about being truly present, and what one can learn and become from the daily practice of deeply noticing. I will need a copy of this one to refer back to for wisdom and inspiration.

[Julia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

These last few essays! Wow. Especially 'A Total Work of Art.' a new way to understand why mundanity is so thrilling. And the 72 micro seasons of my home - I hope to know a place in the depth that she does. More time to spend with this book.

[Paige]

I love the idea of six seasons (adding locking after fall and unlocking after spring) and of 70some micro seasons, each lasting just a few days. The fine gradations of time passing and seasons changing.

Wasn’t expecting the Minnesota specificity, but that was great.

[KJ Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning and a contender for my favorite book of the year. Not only are the photos and assemblages of found nature awe-inspiring, the accompanying essays are gorgeous meditations on seasonality, creativity and discipline, and conscious living.

A book I plan on giving to people I love. I would love to encounter and spend time with more books like this.

[Genene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting with this lowers my blood pressure like walking through the forest, alone with birdsong, without deadline or worry. Hoffman shares her photography process and decision to document daily observation at home in Minnesota and abroad in France. She describes the noticing—blue feathers, rocks with white mineral ribbons, fern fronds, empty shells—and how these curated collections unfold in front of us, new and different again, arranged as art.

I'm buying this book. I'm rereading it again tonight for her notes.

Pace over perfection. And when you read this, you'll know what I mean by "bumping" it a bit. Wise advice. Beautiful imperfection.

[Vanessa Ya Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute work of art. I am almost speechless.

As an amateur photographer and nature observer, this book spoke to my soul. So much of this book was like looking in a mirror and I am so inspired and proud to have an eye for beauty.

I hope to one day cross paths with Mary Jo.

I tried to savor the book over a longer period of time, but 3 days was the longest I could stretch out my interest and enthrall.

This book forever changed how I see roadkill . There is beauty and everything if you take the time to notice.

[Ann Knuttila · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is more of a beautiful coffee table book vs a novel, it still deserves a place and attention here.

Thanks mom for turning me onto Mary Jo Hoffman and this gorgeous book. Not only are the images stunning but there is also a beautiful story here that is told about the natural world and the importance of making time to notice the beauty all around us.

[Suzi Loosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most gorgeous book. I will return to it again and again 💚

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The contemplation and daily devotion to the process of art, life around us, and the profound meaning that one can derive is quite extraordinary.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs, insightful essays. Reminded me of The Comfort of Crows.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I removed the large, heavy book from the shipping carton and felt the embossed cover, I knew it was going to be pure pleasure to read and absorb. I have been following the author's Instagram feed for many years, after reading about her daily "still" practice on a Stanford Facebook post. The still images that she captures and posts daily are always perfect and unique. After doing this for 10 years, you'd think she would run out of ideas, but apparently not. The essays that describe how she began the process years ago, and how much joy she receives from it, are as beautifully written as the photography. This is a book that I will open up over and over, just for the sheer beauty of looking at simple, natural images.

[kathyoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of photos is beautiful and calming. I loved the artist’s compilations and what she sees in everyday natural objects. The text provides a nice explanation of how she initiated her daily photography practice and is just enough to describe and not detract from the stunning visual art.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just absorbed this front to back in one sitting without so much as a conscious thought of my body, existence, or the sun going down!!! Awesome book and very inspiring for a confused young artist with similar feelings (me).

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal photography of found nature objects and wonderful nature writing! I really enjoyed the section on the 72 microseasons -- very interesting!

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Mary Jo Hoffman ’87
Author

From the author:
The astonishing culmination of the artist-author’s decade-plus project to capture beauty, commemorate place, and see the world more fully

Every day (every single day) for over a decade, Mary Jo Hoffman has made a photograph of found nature – no subject too small or too ordinary. For Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer, this daily ritual cracked open profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life.

This book shares a selection of the breathtaking photographs from Hoffman’s enormous archive, accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice. STILL features 275 of the most stunning photographs the author-artist has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting – a true feast for the senses.

[Tina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely stunning. The photography is amazing and I loved the author's writing which set up each section. I agree that the photos on a black background are more visually stunning but the ones on a white background are much more soothing. I found myself going back to the book over the last several days and looking through a section of photos again, marveling at the detail and creativity of both the author and God, the ultimate Creator. If you enjoy nature photos you should check this book out.

[Debbie Jeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this is one very beautiful book. I learned about Mary Jo and her STILL project when I read her husband, Steve Hoffman's book, A Season for That. Mary Jo's "year-long" project that has lasted many years, is truly inspiring. I enjoyed seeing her art, hearing about her life and art practice, and truly appreciated her thoughtfulness in it all. (Note: this book contains more photos than words, but both are worth the time.)

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Mary Jo Hoffman on Instagram for years. Her daily photographs of found nature are gorgeous, and her thoughtful intentionality in her practice is inspiring. Her essays in this book provide deeper context for her work and art. Sadly, a recent fire in her home has forced her to put her Still blog on hold. I look forward to seeing what she does next.

[Christine Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesmerizing. Stunning. Beautiful.

I was thrilled when my library finally got a copy of this book!! This is the kind of book you’ll want to snuggle up with and tread through slowly. So many incredible photographs and thoughtful essays.

If you love nature and stunning, high-contrast photos, you will LOVE this book! Perfect for your coffee table or home library.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars from me as this book is so beautiful. Absolutely exquisite.
I was drawn to the cover as they are images I knew. Sure enough, the author lives in Minnesota. The photography is beyond belief. You can’t help but scan over the images over and over. Every one a work of art.

[Alex Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10/5 stars, I would. Spoke to me so deeply and was above most of my other 5 star books in terms of meaningfulness to me. I'll be dipping into this for years to come. If you like nature, art, photography, slow living, and beautiful things, you won't be disappointed.

[danielle; ▵ · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful pictures but I found the author’s voice annoying (it is a little too la di da, as she puts it at one point; there are no teeth; the end result is a scrapbook (but again, the photos are beautiful; she truly found her niche))

[Courtney Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated to learn about the author's photo-a-day project and her process for completing this book. Interesting, impressive and beautiful photography. This would make an excellent book for the coffee table!

[Jonijean · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. A glorious work of art and reflection, featuring the authors daily nature photographs over 13 years. Her reflections on dailies and microseasons were so inspiring. I so recommend an afternoon with this book.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

an incredible visual feast, that acts almost like meditation.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful invitation to place and our daily opportunity to discover and create beauty.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring joy to your life! Look into this book!

[Abbie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning book! From the beautifully textured cover to every last image and story inside, this book is a delight and an inspiration.

[Kevin Revolinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dailiness

[Janna Huyler collins]

Stunning designs and photography! Perfect for any nature lover.