Materials:

- Utilitarian object
-Related tools available to you.

Objective:

Find a utilitarian everyday object. Deconstruct then reconstruct into an entirely different form.
Take the object out of its original meaning, use, and expectations (recontextualize the form)?

Requirements:

-You cannot add or take away materials (you must use all and only what you have)
-You may cut, glue, sand, bend, nail, screw, and paint (any questionable possibilities, please ask).

Approach:

Consider something that you can take apart and construct based on tools you have available. You can do quite a bit with very little. Lack of tools does not equate lack of creativity. Some tools may be needed (pliers, screwdriver, hand saw, etc). Begin to disassemble or dissect the object. Consider all possibilities for reconstruction. Within the process of working is when you find the ideas and possible solutions. Always be aware of possibilities of interpretation. “Thy artist need not wear blinders”. “Lack of work equals lack of solution” (Sir Treadwell, 2008).

Questions to ask before and after completion of the project (these are questions we will consider during critique):

-What seems to be the dominant or most interesting component (texture, shape, line, form, etc)?
-Do I exploit the most interesting element of the object?
-Is the idea based on intense craftsmanship, concept, form, design, function, etc?
-Am I working conceptually or aesthetically or both?
-Do I take the object out of its original meaning, use, and expectations (recontextualize)?
-What comparisons and contrasts can I make with the original source?
-What are other possible reconstructing solutions to consider?
-Where will I present this form (pedestal, floor, wall, outdoors, hanging)?
-How could the audience read into your work?
-Remember, there are a variety of answers to these questions. Consider all points of view.

Grading: Five C’s

Concept:
-Idea development, preparation (ideas, drawings, designs and notes), and how well understood / executed the project.
Design
-Appearance, Overall aesthetics of the form.
Craftsmanship
-Presentation, use of media, neatness, construction and assembly
Creativity
-Originality, problem solving, uniqueness
Completion
-Does the chair seem complete and developed /evolved.

Consider reconstructing a sentence. This exercise will help initiate solutions when reconstructing an object.

Could you separate each word and reconstruct the sentence?
When you read below notice how each sentence transforms in meaning.

My fast is faster.
My is fast faster.
My faster is fast.
My faster fast is.
Faster my fast is.
Faster is my fast.
Faster is fast my
Faster fast is my
Is my fast faster?
Is fast my faster?
Is faster fast is?
Is my faster fast?
Fast is my faster.
Fast is faster my.
Fast my faster is.
Fast faster is my.

Separate each letter and reconstruct using a concept (alphabetically?) or formally (visually: possibly consider height (large letters to small letters).

aaeiffMrsstt .
ttssrMffieaa .
Ieaaff . ssMttr
.ireaasstffM y
Mfftssaaeriy
Mt. ffryie aass
M
t.
f
f
r
y
i
e
a a s s

e i a
s f y
f t r
a s
M


y
i a
s e f
f r t
s
a M

i
f
y
frte
asMsa

Now imagine the possibilities of deconstructing and reconstructing an object.

What object could you choose? The possibilities are endless.
Keep a lookout for possibilities in the grocery store, hardware store, household objects, the neigbors trash, etc.

Below are blinds. What other solutions could the artists consider? We will discuss as a class.

Below is artist Tom Friedman

Click the image to view more of Tom Friedman's work