Triple-Tiered Wooden Console Table with Carved and Wicker Details

Maker unknown, 1950 (approx.), Wood, H: 28”

There is not a single soul who knows my story in its entirety. I’ve traveled miles through space and time—across land and across decades. I’ve been purchased and sold, abandoned and found, broken and refurbished, stained and polished. Nobody, except for my first owner, knows where I came from and who made me. My existence in a single place is fleeting, yet purposeful. I am often placed against the wall, existing at the periphery of a space. This is where, on my three wooden tiers, I dutifully display and flaunt my owner's belongings, ranging from the finest objects to the mundane. Dents and nicks fleck the swirling grain of my caramel-tinged wooden planks, echoing of the loving wear and tear of my previous keepers. Glue residue and a vacant void are reminders of where a woven side panel once stood. Every time I transfer ownership, only a part of my past narrative is known by my new owner. The rest of my story remains an obscure mystery—but perhaps that contributes to my captivating allure. Soon I will migrate several hundred miles away to start life anew, and continue the cycle once more. - Sydney K.

Grammy Blanket

Linteum Textile Supply, Moonachie, New Jersey, United States, circa 2002, 80% cotton & 20% polyester blend, L: 87”

Artifacts have an immaterial string that can connect people across time and space.

This hospital bath blanket was acquired after the passing of my Grammy in 2002. I, a baby at the time, was too young to know the woman who passed and was wrapped in her hospital bath blanket on that cold Summer night. I have kept it ever since in memory of her.

Due to the blanket’s importance to me, I have worked hard to preserve the blanket’s qualities. It only has minor discoloration and creases in the fabric due to daily use well past its intended life cycle. Its fabric is sewn in such a way that it preserves heat and dispels moisture, keeping me warm and dry as I sleep at night.

This blanket does not have any identifying features such as fabric tags or a colorful pattern, but it is unique and irreplaceable to me because of where it came from. This blanket commemorates my Grammy’s life and will one day be given to my own children. I want them to take care of the blanket, as I have, and use it to remember where they came from. - Austin A.

Apricot Grove Mug

Corelle by Corning, New York, United States, 1992, glass, H: 3.5” 

Look inside this cup. Upon observation you will see the most valuable feature of my mother’s “Apricot Grove” teacup: the light brown tea lines that circle its interior. Unlike the floral pattern that wraps the exterior of the vessel, this “pattern” was etched in with time and use. These faded tea lines illustrate years of my mother’s long days at work and our nightly conversations around the kitchen table. They remember times when my mother did not finish a cup of tea, instances when her routine was altered, and occasions when she left the cup in the sink for too long. These lines represent many things, but most importantly, they represent the connection between a mother and daughter that has lasted for over 20 years. Our connection may change, but I take solace in the fact that, like these faded lines, it will endure the test of time. - Jessica S.

Zhongshan Suit

Sun Yat-sen, Guangzhou, China, 1920s, cloth, plastic, and silk, Neck: 15,” Chest: 40,’’ Waist: 33,’’ and Sleeve: 34’’

When I was a kid, I asked my grandfather why he always keeps his clothes as a treasure, and he would take out this suit, let me sit on his leg, and tell me the story: 

Our family was poor in the past, and grandpa saved money for several years to buy this Zhongshan suit! Every time I went to work and wore this suit, so many colleagues envied me! Moreover, this suit represents our age. You see four pockets on the front, which represent ritual, justness, honesty, and shame. Ritual is etiquette, which tells people to understand politeness. Justness teaches people to know what is right and wrong, and courage to speak up. Honesty is integrity, requiring people to be clean and selfless. Shame is a mentor that guides people to not doing anything against their conscience. The three buttons on each cuff represent the Three Principles of the People. And the closed lapel collar means governing the country should be precise.

The Zhongshan suit is a symbol of a specific era; it reflects the light and shadow, and witnessed the progress and the struggles of Chinese national rejuvenation. - Haoyu L.

Nike Air Force One SF

Nike, Circa 2017, leather, rubber, fabric (unknown), H: 9”

I chose this item because I admire practical design; an object that effectively completes its intended use is the most beautiful in my eyes. Being a shoe reseller, I come across a wide array of shoes. Unlike most of my collection, these did not fetch a high resale value nor were they coveted by the sneaker community, yet I still chose to buy and keep them.

These AF One’s are designed to be both sturdy and comfortable—everything a shoe should be. The designer sticks to leather and plastic as the main materials. These are not revolutionary materials—but they work. I sell most of my shoes because they are not practical for day-to-day use. Intricate details tend to break down after consecutive use, or the shoe focuses on form and fails to be comfortable.

When compared to the deconstructed style employed by brands like Off-White or the futuristic designs of the Yeezyline of shoes, many reviewers described these AF One’s as being “too normal.”  They are designed to be practical; most “normal” things are. Being normal is exactly what makes them beautiful. - George U.

Time Aligned Studio Monitor System (811B)

United Recording Electronic Industries, “UREI”, Hollywood, California, United States, circa 1980, MDF cabinet, metal monitor, felt cone, H: 26” (50 lbs. each)

From blaring white noise in a cramped room to playing the soothing sounds of jazz at the dinner table, the Time Aligned Studio Monitor System has found a new existence. 

For over twenty years, the industrial two-part speakers sat in a sterile demo room outputting extreme levels of white noise to simulate working conditions. When first released, the system’s ingenuity stemmed from its ability to ensure that all the sounds coming from different parts of the speaker arrive at the ear at the same time. After being decommissioned and replaced, a supervising engineer took them and lugged 100 lbs. of pure audio power into his kitchen. In the home, the speakers now produced sounds that hold meaning in the form of music. Music that transforms the everyday mood and emotions of a sunny Saturday morning to a cold winter evening. (However, ensure not to exceed 10% volume or else the entire house will shake.)

Although stagnant in its technological identity, the Time Aligned Studio Monitor System has been repurposed for serenading a new world. - Anthony A.

