The global creative landscape experienced a remarkable transformation during the early months of the pandemic. When traditional avenues for exhibiting, sharing, and creating art became inaccessible, new digital initiatives surfaced to fill the void. Among these, Still Here, Still Life emerged as one of the most authentic and far-reaching art challenges, capturing the imaginations of artists across the world. Founded by illustrators Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay, this movement successfully revitalized the humble genre of still life illustration and brought a sense of community to an otherwise isolating time.
Still life as an artistic subject has existed for centuries, but rarely has it been used as a tool for global connection. Through the thoughtful leadership of its creators and the sheer enthusiasm of its participants, Still Here, Still Life developed into an art challenge that transcended borders, styles, and skill levels. It quickly became a visual archive of both the beauty and the monotony of everyday life.
Conceptualizing the Challenge
At its core, Still Here, Still Life was born out of simplicity. Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay both understood the power of repetition, focus, and creativity. The idea was direct and accessible: each week, they would post a new still life prompt on Instagram and invite artists to interpret it in their way. There were no restrictions on style, medium, or execution. Whether using digital illustration software or traditional paints and pencils, artists could respond freely, drawing from their environments or imaginations.
This absence of strict guidelines made the challenge widely appealing. Beginners felt welcome, hobbyists found motivation, and professional artists discovered a rare chance to create without the pressure of perfection or commercial expectations. The simplicity of the prompts also reminded participants of the potential beauty within ordinary objects. Fruits, books, kitchen utensils, and houseplants became the muses for this collective endeavor.
The Founders Behind the Movement
The success of Still Here, Still Life can be attributed in large part to the artistic sensibilities and complementary strengths of its founders. Tess Smith-Roberts is an illustrator known for her playful, vibrant aesthetic. Her work often features bold color palettes, rounded forms, and a whimsical sense of humor that makes everyday scenes feel joyful and inviting. Zena Kay, by contrast, approaches still life with a more structured and striking visual language, often working in gouache and ink to create bold, graphic compositions.
Both artists shared a belief in the importance of accessible creativity. Their mutual respect’s style and philosophy allowed them to build a challenge that resonated with a wide audience. They curated the weekly submissions with care, showcasing a diversity of approaches that emphasized how differently one prompt could be interpreted.
Instagram as the Ideal Platform
Still Here, Still Life’s choice of platform was no accident. Instagram, as a visual-first social media site, provided the perfect environment for the challenge to flourish. Its grid format encouraged the display of illustrations as small individual galleries, while hashtags made discovery and participation easy. Every week, the hashtag associated with the challenge is filled with hundreds of new submissions, creating a living, breathing archive of still life artwork.
The platform’s algorithms helped the project grow organically. Friends of participants saw their work and decided to join in. Established illustrators shared their takes, drawing attention from their followers. Small art communities cross-pollinated, and soon the challenge became recognizable far beyond its original circles. In this way, Instagram transformed from a mere showcase tool into a catalyst for creative movement.
A Response to Global Circumstances
The timing of the project was crucial to its success. During the early lockdown periods of the pandemic, creative individuals faced not only professional uncertainty but also emotional and mental strain. Studios were closed, exhibitions cancelled, and freelance opportunities dried up. For many, motivation and inspiration became difficult to maintain.
Still Here, Still Life arrived as a gentle solution to this problem. By offering simple weekly prompts, the project gave structure to chaotic schedules. Artists found they could participate without pressure and the need for complex materials. A few colored pencils, an old sketchbook, or a digital tablet were enough. The universality of the subject matter—still life—meant that everyone had objects around them that could become the focus of their compositions.
This focus on the ordinary aligned perfectly with the global mood. As people stayed home, their attention naturally turned to their immediate environments. The challenge encouraged them to see familiar things anew, appreciating the quiet poetry of a teacup or the unexpected charm of a cluttered desk. In this way, Still Here, Still Life became more than an art challenge. It became a form of therapy and reflection for thousands.
A Diversity of Artistic Voices
One of the most remarkable outcomes of Still Here, Still Life was the diversity of its contributors. Professional illustrators with substantial followings posted their highly refined compositions alongside amateur artists sketching for the first time in years. There was no hierarchy, no competition, only celebration.
