Bent Objects, The Book!
art, Blogging, Fun October 18th, 2009I’ve been following the blog Bent Objects for a couple years now. The man behind the blog, Terry Border, is an uber-talented photographer and artist who marries everyday objects and wire to tell a story.
Some of his pieces are funny, some are heartbreaking, some are twisted and a few have taken me a beat to figure out. I love art that makes me think.
Terry recently published a book of his works called Bent Objects: The Secret Life of Everyday Things. Some pieces are from the blog, but many more are brand new. Congratulations, Terry! You’ve achieved something that most bloggers only dream about. I’m just a wee bit jealous. OK. A lot jealous.
I cracked open my copy today and leafed greedily through it much like a bag of potato chips. One led to another and before I knew it I was stuffed and happy. I wish I had half of Terry’s wit.
With his permission, I’m republishing a few of the pieces that appeared on his blog to let you get inside Terry’s head. Enjoy!
Pretty Cupcakes
Yesterday’s Flowers
Horror S’morer
For a fun and funky look at more of his pieces that didn’t make it into the book, check out his rockin’ promo video:
If you’re interested in reading about where Terry gets his inspiration and want to see more of his work, the book is available from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Blogger’s note: I received no compensation for this article. I bought the book and wrote about it because I’m in love with Terry. Don’t tell my husband.
October 18th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I’ve not seen this blog – I’ll have to take a look. Thanks!
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October 18th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
What fun!!! I remember seeing some of Terry’s work on one of your earlier posts and was hooked. I haven’t had time to venture past our own blog lately but am so glad I MADE time tonight to visit here.
I’ll be including this in an upcoming post (and that includes the link to your blog)!
Lucy
.-= Helen´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Mudder Dear… Part 2 =-.
October 18th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
That looks like a neat book.
.-= grannyann´s last blog ..A Little Trivia =-.
October 18th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Looks like fun.
.-= Stephanie Barr´s last blog ..For Ayda: Will I make it to New Zealand? =-.
October 18th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Cool stuff! Can’t wait to see more.
.-= CatLadyLarew´s last blog ..Out to Lunch…. =-.
October 18th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Thanks, Kathy! I’m very happy that you enjoyed it!
.-= Terry´s last blog ..One day left to vote. =-.
October 18th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Wow, I can’t wait to pop over and take a look. I loved Horror S’Morer…lol! Thanks for the recommendation.
.-= MadMadMargo´s last blog ..Forever Young =-.
October 18th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Wonderful promotion of Bent Objects, Kathy! I’m still waiting on my copy of the book to arrive. I think EVERYONE should buy a copy. 🙂
.-= Moonshadow´s last blog ..The Funeral =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:18 am
No WAY! That is one of the most awesome things I’ve seen in 2009.
Yes, I feel confident dubbing this book/blog the most awesome thing viewed by Cardiogirl in 2009. Thanks for sharing!
.-= cardiogirl´s last blog ..The book of questions, Volume 63 =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:32 am
I do like the look of this.. going to have to take a closer look at that book 🙂
.-= Lady Banana´s last blog ..Anyone Know What Kind Of Spider Is This? =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:51 am
Cool! Those photos made me smile. I’m going to visit his blog, for sure. My favorite was the Cheeto kitteh.
.-= Daisy the Curly Cat´s last blog ..Cat Nutrition with Professor Daisy! =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:01 am
“who marries everyday objects”
– Sounds like you should have mentioned him in your last post.
Very cool pics!!
Sheila
October 19th, 2009 at 5:33 am
A Valdese Blogger — Oh, please do! And he’s got a poll running in his blog’s sidebar to vote for the next object he’ll do his magic on. So make sure you get a vote in. I’m partial to the ice cream scooper.
Helen — Thanks for linking here! I appreciate and and I’m sure Terry would too.
grannyann — There’s nothing out there like it that I’ve seen. I’m such a fan of his work.
Stephanie Barr — Fun for Terry to make and fun for us to see. Terry recently went to Europe and left some random creations in strange places. I would have loved to find one to have as my own (hint, hint Terry).
CatLadyLarew — Very cool and I’m jealous that he has all that talent. No fair!
Terry — I did, and my husband did. Might buy more for Christmas gifts 🙂
MadMadMargo — Me too! Be warned, if you get the book, there are other objects that meet their ends in strange ways.
cardiogirl — I think so too! I wish Terry much more success in 2010. And I get to go around saying I know him.
Lady Banana — It’s so different and funny and creative and amazing! I think it’d also be pretty neat to watch him work and then set up his photoshoots. His family must think it’s a riot.
Daisy the Curly Cat — I like Cheeto Cat too! And who would ever think of such a thing? Again, I lack creativity like that.