Coffee Grinder

COMAC, Seoul, South Korea, circa 2018, wood and copper, H: 6”

This wooden coffee grinder represents the passing of time as it sits across my kitchen counter. The rusty copper dome and the stained wooden body make the object seem more vintage, almost imitating that it has been in my household for uncountable years. My family purchased this coffee grinder in 2018 as we wanted to make fresh coffee every breakfast. Unfortunately, this object became obsolete once my mother purchased a new coffee machine that uses coffee pods. Although the coffee grinder was unblemished and was still able to make fresh coffee, it was too time consuming to grind the coffee beans every time our family wanted to drink coffee; without anyone noticing, the coffee grinder began to make its way to the corner of the kitchen. The coffee grinder continues to sit on my kitchen counter as it is slowly fading away from our memories and is now collecting dust every day. - Kelly L.

Little Notch Bakery Mug

Little Notch Bakery, Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States, 2014, ceramic, H: 4 ⅝”

“Tea brings Time to a crawl, its frantic pace resuming on noticing our empty cups.”

— Terri Guillemets

The “Little Notch Bakery Mug” is a 20 oz. ceramic mug that is often used to hold tea. The mug is presumed to have been produced in Maine, around 2014. It currently resides in Tabernacle, New Jersey, often in a dishwasher due to how often tea is made in it. The ceramic is white with black applique lettering, and the inside of the mug body is stained due to repeated use. The mug shows no signs of cracking, despite the amount it is in use.

It was originally purchased while on vacation on Mount Desert Island in Maine. This mug, however, is not the original drinking vessel purchased upon the first visit. I loved this mug very much, and as a high schooler, I brought it to school to take some comfort of home with me to class. Unfortunately, it was subsequently lost. To remedy this, the current version was purchased. The mug’s owner eventually discovered this, but was happy to receive the replacement regardless. - Mia C.

The Smokey the Bear 

The Maples Tree, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States, circa 2019, polyester, H: 11”

The Smokey the Bear here, nice to meet you! I’m a teddy bear adopted from Tennessee, but nowadays I hang out around Pennsylvania. I live with two roommates, the nicest college kids you’ll ever meet.

Life is difficult with COVID and protests, so I make sure to keep a big smile on my face and have my arms wide open, ready for a big hug! I stay positive to remind my roommates to be kind and understanding with others and themselves. Once their day starts, I sit next to their computers and stay there all day long, holding their hand when they get stressed or anxious, until their work is done.

There may be many Smoky Mountain teddy bear souvenirs, but there’s only one The Smokey the Bear. You can tell I’m me because my roommates patched up my hoodie with a pink heart! - Ana A.

Ikea Pax Wardrobe

2010, wood, plastic, and metal, H: 79.25”

This custom Pax wardrobe serves as the coat closet in the entry way of our household. It covers about half of the right wall. The piece, whose primary space of use is internal, also provides an illusion of expansive space externally. Mirrors on the outside of the wardrobe show the reflection of the living room, expand the natural light established in that room, and suggests additional pathway opportunities that are clearly not there. Before we installed the wardrobe, this space appeared much smaller and darker and the wall it stands against did not have nearly as much depth as it does now. The ability to incorporate a modern, versatile, storage unit that visually doubled the space has actually narrowed the space in the entryway. The implementation of the piece has also dictated a pathway taking you from the entrance to a “fork in the road” that leads into the living room, dining room, or the hallway to the bedrooms and bathroom. - Liv C.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Original Flavor Box

Kraft Heinz Company, Chicago, Illinois, United States, circa 2020, cardboard, paper, H: 7.2’’

A delicious spoonful of hot and ready macaroni, coated in a tantalizing golden cheese sauce, extending forth on a gleaming silver spoon. 

This is the image that greets you when your gaze happens to fall upon a box of Kraft’s classic Macaroni and Cheese. An advertising campaign in 1954 established the box’s iconic blue color; “Pick the blue box” was the mentality drilled into American consumers who sought affordable, easily prepared food.

The sides and back of the box are rich with charming slogans. “smmmile, it’s the cheesiest,” “even more reasons to love it,” “gooey, cheesy goodness”. On the back of the box, the strangely threatening “you know you love it,” is juxtaposed against the nutrition facts almost in defiance.

It is well known that the low price and convenience of Kraft come at a cost, which manifests in the dish’s nutritional value. This is acknowledged even on Kraft’s website, where they list studies that detail the dangers for their more discerning consumers. Despite this, the positioning of this slogan, “you know you love it” seems to dismiss these concerns, reducing the meal’s value to easy and tasty. But they are right, people do love it. - Alex B.

Venetian Glass Scorpion

Venetian Glass Makers, Murano, Venice, Italy, circa 2014, glass, L: 3”

Venetian glass comes in all shapes and colors. The maker or makers of this piece chose the scorpion as their source of inspiration. The scorpion for them represented something that has much beauty from its segmented body and angular features in its claws and tail, but has a menacing side from its sharp pincers and stinger. This balance of elegance and power makes it the perfect muse for a sculpture. I know that is part of what drew me to buying it when I visited Italy. I needed to find something that would remind me of my time spent there, due to my time abroad being brief. The scorpion statue was a great reminder of it. As a fan of Italian history, I knew of the brutal and violent history associated with it, specifically the Romans. As someone who was planning to be an architect, and someone who now is in art school, I also was able to appreciate the deep art roots that Italy holds. Italy, like the scorpion, was a balance between violence and beauty. - Ethan S.

Tetrahedron Lamp

Taylor K., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, Spring 2019, Wood, brass, acrylic, metal, wire, paper, glass, H: 25”

The power of light has always fascinated me. 

When darkness falls, a single light bulb can release artificial sunlight to illuminate an entire room.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to create any three-dimensional object I desired. I knew instantly that I wanted to domesticate sunlight. This is how I did it.

Capturing sunlight was the simplest step since it is already in a light bulb. The real difficulty was crafting an apparatus to display the captured light that would evoke a sense of the sublime. An object that would transcend what a traditional lamp experience is to most.

I decided to make a triangular pyramid, a tetrahedron, out of brass piping to serve as the skeleton encasing the light bulb. I chose this four-faced shape because the angular points strongly contrast the soft curves of conventional lamp shades. Red acrylic triangles suspend from the brass structure so that the light would illuminate through and emit a red-orange glow from it. Laser-cut panels were added to cast ethereal shadows onto surrounding surfaces. 