This inclusivity was deliberate. Tess and Zena made clear that everyone was welcome to participate. This open approach democratized the process of sharing art, allowing creators from various cultures, ages, and artistic backgrounds to find a shared language in the still life genre. The result was a constantly evolving gallery of work that reflected not only technical skill but also personal experience.
Still life scenes varied widely. Some participants leaned into humor, arranging absurd collections of objects into surreal tableaux. Others chose somber, muted color palettes to convey solitude. Some played with abstraction, reducing everyday items to shapes and colors. This freedom of interpretation kept the challenge fresh week after week.
Building an Artistic Community
The long-term impact of Still Here, Still Life was felt in the sense of community it fostered. Social media is often criticized for encouraging superficial engagement, but this project demonstrated the platform’s potential to cultivate real connections. Participants frequently commented on each other’s work, exchanged tips, and formed friendships. Some collaborations even emerged from these interactions, as artists discovered shared interests and complementary styles.
Art educators and students also embraced the challenge. In virtual classrooms, teachers used the weekly prompts as assignments, encouraging their students to practice observation, composition, and rendering. Workshops incorporated the prompts into group exercises. The simplicity and clarity of the concept made it easily adaptable to various teaching environments.
The Importance of Process Over Product
A key philosophical element of Still Here, Still Life was its emphasis on process rather than product. In a culture that often values the finished work over the act of making, this was a refreshing reversal. Tess and Zena encouraged participants to enjoy the process of observation, arrangement, and rendering without concern for perfection or judgment.
This focus on process had positive effects on artists experiencing creative block or burnout. Without the need to produce polished, market-ready pieces, they could reconnect with the simple joy of drawing. Many participants shared that the challenge reignited their passion for art, reminding them why they began creating in the first place.
Documenting a Historical Moment
As the weeks and months of the challenge passed, the collection of submissions became more than just an artistic gallery. It turned into a document of a specific historical period. The objects depicted in the still life scenes—face masks, hand sanitizer bottles, loaves of homemade bread—served as visual markers of life during a pandemic.
This unintended role as a historical archive adds depth to the project’s significance. Future viewers of the Still Here, Still Life Instagram feed will see not only artistic experiments but also glimpses into the lived reality of thousands of people during a global crisis. The challenge preserved these small, intimate details that official histories might overlook.
The Enduring Appeal of Still Life
Still Here, Still Life also renewed appreciation for the still life genre itself. In the fast-paced, screen-saturated world of contemporary art consumption, the quiet focus required to observe and render everyday objects can feel revolutionary. The challenge reminded both artists and audiences that beauty can be found in simplicity, that attention is a form of love, and that even the most mundane items can become worthy of artistic exploration.
Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay tapped into this timeless truth with their project. By framing still life as a communal, ongoing conversation rather than a static artistic category, they gave the genre new life. Their challenge made still life relevant to the present moment while honoring its rich artistic heritage.
The Artistic Process Behind Still Here, Still Life
When Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay launched Still Here, Still Life, they unknowingly initiated a transformation in how artists engaged with everyday objects. At the heart of this project lies the process of creation itself. For many participants, the journey of observing, arranging, and illustrating was as rewarding as the final image. This emphasis on process rather than product created a safe and inspiring space for artists to rediscover the fundamentals of still life illustration.
The practice of creating still life demands patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to see ordinary objects in extraordinary ways. Artists found themselves slowing down, contemplating the shape of a teapot, the color of a banana, or the soft light falling on a glass of water. This level of focus encouraged mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for the surrounding environment.
Observation as the Foundation of Creation
Observation was the first step for every artist participating in Still Here, Still Life. The prompts provided a loose guide, but it was up to each individual to interpret and explore. Some participants took to sketching objects in their homes, such as books, plants, mugs, and kitchen tools, while others imagined surreal or dreamlike arrangements inspired by the weekly theme.
This act of intentional looking reawakened the importance of close observation, a skill that modern life often overlooks. In the rush of daily tasks, the quiet beauty of a fruit bowl or the play of light on a table can easily go unnoticed. Still Here, Still Life gently reminded its audience to pause and pay attention.
