Collection: Mixed Media
Title:Collection
Size:36.2cmx28.55cm Medium:Mixed Completed:April Intentions:This shadow box was inspired by Joseph Cornell's unique assemblages. It is made of my cherished trinkets that I collected and will one day erode away. Luckily the memories that are connected to these items will not. They are displayed in a way that implore the audience to explore and examine each item for the story behind how the artist encountered it and why the artist held onto it. Made or Found:Both |
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Artist
The Hotel Eden by, Joseph Cornell
Wiki. "Untitled (The Hotel Eden) - Cornell Joseph." Www.wikiart.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2016. |
Soap Bubble Set by, Joseph Cornell
Wiki. "Untitled (Soap Bubble Set)." Wikipaintings-the Free Encyclopedia of Artworks. N.p., 2014. Web. 7 Apr. 2016. |
I was inspired by Joseph Cornell's assemblage pieces. "Joseph Cornell's best-known works are glass-fronted boxes into which he placed and arranged Victorian bric-a-brac, old photographs, dime-store trinkets, and other found elements. Generally referred to as "shadow boxes," the resulting pieces are dream-like miniature tableaux that inspire the viewer to see each component in a new light." This quote describes my intentions to a T. I wanted all my items to be seen as a whole, but also to be evaluated individually, which is why I installed the dividers. What I really took away from exploring Cornell's work was arranging the pieces in a way that is appealing to the eye is key. Also I observed he never had just a plain, wood background. I used this knowledge when creating my final product.
"Joseph Cornell Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works." The Art Story. N.p., 2016. Web. 07 Apr. 2016. |
Every culture has its own form of collection. For my piece I chose to focus on the collection of stories. Specifically, this can be related to Native Americans. This religious knowledge system is commonly associate with storytelling as being a big part of their culture. Through storytelling information from their ancestors is passed down generation to generation. Each of these objects have a story connected to it. I hope to preserve these stories by displaying them in a shadowbox for years to come. Although this is an unorthodox method of storytelling it can be connected ideas of Native American methods of sharing knowledge. |
Bowman, Lindsay. "What We Can Learn from the Native Americans - Wilt PR." Wilt PR. N.p., 23 May 2013. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.
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Tools
Hot Glue Gun-used to attach items to the sides of the walls and the backs of the walls
Craft Glue-used to attach all the other items to the shadow box Wood Glue-used to attach and assemble the shadow box Mod Podge-used to attach the map to the back of the shadow box Hammer-used to drive the nails into the wood Nails-used to strongly connect to pieces of wood Needle Nose Pliers-used to hold & sturdy the shorter nails so they could be hammered Light & Dark Brown Paint-used to make the shadow box look like it was more aged the brand-new pine 1''x3"x4' Solid Aspen Board-used to form the frame of the shadow box 1/4"x3"x4' Solid Aspen Board-used to make the shelving inside the board -used for the back of the shadow box Foam Poly Brushes-used to apply the paint to the wood Small Paint Brush-used to apply the wood glue to the wood boards Tape Measure-to measure the lengths of the boards Nail Gun-used to adhere some of the items to the shadow box Table Saw-used to cut the boards at the lengths I needed |
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Process
I began by gathering the trinkets that I have collected and held onto ever since I was young. These items ranged from my braces with my baby teeth still attached to them, to sea glass I found at the beach. I arranged these items in the order that I wanted them to be in the shadow box. I measured the length, width, and height of every one, and sketched a blue print for a shadow box that would properly display these items.
I purchased the wood, nails, and glue that I would need to assemble my shadow box. The wood looked too new, so I aged it up by applying a dark brown paint and lighter brown paint accents. Then I marked my measurements on the wood and had Mr. Chad use the table saw to cut them to the lengths I needed. The one inch thick board was used to create the border while the quarter inch thick boards were used to create the shelving on the inside. I made the boarder by first wood gluing two 9 1/2" long cuts to two 14" long cuts and then later nailing them so their placement would be secure. The horizontal dividers inside were 9 1/2", I glued them inside according to my blueprint. The vertical dividers were all approximately 4" long and were glued in according to my blueprint. To finish constructing the shadowbox I mod podged the Milwaukee map onto the 14 1/4"x11 1/4" wood backing, painted the back of that to make it appear aged, and nailed it to the back of the shadow box. Placing the items in/on the shadow box was merely a process of evaluating the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement of my trinkets and what type of glue would be needed to adhere it to the shadow box. Connections to AphemeraChildren's Toys (Babushkas, Porcelain Doll, Yo-yo, Cars & Baseball Player) All of these toys are meant to momentarily satisfy and entertain children. Childhood does not last forever. Shells, Rocks, & Glass These break down over time and become part of rubble or sand. They don't remain whole and beautiful like they are now. |
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My Dental Care & ID Bracelet
The headgear and braces were metal instruments that temporarily bound my teeth for years. Unfortunately, I will never forget them.