Every time I turn on this lamp, I get lost in the kaleidoscope of light. - Taylor K.

Barnum’s Animals Wagon

Nabisco, East Hanover, New Jersey, United States, circa 1996, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, L: 36” (frame)

This toy wagon is a transportation device that represents animal and object imprisonment.

The exotic animals that lay behind P. T. Barnum’s bars are captive circus creatures, forced to perform for the amusement of others. Now known as a shameful act of cruelty, this practice was originally accepted by our society, hence this wagon’s design. As of 2018, however, Nabisco no longer cages animals in their designs due to the shifting societal perspectives.

Relating this design to the overall material composition of the wagon, we can begin to understand that wagons themselves are cages that exhibit objects. Surrounded by side panels, objects rest in the wagon’s negative space, trapped and on display to the outside world. These side panels can be liberated from their base by lifting them out of metal slots, freeing the objects that are trapped inside. This unique feature perhaps foreshadowed Nabisco’s eventual choice of animal emancipation. - Malcolm B.

Avatar Blue Hardcore Spray Paint

Montana Colors, Barcelona, Spain, 2018, metal, plastic, paint, H: 7.5”

This paint can serves as a symbol of the friendships, experiences, and memories I have had while working in the artworld. Painting was a hobby at first, an activity that allowed me to escape reality and create something from my imagination. As time went on, the dream came true and the hobby slowly evolved into a career. From drawing with pen and paper at the kitchen table, to painting murals for professional sports teams, or music festivals, the journey is full of emotions. Reminiscing the memories with friends, or the experiences with traveling to new places, the symbol of a paint can reminds me of the journey, from the beginning to the present. After experimenting with styles, I find myself returning to simple, fun designs to try and brighten people’s day because in that moment they forget about the seriousness surrounding their life and just live in the moment. That is what art has done for me, and what I hope my art does for others. - Stephen C.

Diya (Oil Lamp)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, November 2018, clay, D: 2.5"

A Diya signifies the purity of a human mind over evil, where the light hides the darkness and brings the supreme power of wisdom into one’s soul. A Diya is a small oil lamp, which you can fit in your palm. It is made with natural clay and decorated with paint. It is used in India for the festival of lights, Diwali, where people light lamps and place them both inside and outside of the house to brighten the night. A Diya serves as a clay lamp; the usage of any type of oil and a cotton wick gives us a great visual treat. As a graphic designer, I found that the most challenging and exciting part of making a Diya was decorating the form with patterns. When the Diya is lit, the fire on the wick burns down and takes away all the evilness in our soul. Through burning the ignorance, and dirt in our mind, we prepare ourselves to attain insight. - Sayana S.

David Bobblehead

Unknown Artist, Florence, Italy, circa 2019, polyresin, H: 8”

An object as simple and unassuming as the bobblehead figurine is as much a product of intentional design as any traditional work of art. The David bobblehead presents a unique dichotomy to the observer. Michelangelo’s original David sculpture was a carefully designed object from inception to execution. David is among the most recognizable Renaissance sculptures in the world, carved in painstaking detail over the course of three years. The David Bobblehead, on the other hand, is a mass-produced replica sold in gift shops as a novelty item. This makes it easy to dismiss the bobblehead without giving it much consideration as a designed object.

This figurine is a testament to how our definitions of design are constantly changing. In the case of Michelangelo’s sculpture, the design and creation processes occurred concurrently by the same artist. The designer in today’s world is increasingly not the one who creates an object, but the one who conceptualizes it. The designer here is the person who thought to take the famous work of art and create a mass-marketable caricature. Although the designer likely has no part in the physical creation of the bobblehead, it is an object of design nonetheless. - Elliot D.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

2008, Stainless steel, plastic, H: 2.3”

Originally a mere tool and accessory, my Swiss Army multitool has matured into something more: an incarnation of my experiences. My boss gifted it to me with two others of its kind in different colors. It instantly enchanted me over its companions as its dark green would rhyme pleasantly with almost everything in my wardrobe. While it was the color that caught my attention, it was the function that I resonated with most deeply. I carry this tool daily, quite literally joined at the hip. With it I have done a lot: scraped paint off doors, opened bottles in times of ill-preparation, cut cheese at picnics, and completed countless other tasks. While anything that I have done with this tool could be done with any others of its kind, it is in fact the actions it has allowed me to perform that make it so special to me. The longer I carry this tool, the more wear and tear it bears. Each nick, mark, and scratch is a testament to the time I have spent with it. This time spent is precisely why I could never truly replace it, despite the existence of millions of others just like it. It carries my memories and experiences, both significant and mundane. Always having this tool on my side means expanding my functions in a sense, providing me the ability to solve more problems immediately as they come up. Swiss Army multi tools are synonymous with versatility, a quality I personally strive for in my life. Perhaps my fondness of this object is rooted in my looking for a better version of myself within it. - Malcolm L.

Floral Porcelain Planter

Unknown maker, circa 1970, ceramic, H: 6.5’’

Peer into your family’s garage and see what treasures you might find. This floral porcelain planter was salvaged from the clutter, an artifact left behind by my grandmother who passed away.

The value of an object is often related to its aesthetics or function, but grief and mourning adds another dimension of value, one that resonates with the heart and soul, in sentimental remembrance of a life extinguished. 

The bright yellow in the painted flower petals reminds me of how my grandmother was a beacon of light, and even in her older years, energetic and happy. Its sturdy form reminds me of how strong she was in times of hardship and adversity. The shiny porcelain exterior is an extension of, not only her resiliency, but the resiliency she inspired in me.

This planter is a vessel for new life, allowing houseplants to flourish and grow in her legacy of love. - Sydney S.

Maytag Model 575-0 Residential Dishwasher

Maytag Home Appliance, Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States, circa 2009, aluminum, rubber, stainless steel, and plastic, H: 34”

The dishwasher’s history, as a modern kitchen appliance, has strong associations with traditional gender norms, which were disseminated through mid-century advertisements aimed at housewives. 

