The teacups titled Consuming Conversation are a variant edition of 200 cups constructed from recycled tin cans from 2001-2004 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.

“Mackintosh’s Golden Toffee Wafers” 
Liquid Level: “All-New! AOL 8.0! You’re FREE 45 days”; 

Illustration of suburban house “Toll House”
Liquid Level: “What is Original Earl Grey Tea”;

Pale Pink with metallic gold linear designs, blue Japanese lettering “Tokyo”; 
Liquid Level: “Switch to wireless” woman with early style phone;

Metallic gold with Asian lettering, metallic red; brass handle
Liquid Level: “Make Every Moment Count”

Keebler elves on green with white dots; silver handle
Liquid Level: “Is Bigger Really Better”; 

Pre-printed steel from recycled "tin containers", sterling silver and brass handles, 10 k. gold rivets. 

TOP TO BOTTOM: 
2 5/8" height of a cup and saucer
6" diameter of a saucer
10.5" height of stack

Available for purchase or exhibition.

Photography by Philip Cohen

© Harriete Estel Berman, 2021