Archetypic

Abstract

When you first encounter an object that you are not completely familiar with, it generates many questions. First, what is it? If that question is not immediately answered, we begin searching our archived experience for things that may relate. What does it remind us of? How is it used? What does it do? How does it do it? Where was it used? What is it made of? What does it have to do with me? I've always had a close connection with objects, particularly hand-held tools. I relate to them both physically and psychologically. A well-made tool feels good in the user's hand--the weight, balance, surface, and texture all combine to create a synergy of aesthetics and function. When I am confronted with a tool that I am not familiar with, memories of similar tools emerge from past experience, and inform my ideas regarding the function of the new tool.. My own experience with objects made me question how others would perceive them as well. My MFA thesis exhibition, entitled Archetypic, explored connections we have with functional objects.