Reaching Through the Window of Domestic Myths is a hand fabricated construction using traditional metalsmithing skills to create a one-of-a-kind sculpture that looks like a manufactured appliance. This is not a found object. I thought it was important to hand fabricate this with precise skill as a commentary about the value of manufactured appliances in our consumer society. Think about how we covet manufactured objects to create our identity.

The copper construction has a lacquer paint finish, sterling silver hinges, and latch. Door opens to reveal interior view consisting of etched copper floor, and stairs. Inside the door is a painted sky, and brass fan which operates via wind-up mechanism.

The etched copper for the floor and stairs was a process used in earlier work.
8.5" height x 4" width x 4" depth

Available for purchase or exhibition.

Inspiration behind Reaching Through the Window of Domestic Myths

The sculpture Reaching Through the Window of Domestic Myths is modeled after the monitor top refrigerator (left and below). Refrigerators were one of the first manufactured appliances that started to arrive in most homes. It replaced an ice box which required a great deal of effort and monitoring to replace the ice, and throw away the melting water.

Look at the form. The design of the monitor top refrigerator looks a lot like the ice boxes with a motor placed on top. The refrigerator and the stove in the photo left are both on legs, as if they were a piece of furniture.

In the photo (bottom left), you can see that early appliances were sold as saving money. The ad says, “I see a future of SAVINGS and CONVENIENCE for you,” The ads were placed in women’s magazines and sold to women.

© Harriete Estel Berman, 2021