Sheila Sultani — Ha! Yes, yes it does! I wonder what object Terry would love to marry. He’s involved a lot of Cheetos in his work, so you never know…
October 19th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Just a “for fun” book. I hunt the sale counter at Barnes & Nobles for fun books all the time.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:31 am
just as soon as I finish with this comment I have to check out that blog. Loved that video, I can see why you are in love with the guy, very creative mind there.
.-= ann´s last blog ..That reminds me of…. =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Ooooh! I know somebody who is going to get this for Christmas!
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Why I Shouldn’t be the Good Mood Blogger =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:43 am
mums the word! His humor is too funny, just like you! A perfect match! Whoops – I’ll say no more… {:-D
.-= storybeader´s last blog ..Etsybloggers Carnival – Oct. 23, 2009 =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I love it! The Junk Drawer blog never fails to make me laugh or turn me on to cool stuff. Thanks for sharing. The cat in the video is hilarious!
October 19th, 2009 at 8:28 am
I love Bent Objects and will definitely buy the book. Nice write-up.
That video was AWESOME! If that doesn’t make you want to see more of Terry’s work, I don’t know what would. Still love the Peanut Zombies, but Horror S’morer is right up there. I wish Terry the best of luck. He’s amazingly talented, and if I wouldn’t have to fight Kathy for him, I’d marry him.
.-= JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I Judge Things so you don’t have to =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Yay! I love it when a fellow blogger is successful. Congratulations Terry!
I’ve made paper clip art at my desk for years – only much less recognizable. On the plus side, you can easily get 10 different animals out of single sculptures of mine – if your imagination is good enough.
.-= Jeff´s last blog ..Shrinkage? We INVENTED shrinkage! =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Looks interesting…
.-= MA Fat Woman´s last blog ..What’d The Wedderman Say =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:04 am
That is really some fun art work! Never seen the blog but I’m heading over there right now. Thanks.
.-= Buggys´s last blog ..Children Of The Corn….Maze =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I got a smile out of the rogue graham cracker, but what is up with the flowers? Is the standing flower being a good Samaritan, having found and injured flower, or is the flower impaling the other one? Uplifting…or disturbing?
.-= TheSnackHound´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving to My Southern Relatives =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Wow. How unique and creative! Thanks, Kathy, for a heads up on his blog and book. Good for him on the book and all!
.-= earthtoholly´s last blog ..Silent Sunday: Lucy, Posey And Sunay =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I’ve never seen his blog before but will have to go check it out. I wish I had that kind of creativity.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..And the Winner is… =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Good for him that he went from blog to book! I’ve always enjoyed his clever images. Funny how things with no faces can still be so expressive.
.-= Jenn Thorson´s last blog ..The Land of Oz Mobile Phone Plan and Other Gadgets =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Ha! Great review Kathy… I am a longtime reader of his blog. I wish Terry would visit my city and hide a few of his creations; I would LOVE to have one of my very own!
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..I Have Magical Powers! =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
The horror s’morer is hysterical! thanks for introducing me to his work.
.-= Pricilla´s last blog ..Goatucation – Back To Basics, The Toggenburg Goat =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Oh them little pictures made me giggle. Someone is very creative I’d say 🙂 Nice blog.
.-= TheFlyOnTheWall´s last blog ..What is wrong with YouTube? =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Yes, I think his art is great! So simple an idea, and so effective 🙂
.-= babs – beetle´s last blog ..For Sindie =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Data Entry Services — I think while you’re there you should move all the copies of Terry’s book to the front of the store. Just sayin’.
ann — I meant when I said I wished I had half Terry’s wit. I mean, is it really fair that one person should be able to do all that?
Tracy — Me too! Hey, I forgot to bring my camera into the store tonight. You got me all a tizzy with this contest of yours. I have to win!
storybeader — Ah, thanks! He could do the hard part and I could do the writing!
Jenny — Thanks a bunch! Are you following LVTweetup? I’ve been thinking about showing up at one of those things. Have you ever gone?
JD at I Do Things — How’d I know you’d love the zombies? You should see the one in the book of a paddle ball set. It’s worth the price of the book. The yo-yo is great, too. One of those sad ones.
Jeff — Me, too. It tells us it’s possible if you work your ass off. I’m sure your paper clip animals are … um… lovely.
MA Fat Woman — It’s the kind of thing you get sucked into very quickly. I’m so happy for Terry.
Buggys — I love that Terry’s ideas are still so fresh and witty. He doesn’t lose his steam like I do!