For many, this process transformed not just their artwork but their relationship to their surroundings. Artists shared how they began seeing their homes differently, noticing textures, colors, and compositions they had previously ignored. This mindful engagement turned familiar spaces into sources of inspiration and creativity.
Personal Interpretations and Diverse Styles
One of the most fascinating aspects of Still Here, Still Life was the wide range of artistic interpretations that emerged from a single prompt. Each artist approached the theme with a unique perspective shaped by their cultural background, artistic influences, and personal mood. The same suggested arrangement of objects—perhaps apples and a cutting board—might inspire a vibrant digital painting, a soft watercolor sketch, or a minimalist pencil drawing.
This variety underscored the universality of the still life genre while celebrating individual creativity. Some participants leaned into abstraction, reducing objects to geometric forms or experimenting with color palettes that distorted reality. Others focused on hyperrealism, capturing every detail with photographic precision. Still others chose whimsical or humorous approaches, arranging objects in playful or unexpected ways.
These diverse styles enriched the collective body of work, demonstrating that there is no single right way to depict still life. The challenge became a showcase of artistic possibility, where innovation and tradition coexisted harmoniously.
The Role of Composition in Still Life Art
Composition played a critical role in how artists approached the weekly prompts. The arrangement of objects within the frame determined the visual impact and emotional resonance of each piece. Participants experimented with balance, symmetry, contrast, and negative space, exploring how the placement of elements influenced the viewer’s experience.
Some artists created dense, cluttered compositions filled with overlapping objects and rich details, evoking a sense of abundance or domestic chaos. Others opted for simplicity, isolating a single item against a blank background to emphasize its form and texture. The choices of perspective, cropping, and viewpoint also shaped the final image, adding depth and narrative potential.
Through this exploration of composition, many artists discovered new ways of thinking about space and storytelling. Still life, traditionally seen as a static genre, revealed its dynamic possibilities under their hands.
The Emotional Dimension of Still Life
Beyond technique, Still Here, Still Life also highlighted the emotional power of still life imagery. The objects depicted in these artworks were not random; they carried personal significance for the artists who chose them. A favorite mug, a cherished book, a wilting plant—all became symbols of memory, comfort, or longing.
This emotional layer added depth to the challenge, allowing participants to express feelings that words could not capture. During a time of global uncertainty and isolation, such expressions resonated strongly. Viewers recognized their own experiences reflected in the gentle rendering of familiar things. The still life became a silent conversation between artist and audience, bridging distances through shared emotion.
For some, the act of drawing a neglected corner of the kitchen or a beloved houseplant was an act of reclaiming control and meaning in a disrupted world. The personal became universal as artists across continents found common ground in their depictions of daily life.
Experimentation with Media and Techniques
The open nature of Still Here, Still Life encouraged artists to experiment with different materials and methods. Some participants embraced digital illustration tools, exploring the capabilities of Procreate, Photoshop, or Illustrator. These platforms offered flexibility, allowing quick changes in color, composition, and texture.
Others returned to traditional media, finding comfort in the tactile experience of pencils, inks, watercolors, and gouache. The physical act of drawing or painting provided a meditative counterpoint to the digital overload of daily life. Collage, printmaking, and mixed media approaches also appeared, expanding the range of visual languages within the challenge.
This freedom to experiment fostered a spirit of playfulness and discovery. Many artists reported that the challenge pushed them out of their comfort zones, leading to new techniques and ideas that carried over into their professional or personal practices.
Inspiration Drawn from Everyday Life
The subjects chosen for each weekly prompt reflected the environment in which the challenge was born. Locked down in their homes, participants turned to what was immediately available: kitchen utensils, plants, books, snacks, cleaning supplies, and personal objects. These mundane items became the heroes of their compositions, elevated by attention and care.
This focus on the everyday was both practical and profound. It reminded artists and viewers alike that creativity does not require exotic subjects or elaborate setups. Beauty and meaning can be found in the simplest things if one is willing to look closely.
In this way, Still Here, Still Life connected the grand tradition of still life painting—with its bowls of fruit, jugs of wine, and vases of flowers—to the present moment. It demonstrated that the genre remains relevant and adaptable, capable of speaking to contemporary experiences and concerns.
