Heliker House, Cranberry Island, Maine 1969

Walker Evans snapped this photograph, "Heliker House, Cranberry Island, Maine," sometime in the mid-20th century, using what looks like a straightforward, documentary style. But look closer; it's more than just a snapshot of a room. I'm drawn to the way Evans uses light and shadow here, almost like a painter mixing tones. The room is awash in whites and greys, but each surface has its own distinct texture, from the smooth wall to the grainy floorboards. Notice the single shoe peeking out from under the daybed – such a simple detail, but it adds a layer of intimacy and mystery to the scene. That high-heeled shoe is a perfect example of how one small element can shift the entire feel of a space. Evans was interested in the vernacular, the everyday, and here he elevates the mundane to something poetic. It reminds me of some of Edward Hopper’s interiors, but with a quieter, more understated touch. It’s a reminder that art is all about how we see, and what we choose to focus on.