Artist Statement Project 2

The cuckoo clock is perhaps one of the more identifiable translations of the wall clock archetype. I have taken the concept of the cuckoo clock and distilled it down to its most abstract form: a basic structure with a bird theme. To make it as far removed as possible from the elaborate, carved wood houses traditionally found on this type of clock I have opted to make a basic grid design out of an ultra modern mirrored acrylic to represent the house structure. Hanging below the grid is a messy nest woven from twig shaped brown felt with a wrist watch face sewn into either side. This nest ties in the over arching cuckoo bird theme and brings a warm, organic element to contrast the stark, modernity of the grid. To further abstract the general clock element I have oriented this piece perpendicular to the wall since traditionally most clocks sit flat against the wall, and the small wrist watches contrast the usual notion that clocks on the wall need to be large. These concepts both play off of the idea that clocks are becoming increasingly more of a decoration than a necessity, slowly being rendered obsolete as cell phones, television, and computers are being used to tell time. The end result is a modern piece made from the “bare bones” of a traditional one; therefore it serves both a modern and traditional purpose.

Horn Images

Cord making sources and inspirations.

Our biggest challenge may be in making the cord part of our tin can telephone inspired piece. Here are some sources I found on making string/rope/cord yourself from various materials.

How to make a thin string/cord from sewing threads.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Yo-Yo-String/

How to make a simple rope (could be modified for turning thread to string).

http://www.scoutmastercg.com/2007/05/rope_making/

Simple rope making video.

http://youtu.be/FMxquIjKT1w

How to make string from a willow branch video.

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Make-String-from-Willow-166379579

Willow branch string making instructions.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-String-from-Natural-Sources

How to make cordage from natural plant sources.

http://violet-snow.suite101.com/how-to-make-cordage-a35134

Wall Clock Inspirations

Paper/Fiber Art Artists

Jeramy May:
Artist Jeramy May creates unique jewelry out of repurposed pages from old books. The process involves punching out a shape from the pages of the book and laminating them into one solid piece that is given a glossy finish. The final piece is then reinserted in the excavated space of the book so that it doubles as the jewelry box. Each piece is completely unique and original and the title of the book used is listed in selling it to increase sentiment. These elements could help to make a piece of jewelry that will be kept for life, and not be as disposable as most fashion.

http://www.ecouterre.com/
http://littlefly.co.uk/littlefly_wordpress/





Yael Gaizler and Aviv Kinel:
These Israeli designers combine cardboard with precious metals and stones to turn a mundane packaging material into luxurious jewelry. They elevate an overlooked and abundant material into something desirable with unique designs. They use traditional metalsmith techniques as well as lacing and weaving in the cardboard.

http://www.ecouterre.com/




Hyun Jin Jeong:
Hyun Jin Jeong’s Earthdyeing produces textiles that are died using soil, an ancient technique that is mostly obsolete today. Both solid colored and patterned fabrics are created by painting the fabrics with paints made from soil collected from South Korea and the United Kingdom. Jeong believes it is important to rediscover forgotten techniques and everyday materials. Collecting different soils from various regions allows for a rather large palette of earth tones to be achieved. Although she isn’t exactly an artist, Jeong is helping to create sustainable design for the fiber art and textile world.


http://www.ecouterre.com/



Noah Waxman:
Noah Waxman has created an accessories line of positional scarves. Created in canvas, wool and strong magnets, these scarves can be positioned into triangular and square designs by the wearer and changed at any time. The line consists of two styles, the Trestle, a linear style that can be formed into geometric configurations and the Billow style that is “bunchy” and creates more organic designs.

http://www.ecouterre.com/
http://portfolio.noahwaxman.info/




Margaret Dorfman:
California artist Margaret Dorfman creates jewelry from dried produce. Her technique consists of curing, pressing, aging and drying fresh fruits and vegetables to form a velum like translucent sheet which she then adheres to copper before finishing them with a non-toxic lacquer. Dorfman says she discovered at an early age that she didn’t need to buy materials for her creative projects, but rather was able to simply walk around outside to find materials. Her process starts with making thin slices of fruits and vegetables with a kitchen medaling and various knives. The slices are then cured and pressed during a 10-14 day period. All of her produce leftovers are donated to her local zoo so as not to waste any of the natural materials.

http://www.margaretdorfman.com/

Sustainable Design

Sustainable design involves the creation of something with an awareness of how it will impact our world ecologically as well as economically. The goal of sustainable design is to advance our society and move toward the future, as with all design, but while simultaneously reducing our "wear" on the planet and successfully selling a product: if the product doesn't sell than no impact will be made on anybody. Rather than opting for the cheapest, most convenient materials and methods of production that lead to objects that are quickly disposed of, sustainable design looks to materials that are repurposed, recycled, and promote future reusing. The designs themselves often focus on having multiple uses, permanency or if disposable are recyclable and biodegradable. Often the methods of manufacture and production use earth friendly chemicals, sustainable energy or some form of pro-environment compromise. The Industrial Revolution succeeded in quickly advancing civilization, at light speed and selling products but at the price of rapidly draining natural resources and damaging many ecosystems. Sustainable design is the response to the Industrial Revolution and the solution to reversing its flaws while promoting its successes.