If you've been reading my main blog you will have noticed that I am getting closer to my particular take on recycled/upcycled/re-purposed everyday objects and I think I have decided what I want to do with this object.
I was interested in the inside of the pencil box because it seems relevant. I had contemplated painting the inside white to increase the emphasis between inside and outside of the box and to generate intrigue with connotations of innocence. I had also thought about painting a pictire on the inside or painting it in liquid light and exposing an image onto it, but it never really felt like the right approach.
I was interested in the inside of the pencil box because it seems relevant. I had contemplated painting the inside white to increase the emphasis between inside and outside of the box and to generate intrigue with connotations of innocence. I had also thought about painting a pictire on the inside or painting it in liquid light and exposing an image onto it, but it never really felt like the right approach.
Then I realised that what intrigued me about the inside of the box was that it was hidden from view - in some way it represents where the emotions are placed within the object by its previous owner, having been kept for over 40 years - which is significant for two reasons. Firstly, it originally beloned to the lady's sister, so obviously there is a strong emotional connection. Secondly, I think that the reason people place so much importance on buying objcts and keeping them for a long time, or even a short time, is the emotional investment - perhaps they reflect a need to find a channel for our emotions: emotions that we have a difficulty expressing in words or actions and interactions. Whatever happens to this pencil box it will always hold some emotional significance for its previous owner, relating to her sister. I want to preserve and emphasise that 'value' by leaving the inside of the box in its raw state, whilst I treat the outside using antique restoration techniques.
The other thing I want to draw attention to is that this object was used at school in the late 1950's to early 1960's, acordng to it's previous owner, and this was in the middle of the golden age of capitalism (1947-1970) - a time when ideas about sustainability and green issues were only beginning to appear in the far corners of the scientific fringe.
I also want to emphasise the connection between 'art-crafts' and and 'conceptual' art by drawing attention to both the intrinsic (the surface of the box - the physical beauty) and extrinsic beauty (inside the box - the emotional connection the previous owner has and that we all invest into the objects we own).
The other thing I want to draw attention to is that this object was used at school in the late 1950's to early 1960's, acordng to it's previous owner, and this was in the middle of the golden age of capitalism (1947-1970) - a time when ideas about sustainability and green issues were only beginning to appear in the far corners of the scientific fringe.
I also want to emphasise the connection between 'art-crafts' and and 'conceptual' art by drawing attention to both the intrinsic (the surface of the box - the physical beauty) and extrinsic beauty (inside the box - the emotional connection the previous owner has and that we all invest into the objects we own).
I will make reference to the golden age of capitalism by reviving the inch ruler marks in gold leaf. I hope also that the use of restoration techniques will embellish the wood with a rich and yet delicate ambience, which I hope will make it difficult to imagine using it with the kind of throw-away functionality of its original purpose. I want it to move beyond its function to gain a more significant value.
So anyway, enough with the flowery descriptions and onto making it happen!
After talking to Mum, I found out that my great grandad was a french polisher and she said to ask great uncle John if he could help; but alas, he loved watching his father but never followed in the trade because after the second world war there was litle call for the trade and new sprays were being used in mass-market factories so my great grandad turned his hand to being a telephonist to support his family - he had to use his hands really after having his leg blown off saving a soldier from drowning at the battle for the bridge of Arnhem. But anyway, John couldn't help so I decided to find a local tradesman and I happened upon one Tim Baskett, of Southend-on-sea!
Tim was extremely helpful and gave me lots of tips on how to french polish - he even gave me some materials - a dabber, made from materials he had in his workshop, some wood stain in the colour of my choice, and he also gave me the names of the best materials for the job and where best to buy it locally! We had a great conversation about my work and he showed me a fantastic toy rattle that he'd designed and made and is currently selling quite well to friends and family who have kids. I remarked that it was rather similar - and actually more ecological - than the specialist toy I had bought from an eco shop for a friends baby, which was supposedly scientifically designed to improve analytical skills. Tim's even had its own box, which gave it a nice traditional feel, and I loved it.
So anyway, the first thing he told me to do was to glue the crack in the side and clamp it together overnight, which is what I did! Tomorrow's another day!
No comments:
Post a Comment