The teacups titled Consuming Conversation are a variant edition of 200 cups constructed from recycled tin cans from 2001-2003 as a commentary about our consumer society. Each cup has a different product identity. It symbolizes the fact that we go shopping as social interaction and entertainment.
On the top of each cup are words or comments inspired by advertising. Each letter is cut from various tin cans. Tinted resin fills each cup to almost overflowing as if it were filled with "tea", a metaphor for the overabundance in our society.
A concealed rod holds each stack of cups together in a precarious position. A position mirrored in our current economy of overspending and consuming without regard to realistic finances.
Stack of six cups constructed from recycled tin cans, sterling silver and brass handles, 10 k. gold rivets.
2 5/8" approx. height of one cup
5.5" diameter of a saucer
15.75" height of stack - 6 cups
TOP TO BOTTOM:
top cup: “Nestle Toll House Cookies”
cup level: “Made with Bermaid style and quality”
saucer: “Nestle Toll House Cookies”
cup: “Whitmans”
cup level: “Flavor Fluffy Confection”
saucer: “Whitmans vintage tin
cup: “Hershey’s Milk Chocolate”
cup level: “I Must Have MORE”
saucer: “Hershey’s Milk Chocolate”
cup: “Hershey’s Chocolate Covered Pretzels”
cup level: “Large Size Great Value25% more”
saucer: “Hershey’s Chocolate Covered Pretzels”
cup: “Cadbury’s Chocolate”
cup level: “Not just candy, chocolate makes me feel wonderful”
saucer: “Cadbury’s Chocolate”
Bottom cup: “Original” Double Chocolate Chip Cookie
saucer: “Original” Double Chocolate Chip Cookie
Available for purchase or exhibition.
Photography by Philip Cohen
© Harriete Estel Berman, 2021