LOOKING at THINGS

Exploring Everyday Objects &

Some of The Questions They Pose

The proposal is for a 128 page, 210 mm square, coffee table book currently entitled ‘Looking at Things’. It focuses on everyday objects and depicts a range of artefacts each with a story to tell. We live in a consumer society and surround ourselves with an array of products many of which are reassuringly familiar. However, on closer inspection they often raise ecological or social questions and trigger unexpected observations that call for careful scrutiny.

“Looking at Things” catalogues what Jasper Johns called “things seen but not looked at”. Whilst ‘looking’ at each artefact I have explored both the item and its context and so each image is accompanied by a short statement which details the reason it has been chosen. These statements summarise my investigations and present key statistics and informed opinions on a range of current topics.

There are six groups of objects :-

Things Discarded looks at disposable items, whilst we may re-cycle some of the materials used to make them, we throw away the actual objects which demonstrate the creativity and ingenuity of their designers and manufacturers. 

Things Overlooked details the artefacts which are so familiar that we perhaps take them for granted. However, they perform useful functions and have interesting stories to tell.

Things Consumed explores our food and drink with topics ranging from Chocolate Production to concerns about Food Waste and Dairy Farming.

Things Used includes tools & devices and examines some of the decisions that are made when designing products such as Smart Speakers and Soap Dispensers.  Everyday activities including Digging the Garden and Living Indoors are also considered.

Things Worn focuses on clothes & shoes discussing the ecological impact of the clothing industry as well a Alexei Navalni’s Boxers and our Closeness to Nature.

Things Chosen looks at ecological, social and political issues such as Voting, Rates of Pay, Housing, or the lack of it. Questions such as Are Funerals Green ? are also  considered.