The Influence of Cultural and Personal Contexts
The global reach of Still Here, Still Life meant that cultural differences subtly influenced the artworks produced. Artists from different regions incorporated local foods, objects, and motifs into their compositions, adding layers of meaning and specificity. A still life from Japan might feature tea sets and bamboo, while one from Mexico could include chili peppers and traditional pottery.
These cultural inflections enriched the collective output of the challenge, turning it into a tapestry of global domestic life. Viewers browsing the project’s Instagram feed could travel the world through still life images, gaining glimpses into the daily realities of strangers far away.
Personal contexts also shaped the work. Some artists reflected their emotional state through color choices or object selection. Bright, saturated palettes suggested optimism or playfulness, while muted tones and sparse compositions conveyed solitude or introspection. The freedom to infuse personal narrative into the artwork made each submission unique and resonant.
Learning and Growth Through Repetition
One of the hidden strengths of Still Here, Still Life was the opportunity it provided for learning through repetition. By engaging with a new prompt each week, artists developed discipline and consistency in their practice. This regularity built skills over time, as participants refined their abilities in observation, composition, and technique.
For beginners, the challenge served as a gentle introduction to fundamental artistic principles. For experienced artists, it offered a chance to explore new directions or revisit neglected approaches. In both cases, the commitment to ongoing creation led to noticeable growth.
Many participants reported increased confidence in their abilities, as well as a deeper understanding of their artistic preferences and strengths. The challenge acted as a self-guided course in still life illustration, with the added motivation of community support and feedback.
The Role of Feedback and Community Interaction
Community interaction played a vital role in the success of Still Here, Still Life. Through likes, comments, and shares on Instagram, participants received encouragement and constructive feedback from peers and admirers. This positive reinforcement fostered a sense of belonging and motivation.
Artists discovered each other’s work, formed connections, and even collaborated on future projects. The shared hashtag created a virtual gallery where every contributor’s voice mattered. This egalitarian space contrasted with the often competitive and exclusive world of professional art, making the challenge especially welcoming to newcomers.
The founders themselves actively engaged with participants, featuring selected works on the official account and offering words of appreciation. This direct interaction between organizers and artists strengthened the sense of community and kept the momentum of the project alive.
The Legacy of Creative Discipline
Beyond the immediate outputs, Still Here, Still Life left participants with lasting habits of creative discipline. The practice of setting aside time each week to focus on a prompt instilled a routine that many continued even after the formal challenge ended. This discipline extended beyond still life, influencing other areas of artistic practice and life.
Artists learned the value of small, consistent efforts over time. The challenge proved that great work does not always require grand inspiration or perfect circumstances. By committing to regular, thoughtful creation, one can produce meaningful and satisfying results.
The sense of accomplishment that came from completing multiple prompts reinforced this lesson. Participants gained a portfolio of diverse still life works, each representing a moment of focus and creativity during a difficult period.
The Global Community of Still Here, Still Life
Still Here, Still Life grew beyond being a simple Instagram art challenge into a worldwide phenomenon because of its ability to bring together a community of artists from vastly different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. While many art movements tend to remain local or industry-specific, this challenge broke those boundaries effortlessly. Artists who had never met, from cities and rural areas alike, shared a digital space in which their work was valued equally.
The true strength of the project lay in its universal appeal. Regardless of nationality, language, or formal training, anyone could participate. All that was required was a willingness to engage with the prompts, interpret them in one’s way, and share the result. This democratic spirit drew in students, professionals, hobbyists, and even complete beginners, all of whom contributed to the diversity and richness of the weekly galleries.
Artists from Every Corner of the World
As submissions poured in week after week, the global reach of Still Here, Still Life became obvious. Illustrators from Europe posted cozy scenes from small apartments; creators from Asia depicted delicately arranged tea sets; participants from the Americas shared vibrant images of fruit, coffee cups, and houseplants basking in warm light. From South Africa to Scandinavia, the same prompt yielded hundreds of unique interpretations shaped by local customs, materials, and perspectives.
This international participation enriched the project immeasurably. It allowed artists and viewers alike to appreciate how ordinary objects differed from country to country. A simple bowl of fruit might contain apples and oranges in the UK, but papayas and plantains in Central America. A vase of flowers might feature tulips in Holland and lotuses in India. These variations became a celebration of cultural identity expressed through still life.