From the 1940s through the 1970s, advertisements featured coordinated aesthetics between appliances. Corporations, like Westinghouse, emphasized a uniform look which enabled them to sell groups of appliances designed to eliminate tedious household tasks.[1]

My Maytag Model 575-0, the central axis of my daily ritualistic performance that consists of clearing the table, rinsing the dishes, and loading the dishwasher, fits squarely within this practice, matching with our Maytag refrigerator and cooktop. 

In this way my dishwasher participates in a group performance while constituting an art object individually.

The top and bottom racks feature rows of vertically projecting rods designed to support dishes and glassware enabling them to be rinsed and dried, but this identifiable purpose relies heavily on context, that when removed invites new interpretations. - Carter H.

[1] Sandy Isenstadt, “Visions of Plenty: Refrigerators in America around 1950,” Journal of Design History 11 (1998): 311-321.

The Cyclone Force Powerbot 

Samsung Inc., Seoul, South Korea, September 2002, plastic, rubber, and internal metal, H: 3”

The Cyclone Force Powerbot’s presence is natural, as though it is a family pet. This robot vacuum is programed with anthropomorphizing qualities: being given a name and forming respect for you, your space and time. Naming your Powerbot forms a connection between you two, making you feel needed. As if the Powerbot knows that you had a stressful day, it powers on by itself and cleans, allowing you to decompress. Even when you are not home, the Powerbot will operate at your convenience. With a click of a button on your Samsung app, the Powerbot will activate and clean, making you happy. This machine is designed to have an awareness and respect for you and your space. Despite what is occurring in your home, the Powerbot will roam the floors quietly, knowing where feet, furniture, and obstacles are present, consciously avoiding them. The Powerbot’s ability to not disturb while cleaning provides comfort and support for you. Users often underestimate the support that the Powerbot provides, which should be recognized and appreciated, as the robot vacuum fulfills our needs and wants. - Sophie R.

Pentax 6x7

Asahi Pentax, Tokyo, Japan, 1969, metal, plastic, glass, wood, H: 4.5”

The job of a photographer is to show others what they cannot see, what they cannot notice or what they cannot imagine. By slowing down a photographer’s process or engaging their subjects in a more meaningful way, the attention to what is in the frame exceeds average “seeing” or imagination. The Pentax 6x7 allows for all these things. The large, heavy piece of metal and plastic with a sizable barrel of a lens at its front makes a statement and attached to its side is an attention-grabbing wooden handle that acts as the perfect visual punctuation to that same statement. One of the very firsts in its format, a camera that produces images to the size of 6x7, the Pentax 6x7 is one of the most distinctive of its kind operationally and visually. Made by the Japanese optical company, Asahi Pentax, the camera was advertised as having the “ideal format,” as it produces images in the same aspect ratio of many common print sizes such as 8x10. The camera also separates itself from other 120 format (the size of the film) bodies because it leaves behind a boxy look and instead takes on the look of something like that of a 35mm camera but scaled much larger. Along with its shape and the handle, these factors allow for much better mobility and handling. The Pentax 6x7 brings the quality of a medium format camera to any photographer, but also offers a shooting experience that allows one to engage with their subjects in a way that other cameras cannot. Whether how it feels in one’s hands, the images it makes, or the way it looks, it truly stands out. - Tom S.

The Monster Jar

Britney C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, early 2015, ceramic, H: 4.5”

To Britney, and to all the lost friendships. This clay monster jar was given to me as a birthday gift, hand-made by my ex-best friend. One distinguishing feature about the jar is its two sets of teeth, one located on the lid and the other at the mouth of the vessel. The extraordinary pattern made by one set of teeth is designed to only fit the other pair, similar to the link that two people have that no other person can recreate. On the other hand, the lid and the body can be separated and, after the separation, the two pieces can stand alone as two individual objects. Whether separated or whole, the Monster Jar is a one-of-a-kind object that cannot be duplicated or replaced.  This jar is an object that reminds me of the good memories of the past but also serves as a reminder that no matter how perfect one object is, consistent maintenance is the only way to preserve something. - Kaili C.

Customized Black Denim Jacket

Levi Strauss & Co., San Francisco, California, United States, circa 2018, denim, metal, burlap, H: 2’4”

From Cowboys to hippies to rock and roll, denim and denim jackets have long been a symbol of American working-class rebellion. While it may have started as a practical and sturdy material, it has since come to symbolize so much more as culture has shifted. It is my admiration of alternative fashion and music which led to me owning and altering this jacket, and it is those same alterations that have made this jacket worth so much to me. I received this jacket as a gift from my mother in 2018. Since then I have made a few of my own adjustments such as the buttons on the front and a purple skull patch on the back. The jacket has accompanied me to several concerts and events, and I am able to use the jacket to remember those times. While I know those memories and the jacket itself will inevitably fade over time, owning the jacket will allow me to hold onto those memories for years to come. I also know that no matter how culture shifts throughout my life, to me that jacket will be a symbol of a hopeful and vibrant time in my youth. - Abigail M.

Golden Chain w/ London Blue Topaz Pendant

Various Artists, Detroit, Michigan, United States, circa 1960s, gold, topaz, L: 11”

Although at first glance it seems quite mundane that a family would pass on something as simple and stately as a necklace, deeper inspection will show you the interwoven path is one of prideful memoriam. When you think of interwoven items, one often conjures images of vibrant clothing; the flowing blend and harmony of different colored objects becoming one. Interconnected and woven patterns are also integral to the black community in all art forms, but the contributions of black artisans are often disproportionately represented. For example, cornrows are known to be a fashionable natural hairstyle of intertwined locks braided closely to the scalp. A seemingly innocent trend stems from slavery, when black peoples would braid their hair this way as a form of cartography in order to escape plantations. Similarly, one could point to the interconnected chain; although somewhat reminiscent of a DNA structure, it displays the same theme of interconnected loops and lines that one may find in a simple braided pattern. During the California gold rush of the early 1800’s, black people were allowed to dig for gold but could not keep the gold nor the money attained from it under prohibitory law. As such, being able to quickly carry monetary wealth on one’s person became invaluable.[1] What other ways do you see this particular object connecting to these examples? - Ascher T.

