The teacups titled Consuming Conversation N & M (shown above) 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.
Conversation N
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.
Pre-printed steel from recycled "tin containers", sterling silver and brass handles, 10 k. gold rivets.
2 5/8" approx. height of one cup
5" approx. width of saucer
17.5" height of stack
TOP TO BOTTOM:
top cup: Milky Way”
saucer: “Milky Way Fun Size”
cup level: “Hold on for the ride”
cup: “Crafted of Solid Wood”
saucer: “Teasers” wood games
cup level: oreo cookie
cup: “Pepsi Cola” vintage image
cup level: “What direction are you going”
cup: “Quaker Oats”
saucer: “Quaker Oats”
cup level: “Classic Fractals for every Feature”
cup: “Chex Mix”
cup level: “Hello Now! No Credit Card Required”
cup: “Dragonfly Famous Biscuits”
saucer: photo image of cookies and coffee cup on red
cup level: “Sex Sells”
bottom cup: “Royal Dansk”
cup level: resin with pretzel cut-out
Available for purchase or exhibition.
Photography by Philip Cohen
© Harriete Estel Berman, 2021