Shared Experiences During Global Isolation
The circumstances that gave birth to Still Here, Still Life—lockdowns and social distancing—created a unique environment in which global isolation paradoxically led to creative connection. Artists everywhere faced the same restrictions: confined to their homes, separated from their studios, unable to travel or gather. This shared predicament contributed to the sense of solidarity that permeated the challenge.
Through the weekly prompts, participants communicated their personal experiences without words. A quiet sketch of a half-eaten sandwich or a messy desk spoke volumes about daily life under lockdown. These small visual narratives created an intimate bond among strangers, reminding everyone that they were not alone in their isolation.
This feeling of togetherness was amplified by the interactive nature of Instagram. Likes, comments, and direct messages allowed participants to encourage one another, share tips, and exchange thoughts. Artists discovered new peers, followed each other’s work, and sometimes developed lasting digital friendships that extended beyond the challenge.
Building an Inclusive and Safe Space for Creativity
One of the remarkable achievements of Still Here, Still Life was its creation of a welcoming and inclusive space free from judgment or elitism. The art world can often feel competitive, exclusive, and intimidating, particularly for those without formal training or industry connections. This project dismantled those barriers.
The openness of the challenge meant that no skill level was too low and no style too unconventional. A child’s crayon drawing was as valid a response as a professional illustrator’s carefully rendered gouache painting. The weekly features on the official account highlighted this inclusivity by showcasing works from diverse participants rather than focusing solely on technical mastery or fame.
This egalitarian ethos inspired confidence in newcomers and reawakened joy in seasoned artists who were tired of the pressures of commercial work. For many, Still Here, Still Life was a reminder of why they fell in love with art in the first place—a space where creativity for its own sake could flourish.
Collaborative Spirit Among Participants
The community spirit fostered by the challenge soon led to organic collaborations and spin-offs. Some participants began teaming up to create joint still life pieces, combining their distinct styles into a single composition. Others curated their mini-challenges inspired by the original project, inviting followers to explore variations on the theme.
Art collectives and local illustration groups also took part, using the prompts as group exercises. This collaborative spirit expanded the reach of the challenge and encouraged deeper creative relationships. In some cases, these connections led to longer-term projects and partnerships beyond Still Here, Still Life.
The founders themselves encouraged this spirit by actively engaging with the community, resharing participants' work, and occasionally offering additional prompts or themes for special occasions. Their accessibility and warmth contributed to the sense that the project truly belonged to everyone involved.
The Educational Impact of the Challenge
Still Here, Still Life also found a place in educational settings, where its simplicity and adaptability made it a valuable teaching tool. Art educators around the world incorporated the weekly prompts into their curricula, using them to teach principles of composition, color theory, observation, and media experimentation.
In virtual classrooms, where maintaining student engagement was challenging, the project offered a solution that was both fun and instructive. Students could work from home using whatever materials they had on hand, share their results online, and receive feedback from teachers and peers. This approach fostered a sense of continuity and connection at a time when many felt disconnected from their educational communities.
Beyond formal education, the challenge served as a self-guided learning experience for independent artists. By participating regularly, they sharpened their skills and expanded their creative vocabularies without the need for costly courses or workshops. The variety of styles on display in the community also provided constant inspiration and new ideas.
The Evolution of the Weekly Prompts
While the core format of Still Here, Still Life remained consistent—one new prompt per week—the nature of the prompts evolved to keep the community engaged. Early prompts often featured classic still life subjects such as fruit, tea, or flowers. As the weeks progressed, the founders introduced more unusual or open-ended themes that invited interpretation and creativity.
This evolution kept the challenge fresh and exciting. Participants never knew what to expect, which prevented fatigue and encouraged imaginative thinking. Some prompts even responded to current events or seasonal changes, reflecting the shifting mood of the global community.
The flexibility of the prompts also allowed artists to inject personal meaning into their work. Even when the theme was simple—a cup of coffee, for example—participants could choose objects, colors, and compositions that reflected their individual experiences and feelings.
Exhibitions and Publications Inspired by the Challenge
The popularity and cultural impact of Still Here, Still Life led to real-world recognition in the form of exhibitions and publications. Some galleries curated shows featuring selected works from the challenge, offering artists the rare opportunity to see their Instagram pieces displayed in physical spaces. These exhibitions celebrated the diversity and creativity of the community while introducing new audiences to the project.