[1] Wee, Eliza, and Dogmo Studios. “Home - Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California: ACLU NorCal.” ACLU of Northern CA, 28 June 2018, www.aclunc.org/sites/goldchains/.

Peter Rabbit Height Scale

William Orts, Vernon, New Jersey, United States, 1996, linen, string, twine, nails, and wood rod, H: 42”

To the dots and dashes of Morse code, World War Two Sergeant William Orts crosses threads into the shape of an X in the radio room. Bored but attentive, he learns to embroider with an easy repetition of the hand. Years later, he continues the practice unto the birth of his first grandchild. For Lauren first birthday, she receives a height scale embroidered with the characters from The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Held up with a wooden rod and a piece of twine is The Peter Rabbit Height Scale. This gift was used as a decoration around the house, showing the love and excitement of a Grandfather. - Sarah F.

Burnside 3rd Model Breechloading Carbine (at center)

Burnside Rifle Company, Providence, Rhode Island, United States, circa April 1862, wood, iron, and steel, L: 39”

When Ambrose Burnside came up for his idea for a novel new breechloading system he could not have foreseen the events that would follow. Stationed in the American West following the Mexican-American war, he would face many of the officers he had befriended fighting against Mexico during the subsequent fights on the battlefield in the years that would follow. His poor leadership of the Army of the Potomac lead to thousands of deaths, but the carbine he invented was far more successful on the field of battle than he was.

Upon inventing his new breech-loading action, he resigned his commission and got a prototype made before going into business. When the war broke out he was recommissioned and rose through the ranks, ultimately leading to him holding one of the highest commands in the Union army in part because people associated his carbines success with martial ability. - Lily P.

Barcelona Chair

Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, Barcelona, Spain, manufactured by Knoll (beginning in 1953), chrome on steel frame, leather cushions filled with foam, H: 30.25”

Possibly the most iconic piece of furniture to emerge from the modernist movement, the Barcelona Chair remains as relevant as ever in today’s designed interiors. The Barcelona Chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich. However, Reich’s name often falls in the shadows of her male counterpart in discussions of this piece. While it is unclear what her specific contribution to the design of the Barcelona Chair was, it is noted by designers and historians that she is often overlooked when it comes to her work with Van der Rhoe. In fact, design historians have found compelling evidence that the design of the Barcelona Couch (within the same collection as the chair) was entirely Reich’s Design. The Barcelona Chair is manufactured by Knoll, and a statement from their Vice President of Design supports this argument: “It is interesting to note that Mies did not fully develop any contemporary furniture successfully before or after his collaboration with Reich.”[1] Oddly enough, Reich’s name does not appear on the description of the Barcelona Chair on the Knoll website. That being said, Lilly Reich’s name should always be mentioned in discussions of the iconic Barcelona Chair - Cammie P.

[1] “Lilly Reich: German Furniture Designer (Born: 1885 - Died: 1947),” PeoplePill, n.d., https://peoplepill.com/people/lilly-reich/.

Bisque Doll Head Jewelry Holder

@the_creep_boutique (Instagram), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, November 2018, German bisque doll head with glass eyes, fabric flowers, plastic antlers, sequins, ceramic dish, lace ribbon, plastic pearls, and gold spray paint, H: 8”

When looking at the Bisque Doll Head Jewelry Holder, one immediately recognizes the many allusions to nature. The inspiration behind the object’s creation was the death of an animal, evoked by the disembodied antlers and the surrounding faux flora that is reminiscent of a burial flower arrangement. The presence of textiles made in factories is ironic since many of these factories presumably endanger aspects of the environment. But the flowers patterned in the lace will never wilt, just as the ceramic doll’s face will never age. The beauty that comes from a deceased creature is that, through decomposition, it nourishes the very earth that had sustained them. In this way, this jewelry holder made from fragments of other objects offers a unique evocation of the circle of life. - Taylor A.

Flowers and Vase

Cec LePage New York, New York, United States, 2017, Cut Lucite, H: 24”

Upon becoming bored of the innovation coming out of that fashion industry during 1979, Cec LePage set out to create a niche market for herself in hand-crafted Lucite sculptures. LePage is an artist and product designer based in Manhattan who specializes in creating sculptures and furniture pieces out of the material Lucite.

Derived from the female form, the vase’s striking curves and vivid colors make a statement no matter where the piece is. With its entire construction made from Lucite, it displays fascinating optical qualities and illusions that make it hard for your eye to distinguish its true shape. The flowers are colored using a pigmented fabric to create a brushed on translucent color effect while parts of the vase remain unpigmented, resulting in a material that is more transparent than glass. As a testament to the eye-catching nature of LePage’s Lucite artwork, owner Ann H. says, “it frequently ends up being a conversation pieces to many new guests in the house.” - Tyler H.

Rare Feelings Maxi Dress

Free People, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, circa 2018, Viscose, cotton, and plastic, H: 51”

When you look at this dress, you see a dress. Its wearer sees a piece of themselves.

Physically, it is simply portions of fabric sewn together. It is an orange maxi dress made of buttons, ties, seams, and tassels. Emotionally it is much more. 

This dress is a companion to its wearer’s daily life—it is held when they walk up the stairs, wiped off when they spill their morning coffee, and flows in the wind as they hail a cab. The cotton breathes as they get hot and shields their body as it starts to rain. Connected with this simple garment are countless days with countless memories that personalize it and unite it with its owner.

As it is an attachment of its owner, it is also a reflection of their passions and values, providing deep insight into who they are as human beings. The pattern may reveal their love of Spring, the loose fit may reveal their free spirit, the vintage style may reveal their love of classic rock. 

It is then that each dress is more than just a piece of clothing, but a part of the person who wears it. - Ginny G.

