Past Projects

Tiny Conceits 2007

This is a series of retail pieces I called “Tiny Conceits,” inspired by 18^th century, miniature portraits. I felt the title “Tiny Conceit” expressed both the idea of self adoration as well as alluding to perhaps a thinly veiled expose of some royal debacle — a little performance that is an exaggeration.

Small oval frames were very much in vogue during the 1700’s, usually housing miniature portraits. In an age without photography, these were the equivalent of a snapshot that could be carried in a pocket or purse, something I resonate with, as it is portable art — a favored theme. I have designed many an art project around portability, I am not entirely sure why, but my best guess is that it has something to do with a constant nagging desire I have to wander — just pick-up and go. 

Symbolically the oval represents both an egg  — the cosmos, incubator, rebirth — and an eye — third eye, gateway to the subconscious etcetera — deeply esoteric. Both the egg and the eye are also associated with the philosopher’s stone.

An oval frame is a great hoosh item. It is fetching for the brain to encounter a variety of object shapes, and as rectangles and squares dominate the wall, an oval provides a much needed respite.

These objects are made from humble materials such as felt, plastic, fabric scraps, wire and paper, this occupies another thematic realm I return to over and over; that of making something from nothing — or from very little. In this case specifically making a fancy thing from humble things — hi-end out of low-end. A desire for wealth/nostalgic grandeur is partially in there, as well as a desire to create what one desires regardless of financial circumstances. This latter aspect is the greater draw, and a cherished philosophy. I have always refused to be daunted by lack of funds. 

Note: This is an item that I think is an ideal craft. Not only is it small and fairly easy to create but best of all it can be used as a kind of empty canvas for endless designs. Like a reggae beat, it is great as a crowd pleasing, underlying framework for virtually any object inspiration. I have designed well over a hundred and cannot help but add one or two more sketches a year.

Mushroom Hunt 2001

Photographer Jeffrey Jenkins

Poetically September, my birth month, is the best time to observe above ground fungal display. 

Photographer Jeffrey Jenkins

In 2001, during the difficult and overtly leaden days that directly proceeded September 11^th, a birthday mushroom hunt in my honor, had been previously planned on the grounds of my good friends home in Pennsylvania. Questioning whether we should proceed with the gathering, we went ahead, needing something just to feel life affirming... if only for a day.

Photographer Mark Dion

Morgan Puett, Photographer Mark Dion

The party required two costume changes: T.O.C. garb for the mushroom hunt — replete with mushrooming sticks, baskets and knives — followed by fifties style attire for the cocktail soirée to follow.

Rebecca Purcell, Photographer Mark Dion

As we wandered through the moist woods, with its damp fragrance of loam and dead leaves, a member of the party would direct me to some fantastical fungi sighting where I would not find the promised mushroom but a package instead.

Photographer Mark Dion

Heather Greene, Photographer Mark Dion

The packages were gathered up in our baskets along with the occasional mushroom, then opened creek-side at a clearing where an assortment of wooden chairs were waiting along with a bottle of champagne nestled in a float, buoyed in the center of the cooling stream.

Mark Dion and Grey Rabbit

It was one of those days that stood out as if it too floated on a cooling stream, buoyed up in direct contrast to the excruciating density of smoke and fear and loss that was a constant at the time, and for this one day we let ourselves go back to a time, any time, “before.” 

Grey Rabbit,  Photographer Mark Dion

Remnants of Hybridization 

2010

I have a strong attraction to European, 18th century objects. While the textiles from this era were perhaps the most exquisite ever produced, the jewelry was a bit crude — but this is what I like about it.

Over the years I had gathered a collection of semi-precious stones set in silver, as well as clear glass mounted gems that felt 18th century in flavor.

I pulled all of them out one day, deciding that I would challenge myself to use every piece to create necklaces reminiscent of a the 1700's, using elements and materials from the 20th century. 

Digging deep into the grab-bag of my sculptural skills, I obsessively rearranged and tweaked — to my surprise it took several days before I found a pleasing composition that utilized the majority of the materials.