Hour Glass
Symbolizes time, always running out.
Currency
(The Coins)
Currency is always changing. There was a time when people traded shiny rocks or bartered for their needs. In current time money is different in every country.
Detective Supplies
This is probably one of the most precious set of mementos from my youth. When I was younger I had wanted to be a detective so badly that I'd walk around the house with w detective satchel and try to solve crimes. However, my dreams have changed now that I have grown older.
Hunting Memorabilia
The bullet shells were a variety from guns I have fired or have found walking in through the woods with my dad. A bullet can only be used one time.
Bottle Caps
Notice that all the bottle caps are from alcohol, the drink that can only temporarily change your feelings.
Milwaukee Map
Milwaukee is where I found and collected all of my trinkets. However, a map is never meant to be held onto for more than a couple of years, because roads are often changing due to construction.
The headgear and braces were metal instruments that temporarily bound my teeth for years. Unfortunately, I will never forget them.
Hour Glass
Symbolizes time, always running out.
Currency
(The Coins)
Currency is always changing. There was a time when people traded shiny rocks or bartered for their needs. In current time money is different in every country.
Detective Supplies
This is probably one of the most precious set of mementos from my youth. When I was younger I had wanted to be a detective so badly that I'd walk around the house with w detective satchel and try to solve crimes. However, my dreams have changed now that I have grown older.
Hunting Memorabilia
The bullet shells were a variety from guns I have fired or have found walking in through the woods with my dad. A bullet can only be used one time.
Bottle Caps
Notice that all the bottle caps are from alcohol, the drink that can only temporarily change your feelings.
Milwaukee Map
Milwaukee is where I found and collected all of my trinkets. However, a map is never meant to be held onto for more than a couple of years, because roads are often changing due to construction.
Critiques
Critiques by Ms.Grafwallner
Overall Strengths:
-nice greeting; very engaging style!
-I appreciate your background on important items in your childhood
-shared process; very detailed & thorough; important to share challenges of creativity
Overall Weakness:
-what is the "deeper meaning"
-try to eliminate that phrase, over done
Thoroughness of Presentation:9/10
Critiques by Kathryn Martin
Overall Strengths:
-chose to work w/ material that means something to you-as a result you create an object that shows you care
Overall Weakness:
-want a better image; better lit-a lot of the forms are dark and get lost, but as you talked about, they are all important
Thoroughness of Presentation: 8/10
Overall Project Ranking: 7/10
Overall Strengths:
-nice greeting; very engaging style!
-I appreciate your background on important items in your childhood
-shared process; very detailed & thorough; important to share challenges of creativity
Overall Weakness:
-what is the "deeper meaning"
-try to eliminate that phrase, over done
Thoroughness of Presentation:9/10
Critiques by Kathryn Martin
Overall Strengths:
-chose to work w/ material that means something to you-as a result you create an object that shows you care
Overall Weakness:
-want a better image; better lit-a lot of the forms are dark and get lost, but as you talked about, they are all important
Thoroughness of Presentation: 8/10
Overall Project Ranking: 7/10
Reflection
Through my interpretation I think I fit the requirements of the assignment. I had to critically analyse my collections and justify my connecting them to the idea of ephemera. The most challenging step in my process was assembling the shadow box. It turns out that measuring so many things is quite difficult! Somewhere in my calculations I was a quarter of an inch off. I had to return to Mr. Chad and ask him to cut a couple of my boards again. Then attempting to glue all of the little dividers together inside was a mess. Also when I compare my work to Cornell's it does appear a bit busy. If i were to construct another shadow box I would make it more simplistic. Next time I would like to find an easier way to assemble them. I excelled in arranging and adhering my trinkets in aesthetically pleasing ways that filled the space they were assigned. Each and every one of these items has a story, which is why I chose them for this project. I would happily hang this on any wall.