Additionally, print publications and online magazines featured articles on the challenge, profiling standout participants and analyzing the phenomenon. This media attention helped validate the significance of the project and elevated the profiles of many contributing artists.
A few participants even published their zines or books compiling their favorite Still Here, Still Life works, creating tangible records of their journey through the challenge. These projects demonstrated how a digital movement could inspire lasting, physical artifacts of creativity.
The Challenge as a Platform for Emerging Talent
For many emerging illustrators and designers, Still Here, Still Life provided a rare chance to gain exposure and build an audience. Being featured on the official account or shared widely within the community could lead to new followers, commissions, and professional opportunities.
The challenge functioned as a portfolio-building exercise, allowing artists to showcase consistency, versatility, and personal style. Some participants reported that their involvement led directly to freelance gigs, collaborations, or representation by agencies. In this way, the project not only nurtured artistic growth but also supported career development.
This professional benefit was an unexpected but welcome side effect of the challenge’s inclusive and open structure. By prioritizing creativity and community over competition, the project inadvertently became a launchpad for new talent.
Sustaining Momentum After the Pandemic
As the world gradually adjusted to post-pandemic life, questions arose about the future of Still Here, Still Life. Would the challenge continue to thrive as lockdowns ended and daily routines resumed? The answer, so far, has been positive. The project adapted by shifting to less frequent prompts or special themed events, maintaining interest without overwhelming participants.
Many artists who joined during the lockdown period chose to keep still life as part of their regular practice, inspired by the habits and insights gained during the challenge. The sense of community also endured, with former participants continuing to support and interact with each other’s work online.
The project’s success demonstrated that the desire for connection, creativity, and shared artistic purpose transcends specific historical moments. Even without the unique pressures of the pandemic, the appeal of Still Here, Still Life remains strong.
The Lasting Influence of Still Here, Still Life on Contemporary Art
Still Here, Still Life did more than create an online art challenge; it reshaped how artists and viewers think about the still life genre in the modern world. Its impact reached beyond weekly prompts, encouraging a new appreciation for simplicity, mindfulness, and observation in artistic practice. While the project began as a response to global lockdowns, its influence has endured, leaving a lasting mark on both digital and traditional art spaces.
This revival of the still life genre was unexpected but deeply needed. In an era dominated by fast-moving digital content, trends, and fleeting attention, Still Here, Still Life stood as a quiet reminder of the enduring power of slow, thoughtful creation. Artists who joined the challenge rediscovered the beauty of familiar objects and the joy of drawing from life. The effects of this rediscovery continue to shape artistic practices today.
A New Generation of Still Life Artists
The project gave rise to a new generation of artists who now approach still life as an essential part of their creative vocabulary. Many participants reported that what began as a weekly exercise soon became a habit, one they carried into personal sketchbooks, professional portfolios, and client projects. For some, the genre moved from the periphery of their work to the center.
This renewed interest in still life is visible in the portfolios of illustrators, designers, and painters who took part in the challenge. Social media feeds that were once filled with character designs or abstract patterns now feature bowls of fruit, stacks of books, and cups of tea, each rendered with care and intention. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of composition, color harmony, and visual storytelling—skills honed during the months of regular participation in Still Here, Still Life.
Emerging artists who built confidence during the challenge now showcase still life works in exhibitions, zines, and online stores. What was once a genre associated with classical painting has found fresh life in contemporary illustration, graphic design, and even surface pattern design. The boundaries of still life have expanded, shaped by the diverse interpretations encouraged by the project.
The Integration of Still Life into Professional Practice
For many professional illustrators, Still Here, Still Life offered more than personal growth—it influenced their client work as well. Brands and publications began to notice the popularity of the challenge and the aesthetic trends it inspired. As a result, artists found themselves creating commissioned works that reflected the still life sensibility they had developed through the project.
This integration of still life into commercial illustration revealed the versatility of the genre. Product packaging, editorial spreads, and advertising campaigns began to feature carefully arranged objects rendered with warmth and personality. The skill of transforming ordinary items into visually engaging compositions became a valuable asset for illustrators seeking to stand out in a crowded market.
