perhaps it’s because i took the children to the library today or perhaps because i’ve been desk bound for a few days with editing, but the works of christopher stott surprised me instantly, not merely because they are such contemplative realist oil studies, but because they go even further and instead of imitating reality, they imitate a photo of reality; this lies in a strange art neutral territory of the delicate painting vs photography cease-fire. stott’s intimate vintage obsessions are evident and may be too idealist or static for some, but considering his painted still life as a snapshot, i appreciate the simple honesty in his work.