Artist Statement 4

Artist Statement

My pocketknife immediately came to mind when thinking of an object in my life. The knife has been in my possession for a very long time, and generated a tapestry of images, feelings and memories. As I held the knife in my hand I was nostalgically transported to my youth. It was interesting how the memories flickered through my mind and so easily surfaced as I reminisced on the significance of my Swisschamp Victorinox pocketknife. I thought of the reading Unknown Keys. The author’s father had passed away and while rummaging through his fathers personal effects he came across a set of keys marked “unknown keys”. The mystery keys reminded him of his father, they became symbolic of his life. My Swiss army knife doesn’t get much use today, and never has in the past, and like the keys, the memories that the object encapsulates is far more significant and valuable than the object itself. Tangible objects have the ability to create a concatenated line of memories, attached to in this case a red inanimate object. I also realized how much I value products built with meticulous craftsmanship. Another thing that brings significance to an item in my life is its design and craftsmanship. When a company focuses on these to components I will place value upon the object. Another company, or product that has a strong connection with me is Apple. This electronic company has built products such as the computer and phone that create a connection and significance in my life. They have generated a loyalty and connections between its products and consumers. There are many objects that have historical significance in my life such as a t-shirt, or a watch, or a pair of shoes. And as long as these objects are in my possession, they will have the ability to fuse themselves to the same memories. They have the power of story, of recollection when viewed or held.