The challenge also encouraged artists to explore new markets. Some participants began selling prints of their favorite Still Here, Still Life pieces, while others developed entire collections of home decor, stationery, or textiles based on the objects they had drawn. This entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated the practical benefits of the skills and habits fostered by the challenge.
The Role of Digital Platforms in Sustaining Art Movements
Still Here, Still Life highlighted the potential of digital platforms, especially Instagram, to nurture sustainable art movements. While many online challenges are short-lived, driven by novelty or viral appeal, this project sustained interest through meaningful engagement, community building, and adaptability. It proved that digital spaces can host genuine artistic exploration, not just surface-level trends.
The use of hashtags, shared prompts, and weekly features created a rhythm that participants could follow without feeling overwhelmed. The platform’s visual nature allowed for easy sharing and discovery, while the interactive tools enabled dialogue and feedback among artists. This digital infrastructure was essential in turning a simple idea into a lasting movement.
The success of Still Here, Still Life suggests that future art initiatives can thrive on similar platforms if they prioritize inclusivity, simplicity, and community engagement. The project set a precedent for how digital tools can be used to foster real artistic development and connection, even across vast geographical distances.
Lessons in Mindfulness and Observation
One of the most profound lessons of Still Here, Still Life was the value of mindfulness in art-making. The challenge invited participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and find beauty in the ordinary. This practice of attentive seeing became a form of meditation for many artists, offering a break from the distractions and anxieties of daily life.
This emphasis on observation also had a broader impact on creative thinking. Artists learned to notice details they might have previously ignored—the curve of a spoon, the texture of a cloth, the way light falls on a countertop. These observations enriched not only their still life drawings but also their approach to other subjects and genres.
The challenge reinforced the idea that creativity does not require grand subjects or dramatic inspiration. Instead, it can emerge from quiet, everyday moments if the artist is willing to look closely. This lesson continues to resonate with participants, influencing their work long after the weekly prompts ended.
The Psychological Benefits of Regular Artistic Practice
Participants in Still Here, Still Life frequently described the psychological benefits they experienced through regular involvement in the challenge. In a time of uncertainty and stress, the act of setting aside time each week to draw provided stability, focus, and a sense of accomplishment. The routine of creation became a coping mechanism, a way to process emotions and stay connected to a sense of purpose.
For artists struggling with creative block or burnout, the challenge offered a low-pressure way to reengage with their craft. The absence of strict rules or expectations allowed for experimentation and playfulness, which in turn reignited motivation. Many reported feeling more confident and energized in their artistic practice as a result.
These mental health benefits underscore the importance of accessible, community-driven art initiatives. By removing barriers to participation and emphasizing process over perfection, Still Here, Still Life created a space where creativity could thrive alongside personal well-being.
Inspiring Future Creative Projects
The influence of Still Here, Still Life has extended beyond its boundaries, inspiring new projects and challenges within the creative community. Artists who participated in the original challenge have gone on to launch their initiatives, drawing on the principles of inclusivity, simplicity, and regular practice.
Some have created themed prompts focused on other genres, such as portraiture, landscape, or abstract design. Others have developed collaborative projects that bring together artists from different disciplines. In each case, the success of Still Here, Still Life demonstrated the effectiveness of open, community-oriented approaches to artistic engagement.
The project also encouraged art educators, workshop leaders, and community organizers to design programs that emphasize observation, process, and mindfulness. Its impact on creative pedagogy is likely to continue, shaping how art is taught and shared in both digital and physical spaces.
Reflections from the Founders
Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay have reflected on the unexpected journey of Still Here, Still Life with a sense of pride and gratitude. What began as a small personal project became a global phenomenon, touching the lives of thousands of artists. Their thoughtful curation, approachable leadership, and genuine passion for still life made the challenge accessible and meaningful.
In interviews and public statements, the founders have emphasized the importance of community and simplicity in the project’s success. They have expressed admiration for the creativity and dedication of the participants, whose diverse interpretations brought the prompts to life in ways they could never have predicted.
The founders’ reflections highlight the power of shared creativity in times of crisis. Their belief in the value of ordinary objects and everyday observation resonated deeply with the artistic community, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.
