We often go through life oblivious to the fact that what we consider to be mundane objects can often inspire us in ways we can’t explain. Hoping to shine light on such objects is Phillip Wood, founder and creative director of CITIZEN:Citizen. Founded in 2004, CITIZEN:Citizen is a collection of random objects that challenges established notions of beauty, design and consumerism. “I think we’re challenging existing notions and bringing a new discourse to the world of objects,” Wood states. CITIZEN:Citizen was initially launched with two friends, and began as a gallery space in Brooklyn that showcased avant-garde design from Europe. After the partnership dissolved, Wood took over the business and revamped its focused. “I was interested in how objects tell a story and move far beyond the tangible. I wanted to engage in that dialogue, and that is why I started Citizen.” With its current headquarters in San Francisco, CITIZEN:Citizen has many projects up its sleeves, including a Virtually Mine tour as an interactive and performance exhibition around the country; a handmade quilt titled “American Comfort Quilt,” which incorporates 52 of the most loved brand logos in the US; and a series of books, with each one being unique and completely unlike the other. So, next time you’re overlooking that random object in your life, take a second look—maybe it’s telling a greater story.