The still life is a genre with a long history-at least as far back in Egypt as the 15^th century, BCE. Collections of still life paintings exist in most artists' repertoires. Here are five artists who have selected subject matter, observed in place or constructed, that allows them to present qualities-color, light, form, texture, juxtaposition, fragility, permanence- that are important to them. Their motivation emanates from their desires to have others see as they do. They portray common subject matter in such a way as to invite the viewer to share the transformation of the everyday object to a higher plane that lends new understandings to both the artist and the audience.