The Enduring Appeal of Still Life in Contemporary Culture
Still Here, Still Life also contributed to a broader cultural appreciation for still life as a relevant and engaging genre. Once considered a traditional or even outdated subject, still life has been reimagined for the digital age, thanks in part to the challenge’s influence. Artists, designers, and audiences now recognize its potential for storytelling, symbolism, and personal expression.
This renewed interest in still life aligns with wider cultural trends toward mindfulness, sustainability, and appreciation of the everyday. In a world increasingly concerned with material excess and environmental impact, the quiet beauty of simple objects offers a counterbalance. Still life encourages a focus on what is present, meaningful, and enduring.
The challenge helped position still life as a genre that speaks to contemporary values, bridging the gap between historical art traditions and modern creative practice. Its relevance is likely to persist as artists continue to explore the possibilities it offers.
The Legacy of Still Here, Still Life
The legacy of Still Here, Still Life is visible in the continued engagement of its community, the influence on artistic practices, and the inspiration it has provided for new projects. It demonstrated that a simple idea, executed with care and openness, can have a profound and lasting impact.
The project showed that art need not be grand or revolutionary to matter. It's very modesty—drawing fruit, arranging objects, noticing light—was its strength. It connected people across borders, generations, and skill levels, reminding them of the shared human experience of seeing and creating.
Still Here, Still Life also stands as a testament to the potential of digital platforms to support meaningful artistic movements. It challenged assumptions about the superficiality of online engagement and proved that virtual spaces can nurture deep creativity and community.
Final Thoughts
Still Here, Still Life began as a modest attempt by Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay to bring structure and inspiration to a moment of global uncertainty. What unfolded was far greater than either founder could have anticipated. The challenge tapped into a universal need for creativity, connection, and quiet observation, transforming the still life genre from a historical practice into a vibrant, living art movement that resonated with thousands of artists worldwide.
The enduring appeal of this project lies in its simplicity. At a time when complexity, speed, and novelty often dominate the creative landscape, Still Here, Still Life reminded participants that meaningful art can emerge from the most ordinary objects. A bowl of fruit, a houseplant, a teacup—all became worthy subjects for exploration and expression. This focus on the familiar not only refreshed artistic practice but also offered comfort during a period of widespread isolation and change.
The community built around the challenge was another key to its success. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the project encouraged artists of all skill levels and backgrounds to participate without fear of judgment or exclusion. This openness created a rich tapestry of styles, cultures, and interpretations, each adding depth and diversity to the collective body of work. The relationships formed through comments, shares, and collaborations further cemented the sense of belonging that made Still Here, Still Life more than just an art challenge.
The impact of the project extended into education, professional practice, and even mental well-being. Art educators found in the weekly prompts a valuable teaching tool that bridged the gap between virtual and physical classrooms. Professional illustrators discovered new directions and audiences for their work, while hobbyists and beginners found renewed joy in the act of creation. The psychological benefits of regular, mindful art-making—reduced stress, increased focus, and a sense of purpose—were repeatedly noted by participants.
Perhaps the greatest legacy of Still Here, Still Life is its demonstration that meaningful artistic movements do not require elaborate infrastructure, funding, or institutional support. With little more than a shared Instagram account and a weekly prompt, Tess Smith-Roberts and Zena Kay sparked a global phenomenon that influenced countless lives and practices. Their success offers a model for future creative initiatives grounded in accessibility, sincerity, and community spirit.
As the world moves beyond the conditions that gave rise to the challenge, the lessons of Still Here, Still Life remain relevant. Artists continue to explore the possibilities of still life, carrying forward the habits of observation, composition, and reflection that the project encouraged. The genre itself enjoys a renewed status in contemporary art, appreciated not only for its historical significance but also for its capacity to express present-day concerns and aesthetics.
Still Here, Still Life stands as a quiet but powerful testament to the enduring importance of art in everyday life. It reminds us that creativity thrives not in grand gestures but in the careful arrangement of simple things. It shows that connection is possible even in isolation, that beauty can be found in the mundane, and that the act of making art can offer solace, joy, and meaning in uncertain times. For all who participated, observed, or were inspired by the project, the influence of Still Here, Still Life continues, shaping the way they see the world and express their place within it.