IUGA Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat

Biodegradable and sustainably made tree rubber with a polyurethane top layer, L: 72”

What is the purpose of a yoga mat? I ask you this question because it is the same question I asked myself several weeks ago–how can I use the state of the world to reflect on my inanimate object and understand its profound purpose. In Soetsu Yanagi's essay, “The Beauty of Miscellaneous Things” (1926), he references a flower garden. “Someone that lives close to one might become insensitive to its fragrance.” He goes on to say that “Habit robs us of the power to perceive anew, much less the power to be moved. Thus, it has taken us all these years, all these ages, to detect the beauty in common objects.” I want to help anyone who is curious to think critically. My yoga mat has always had a power in my life; it is the wake of the crisis that enlightened me to reflect on its power. The mat carries my weight in many ways. It makes me feel centered and empowered; its physical resiliency connects me to the larger practice of meditation. The COVID crisis has made me become aware of these resonances and appreciate them. I encourage you to reflect on your world as well. - Dori J.

Fossil Watch

Fossil Group, Richardson, Texas, United States, 2012, Leather, stainless steel, cotton thread, L: 8’’

A day before my trip to Vietnam, my mother gifted me this Fossil Watch. She wrapped the watch around my wrist and held my bejeweled arm close to her chest and with her soothing voice, she said, “Everything will be okay, you have all the time in the world.” 

The watch had warm gold on the case and brown tones of the leather straps. The transparent case called the crystal glistened when it hit the light and the golden crown would sparkle every so often. Eight years of wear have caused the leather straps to wrinkle and form indentation marks. Scratches appear on the crystal, but the glimmer never went away.

This watch has been around the world with me. It has captured moments of the beautiful scenery of Thailand to the most emotional memory of meeting my grandmother for the first time in my life. The watch not only tells time, but it captures it as well. Accomplishments, pain, joy, and heartbreak follow it. I am hit with a wave of nostalgia whenever I wear the watch. It makes me think of what my mother said; maybe I do have all the time in the world. – Kim D. 

Stowit Storage Box   

Umbra, Toronto, Canada, 2019, Wood and metal, L: 10”

People are like this storage box. At first glance at the unsuspecting container, the metal handles close off the wooden compartments and completely hides the velvet lining. With time and exploration, the user of this designed object can discover three different chambers that have potential to hold their own unique items. This process is similar to that of taking time to get to know the different parts of people, and learning all the beauty and personality they possess. This is a vital part of the shared human experience. The form of the object also reflects this human experience and leads us to ask where did these materials come from, and what processes shaped them into what they are now? While this particular box holds mostly silver jewelry, the items other Umbra Stowit Storage Boxes hold can also reveal a lot about their owners. What would you keep in your Umbra Stowit Storage Box, and what parts of you would that reveal? – Annabel K.

Czechoslovakian Plate

Moritz Zdekauer, Stara Role, Czech Republic, circa 1918-1989, Porcelain, D: 7.5”

This regal dish demands your attention, and its details captivate you with each motif and every single line.

This ornamental dish is made to stand up and not to simply serve food. If you were to use this as an everyday dish it would almost seem disrespected by a mere crumb falling on it. I could only admire its beauty when I was a child, but now it seems not so daunting. When I dare reach up and hold it, the porcelain is so thin I feel as though it is a baby’s head that I must hold carefully. 

The beauty of the plate comes from the gold lining and portrait on the center face. It paints a beautiful picture of Prague in a country that no longer exists, Czechoslovakia. The portrait shows a Gothic Castle spearing the sky, surveying a small town with civilians walking down below. 

As the castle towers over the small city, this plate demands to also tower over my living room. It has watched over me like a commander over an army. One day I hope to reach a similar rank and stand equal to the quality that it maintains. – Tyler S. 

Antique Apparatus 1990’s Jukebox

Antique Apparatus, Torrance, California, United States. circa 1990, Wood, glass, wiring, H: 54” 

I’ve seen thousands of humans... some regulars. I’ve played every song I know—countless times, sometimes on repeat.

Few stop to bask in the brilliance of my design. The cheetah-like grain of my wooden exterior clashes spectacularly with my silver claws; the claws clamp down on the neon lining that surrounds my face—like a frame to a painting. My beauty is irregular, and so they flee.

CLUNK

Another coin for my collection.

1-7-5.

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” begins to boom from within me, echoing throughout this familiar home. My visitor gazes at the record player sealed carefully within me. Just five seconds of fame before they scurry off.

They treat us like items, to be collected but never used. Or perhaps they use us, but never stop to admire. 

What is my purpose?

_______________________

10 years of dormancy.

My new owner dusts the cobwebs off from between my dilapidated legs. The house is empty. My legs sink into the fresh carpet. This new life is so confusing.

CLUNK

1-7-5.

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” begins to boom from within me. My visitor gazes at my brilliant colors—my ornate glamour …

He stays. The man before me, perhaps in his 40s, runs his hand down the silver grate, stopping to inspect the medallion at the center of my stomach. His face is full of awe.

It is the most attention anyone has ever given me. – Chase L. 

Philips Norelco Series 3000 Electric Shaver

Philips, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Plastic, Rubber and metal, H: 6”

Here you sit, looking upon its black and red color scheme; its sturdy body of metal and rubber. You examine the contours of its design. It is clearly built to look fast, the bright red racing stripes, striding proudly along its form. The Series 3000: a different sort of machine. When you look at it, you cannot help but think it belongs on a pedestal, and yet there it is, sitting in front of you within an arm’s length, ever ready for use. Upon starting it up you can both hear and feel the hum of its parts spinning into motion. It would be at that point that you remind yourself that what you are looking at is not some kind of new sports car. It is a shaver. – Henry T. 

German Black Forest Cuckoo Clock

Maker Unknown, 1985 (approx.), Walnut and paint, H: 8”

The inviting chime of a small bell strikes three times, gently alerting any bystanders that another hour has passed. This greeting from the cuckoo bird is something I have grown to know and love. The German Black Forest Cuckoo Clock is one of the most prized pieces of my Uncle Mike’s collection; collecting cuckoo clocks and doll houses is his lifelong passion. Originally gifted from a close family friend, this clock has lived through many different homes with my Uncle.

