Nostalgia, Wood, Wood Glue, Sawdust, Oil Based Stain, Hinges, Repurposed Metal Handle, E6000 Glue, Glass Hearts, Gems, Paper, Acrylic, Repurposed Altoid Tin, Cardboard, Pearl and Clear Beads, 12in. x 5in. x 5in.
Artist Statement
The sculpture reflects the theme of childhood nostalgia; I chose to build a sort of "memory box" with items that allude to the period in which I was a naive adolescent. Twinkle Toe shoes were something I desired so badly as a child; I had a fascination with the multicolored sparkles, which stayed with me as I grew, inspiring my shiny gem hearts. Growing up, I always begged my grandparents for their old Altoids tins to create little murals or collections of items I held dear to me, so I decided to integrate that into my box. With this I added pearls to signify the innocence and purity of being a child, especially in relation to how I saw the outside world as a youth. My final object is an origami star, a bigger version of the tiny stars I'd make during elementary school, also alluding to popular stickers teachers would give out during my early years of school as a "reward."
In-Process Images
Research
Inspired the Bedazzled Hearts
Artist Inspiration
Franticham's Fluxus Island
https://www.redfoxpress.com/FH-fluxusbox.html
Name of Movie:
Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Statement Describing Process:
I began by drawing a sketch and figuring out my measurements, originally having a different design of box with the addition of panels. Due to time constraints I opted for a more simple box design. I then I chose my wood pieces and started the process of measuring and cutting. After I sanded and cut the wood the straightest I could get, I sanded all the edges at a 45-degree angle minus where my hinges would attach to get a clean connection when gluing my panels together. After gluing the panels together (minus the lid), I hinged the lid to the box; this became a huge problem because the lid would not close. I had many trials and errors figuring out the issue; I cut half circles as well as wood around the hinges to give them room. I then remeasured and cut the lid to fit better. I ended up having to take the hinges off again to bend them to properly fit the lid. While the lid was off, I attached a repurposed metal handle to the center with a drill. I then filled wonky edges with a sawdust and wood glue paste; after it dried, I sanded and prepared to stain. After staining the wooden box, I started on my objects. Reusing an old Altoids tin, I cleaned and prepared to paint the inside. When the paint became dry, I attached some gems to the stars, later adding a mix of pearl and clear crystal beads. I then created an origami star with five sticky notes, attaching it to a cardboard stand. I finished by bedazzling 3-D glass hearts with multicolored gems; I do plan to seal the stain at a later date.