TheSnackHound — I really liked the flowers one for some reason. So sad, yet so tender. Amazing how he can make me feel sorry for a flower.
earthtoholly — I’ve wanted to write about Terry for a while. The book felt like a good time for it.
Jen — Me, too. I’m lucky if I can write something decent twice a week, much less create something out of cheese curls that makes me want to cry (you’d have to buy the book to know what I mean.)
Jenn Thorson — Exactly! I have never felt so happy or sad for inanimate objects as I have for the ones on his blog, and now the book. That’s the hallmark of a great artiste!
Maureen — Wouldn’t you love it!? If I had a Terry creation, I’d build a fireplace, just so I could have a mantle to put it on and a spotlight from above.
Pricilla — It’s awesome, isn’t it? I love the sneakiness of that shot. “Come on over here, little marshmallow. It’s okaaaay. We won’t hurt you.”
TheFlyontheWall — They’re neat and there are so many more I’d love people to see. But ya have to get the book!
Babs Beetle — And that’s the hard part — to make it look so simple.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
These ARE neat! You might like a blog by a friend of mine, Alice: http://www.aliceaudrey.com/?cat=21. She does a very cute “bent object” story every week with the popular blog meme, Photo Hunters. She’s pretty creative!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Spice Up Your Cooking =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
This is SO awesome! Thanks a million for turning me on to something new. This is great stuff.
.-= Tina´s last blog ..Here Comes the Next Phase =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Have you linked to Bent Objects before? I saw a link to it on someone’s blog, checked it out, loved it…and promptly forgot to bookmark it. Thanks for reminding me!
.-= absepa´s last blog ..So what is Eeyore, a werewolf? =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
LOVE the video too! Terry’s rockin’ it! And yes, I’m jealous of his ability to publish as well as create some incredible art. Maybe we can be his groupies, Kathy. 🙂
.-= Lin´s last blog ..Yes, it’s over. Call it a day….. =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Hi Kathy!
Gail and I had some good LOLs watching the video. I especially liked the “How they make Raisinettes” and the cats at the end.
I used to like Raisinettes… until now that I know how they make em.
; )
Thanks for sharing the funny!
.-= Ferd´s last blog ..Sunday Spirit – Time’s Ticking Away, repost =-.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I really like what he does, and how twisted he/his creations can be!
.-= Stinkypaw´s last blog ..Here’s a tip for you… =-.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:16 am
What a creative man. Like you said, it’s nice to see a fellow blogger succeed.
I’m off to check out his blog. What you’ve shared here is awesome.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Pajama Blogging – Fact or Fiction =-.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:08 am
Rebecca — I’ll have to check the link out. I’m familiar with Photo Hunters. Sounds like she does something unique with it.
Tina — It is so awesome and I’ve never seen anything else like it.
absepa — I can’t remember if I wrote about Bent Objects before, but I’ve had Terry in my blogroll since I started my blog.
Lin — I do consider myself a Bent Objects groupie. I think our mascot should be a cheese curl.
Ferd — That Raisinette one is funny. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was seeing. “OMG. Is that how they’re made?” Too funny.
Stinkypaw — Yes! He’s twisted and what he makes is more twisted! He would consider that high praise, I think.
Barbara Swafford — Yes, it shows it’s possible with a lot of hard work. I do think it helps if you start off with a blog, to show publishers that there is a market for our work.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Wow! Fantastic! Boy, is he talented! Congrats on the book….totally unique…fabulous!
.-= kathryn´s last blog ..Jibe Versus Bribe =-.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:55 pm
That Horror S’morer pic is fantastic!
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Like Daisy, we like the cat. Nice Tocks 🙂
.-= Cats~Goats~Quotes´s last blog ..Tocktober and Happy Birthday Derby! =-.
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Thanks, Kathy! I’m very happy that you enjoyed it!
November 10th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Thanks for the article, and the cat is very nice.
November 11th, 2009 at 7:06 am
I liked the pictures, very funny.
November 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
We’re not talking about “serious” art. but it sure is fun. And fun sells. There is a wealth of fun on his website, too.
The cheese doodle and the potato chip is absolute genius. Lipstick on the shirt collar couldn’t be more incriminating. It’s fitting that this picture is on the cover.
.-= Keith@Norman Rockwell Art´s last blog ..Nov 17, The Museum of American Illustration is home to Norman Rockwell paintings =-.
April 30th, 2010 at 5:05 am
Great pictures. It’s always amazing to see what imagination can do. He’s a very creative guy…
.-= Scrabble Cheat´s last blog ..ODS4/ODS5 now working on the Scrabble Solver =-.
May 17th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Interesting post, interesting picture. The human mind is full of creative genius. It is all about the expression of the artist at the moment that the artwork is created.