The man and woman depicted on the base of the clock have watched two generations of children grow up, always looking on joyfully. When the small, crinkle-cut green door swings open and the cuckoo bird emerges to deliver his chime, I cannot help but be filled with pleasant memories of the hours spent listening to Uncle Mike’s stories, and learning about his passion. This door is not only a means for the cuckoo bird to emerge, but it also opens onlookers to a special relationship with the object. This clock is an object that is very much alive though it has aged. – Ariana B. 

WK-3000 and Stand

Casio Computer Co, Tokyo, Japan, circa 2003, Plastic, L: 46.5” (keyboard)

Though it saw years of neglect, I am glad this keyboard stuck around. As my fingers glide over the keys, I am reminded of my family who played it over a decade before.

I would walk downstairs to see my sister playing on this keyboard. She pushes a button to power it on, does her basic scales, then walks away. One minute she is playing “Hot Cross Buns,” the next year she is performing “Für Elise.” Then one day she just stops, never touching this keyboard again.

It sat alone in a corner of our basement, gathering dust for many years. It was used again by my Dad who would make a few random sounds on the piano setting and, the next minute, I would hear the sounds of a steel drum or violin. Then one day he just stops, hiding it away because it was taking up too much space.

The keyboard stopped collecting dust once I started learning piano in early 2020. Nice to see it still works. – Evan S. 

Smoke Detector

Kidde Fyrnetics, China, 2000, Plastic, D: 4”

The humble smoke detector can be argued to be one of the most underappreciated items in the entire modern household, which is likely due to the false alarms that it can set off. Though the device’s function is to detect fires and alert homeowners, most of the time it will be accidentally set off from other forces such as cigarette smoke or even steam from a hot shower.  This smoke detector is an expired piece from early 2000. The object is yellowed due to aging and only the inside of the object, which has not been exposed to yellow light, remains white. It can detect fires by a device on the inside that senses excess moisture in the air and lets out a loud, persisting beeping sound when it does. It is because of this detection method that most activations will be false alarms. Even opening the door on a humid day can cause the alarm to be set off. – David R. 

Late 19th Century Camelback Steamer Trunk

United States, circa 1876, Wood, brass, leather, and cotton, H: 1’10”

This trunk is older than you guessed– it was built before the turn of the 19th century. The lock of the trunk is marked “May 11 1876.” Such objects were commonly used for travel. The steamer trunk is a smooth bulky beast of a container that squats in the corner of my family’s dining room. My family uses the trunk to store heirlooms and hand-me-downs. As fascinating as I found it, I never looked into the trunk’s details and history until this year. All I knew beforehand was that the original seller said that it was passed down in his family for generations.

There were several popular trunk companies in America including Oshkosh and Rhino Trunk & Case. Trunks manufactured during the 1800’s were customizable and made to order. The inside was custom designed per person. Some trunks contain smaller compartments for files or loose objects. Some have large dividers to help organize. This particular build is completely open on the inside, which leaves room for the bulkiest of storage. Steamer trunks can be dome-topped, flat, or have a classic arch. Steamer trunks were intricately decorated travelling vessels. Their customizability made them personal. – Kai S. 

Oshkosh: My First Baby Doll

China, distributed by Toys R’ Us in Paramus, NJ, circa 2000, Polyester fiber, a small circular rattle, and various colored needle threads, H: 9”

Children tend not to realize how rough they are when playing with their toys. My younger self happened to be a little rough with my Oshkosh doll and, over time, it began to fall apart. Through family events, nightmares in the middle of the night, and countless playtimes, this doll has been by my side. But now it is torn, ripped, frayed, almost beyond recognition.         

My childhood friend’s appeal lies not in its current aesthetics, rather in all of the wonderful memories behind the battle scars. Whenever the doll received a new tear, my mother sewed it back together. The fabric continued to get tighter in one spot until the face disappeared. Now the hair strands are scrunched together from the doll’s facial repairs, creating larger holes on either side of the doll’s face. The cotton stuffing began to pour out of the doll's body like clouds drifting in the sky—pieces of the fabric fall over the doll’s face like a hand punching through a canvas. One might see how a child roughly handled their toy when looking at its face, but I catch glimpses of my childhood through my mother’s repairs. – Emily G. 

English Jewelry Box

The Metal Box Company, England, circa 1920, Tin, H: 3.5”

Elements of extroverted beauty and inner restraint unite to create an alluring invitation to an exclusive place. Each side of this box bulges in a wave, flowing out to be held. When one cups their hands around it, the ornately detailed images on each side beckon for a closer look. Then scenes of leaping deer, prowling tigers, and marching bears become apparent. And flora spirals around these animals. But each of these seemingly free-flowing panels are contained by frames of various motifs, like the box itself that is made to contain beautiful jewelry.

The lid continues the theme to an even greater degree. This enclosing part has more pictorial frames than any of the sides of the body. But while the many frames limit the area that the center image can occupy, the figures within it make the most of the space. This scene contains a striking image of a cherub with arms outstretched, surrounded by red flowers bursting forth from their pots and traveling on vines to permeate the air around the angel.

All of this decoration is contrasted by the interior of the box, as its uniform color allows a possession of beautiful jewelry to take center stage. – Tyrone B. 

NIKE AF1 High ‘07 Style: AT7653-001

NIKE, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon, United States, made in Vietnam, 2019, Leather, velvet, and rubber, Size 7.5

These may look just like a pair of shoes, but they are much more. These shoes, while being a vehicle for my movement, have also hold the memory of my journey toward self-discovery. The specific shoe is not the vessel, not the pillow-like inside, not the dark leather outside, not the stark-grey “swoosh” that stands out against the leather, but the Air Force 1 name. These shoes represent the introduction of my cousin, one of my best friends, into my life. As a child, I wanted to be cool and my cousin was the coolest person ever. He wore Air Jordans or Air Force 1s constantly, his clothes sagged, and he was always having fun. Watching and spending time with him taught me to be similar. He taught me how I wanted to look and act, and these shoes represent this process. I have more than one pair of Air Force 1s that represent the same thing as these shoes, however it is this pair that I wear, and in turn remind me of that journey, every day. – Jason L. 

