A concealed rod holds each stack of cups together in a precarious position. A position mirrored in the economy especially before the economic collapse of 2008. Overspending and consuming without regard to realistic finances was the norm.
Conservation M
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.
TOP TO BOTTOM:
top cup: “Wolfgang Candies”
cup level: “Made with the finest trash unexcelled Enjoy the Assortment”
cup: “Café Chupa Chu”
cup level: “Add Beauty to New Directions”
cup: “Pure Sugar”
cup level: “It’s all in the details”
cup: “Elton Stone Ground Flour”
cup level: “Inspiration is a Fragile moment”
cup: “Poppycock super popcorn”
cup level: “Let us tell you more call Toll Free”
cup: “Coca Cola” vintage advertising
cup level: “Made with quality components celebrating tin metal”
cup: “Irish Mist”
cup level: “Did you read my email filled with self doubt”
bottom cup: “Walkers pure butter Shortbread Centenary Selection”
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
19" height of stack
Available for purchase or exhibition.
Photography by Philip Cohen
© Harriete Estel Berman, 2021