ARTIST STATEMENT
Like recurring conversations with friends over cups of tea or coffee, this variant edition of 200 cups responds to and reflects on the consuming conversation of our consumer society.

Diverted from a destiny as trash, the recycled tin containers are deconstructed, cut, folded and reassembled. Beginning as post-consumer materials, they revitalize the mundane into the extraordinary.

Conspicuous consumption as a cultural norm flourishes in the rapid-fire pace of changing styles, models, and merchandising - and even influences the marketing of art and craft. My work questions whether creativity, content, and craftsmanship are becoming yet another disposable commodity.

Most importantly, the use of recycled packaging as a medium and source of content addresses a spectrum of social and political issues. Hopefully, this work transforms the viewers' awareness of their participation and challenges their own complacency.

Variant edition of 200 teacups constructed from pre-printed steel from recycled tin containers, sterling silver and brass handles, 10k gold and brass rivets. Every stack of cups (in this image) are permanently arranged on a concealed rod.

2.5" height for a cup and saucer
6" diameter of a saucer

Prices vary for each stack of cups.
Available for purchase or exhibition.

Starting from far left stack:

Conversation D    Available    17.75" height - 7 cups
Conversation I     Available    21.5"   height - 8 cups
Conversation C    Available    19.5"   height - 8 cups
Conversation A    SOLD
Conversation F    Available    11.75" height - 5 cups
Conversation J    Available     13"     height - 6 cup

Photography by Philip Cohen

Consuming Conversation 1999-2003