Wooden Fidget Toy

Playable Art, 2019, Polished wood and plastic, H: 7” 

The bubbly, wooden sculpture is humorous in its existence. For a fidget toy that is thoughtfully designed to engage the complexities of your adult brain—designed to ease your mind of age-old obsessions, compulsions, and distractions—it is interchangeable with playthings made for infants. The smooth spheres create perfectly sized crevices for the exploration of your eager fingers. The alternating shades of stained wood invite you to try to organize them in a geometric shape, which both the toy’s imperfect variation in color and restricted movement inhibit. The balls clatter as you try anyway, determined to force them into arrangement. You might be compelled to touch the therapy toy to your upper lip and feel the spheres cascade down your neck. At some point, you realize the balls can be separated, to reveal a plastic, ball-and-socket-style joint. The sensation of one ball being disjointed from the next sparks the same satisfaction felt when a blade of grass leaves the soil or a hair’s bulb is popped from the scalp. This action is likely repeated even though it is followed by the harsh snap of the joint being forced back into place. – Charlotte K. 

GESTALTA Artist’s Figure

Purchased at Ikea, Philadelphia, PA, United States, circa 2000-2012, Solid wood, Steel, Chrome plated, H: 13”

A figure made in human likeness seemingly floats above a small, circular pedestal. With movable, bendable appendages and a featureless body, the figure bends to the will of the perceiver’s imagination. The entirety of the figure’s body is made from a smooth, polished wood, with steel hidden inside its circular joints to allow flexible motion. While the figure can stand on its own, it leans on its rod, surrendering to the weight of gravity and making it all the more tempting to touch, to correct.

I acquired this object while shopping at my local Ikea, a Swedish furniture store, as a child with dreams of becoming a better artist. However, as the years passed, I found this object collecting dust on a shelf, no more than a piece of expressionless décor. How could an object designed to be tinkered with keep still for half a decade? 

Despite my acknowledgement, it remains in its place. Its limbs are bent almost grotesquely and its body tilts forward against its steel restraint, casting a shadow of a human but nothing more. 

I feel the inspiration to draw and take out my computer for reference. – Alysa B

Alvarez Acoustic/Electric Guitar

Alvarez Guitars, St. Louis Missouri, U.S.A, circa 2015, Wood, bone, and nickel, H: 39”

My Alvarez guitar is my best friend. How can an instrument be such a good companion, one might ask? My guitar has been with me for the last five years and is always there for me. It is something that I can play when I am frustrated, bored, sad, or lonely. No matter what happens, it is always there hanging on my wall, untouched, when I walk into my room. My guitar also brings people together through its music. It does not only make beautiful sounds, but it also looks beautiful because of how unique it is. An interesting thing about the guitar is that it is partially made of bone. Yes, that’s right, real bone. A small strip of bone rests underneath the strings below the headstock. Because of the uniqueness and sentimental value of my guitar, I think I will keep it for the rest of my life. Who knows if I will be playing my Alvarez guitar in twenty years, but I know for sure that it will be ready to continue to bring people together and make beautiful sounds. – Riley B. 

Pac is Back 

Bandai Namco, 2013, Metalized Plastic and cardboard, H: 3” (figure)

Everyone remembers the classic game that used to eat your quarters faster than a blue ghost; when is the last time it was played? We all have heard the crisp waka-waka as we triumphantly chomped our way through the levels; how long has it been? Looking at the eight-bit characters feels like eighty years ago compared to how far gaming has progressed since then. Where has time gone and does anyone else remember Pac-man the way I do, or where to find the nearest arcade cabinet? This collectable figure is different from my memory of the characters, though; now he is faded, metal, and a cold gold instead of a happy yellow.

In my possession is sun damaged number 480 out of 500 once pristine figure. Mine is no longer in top condition and never will be again, the faded logo and yellowed plastic has already sealed Pac-man’s fate. Once the pinnacle of what a game could be is now barely hanging on besides anniversaries and rereleases. Just like my figure, the arcade giant has faded away and is hiding in the shadows, waiting for someone to care and remember the glory days. – Angelica N. 

“Pulcina”

Michelle de Lucchi, manufactured by Alessi, 2015, Aluminum, H: 11.5”

This is an Italian coffee maker, surprising right? At a first glance, this object seems decorative. But when you get to hold it, you will see how it dismantles and shows its functionality under the thick aluminum shell. If you think about it, the shape of the artifact really embodies the way the coffee is made. The liquid states are represented by the wider parts of the maker, while the gas state is represented by the part where the apparatus cinches right in the middle. This makes sense since the middle is where the steam condenses. But how can an object that is purely used for making coffee be so visually captivating? A coffee maker that has a title, creator, designer, and a year of release. This shows exactly how this artifact is both useful and decorative. When you brew your coffee, it stands on your stove and functions normally. While waiting for your coffee, you sit down and look at the apparatus only to realize it looks like a chicken – hence “Pulcina,” chicken in Italian. The object gives you something to look at and enhances the mundanity of waiting for your coffee to brew. – Ziad K. 

Victrola Record Player

Innovative Technology, Port Washington, New York, United States, circa 2010, Faux leather, plastic, and metal, H:  5”

Countless Saturday mornings I have woken up to my mother playing soft tunes throughout my home. My Victrola Record Player has been in my house for around five years. Numerous times this object has been used for impromptu dance parties, late nights studying, and used to just be in the moment and relax.

The story of this Victrola Record Player is not exclusively told through the music of vinyl records. Its appearance tells a visual story as well. Its outer design was one that intended to calm, with its uses of light blue and silver. But, as the years have gone by, my family and I have created a new design for it. There are light scraps on the volume dials. They are from years of eager hands turning the volume up to its max. The feet and handle have faint scars from its travels from room to room. These imperfections show the years of love this object has both given and received. – Amani B.

Huion PW100 Stylus Pen

Huion, Shenzhen, China, 2018, Plastic, L: 6.5”

The Huion PW100 Stylus Pen has allowed artists to imitate countless mediums that have predated the device’s time period. Art is always evolving and, with its progression, the mediums with which we represent abstract thoughts need to evolve as well. From the times of stone on stone, to the creation of the first paints, and moving through the ages of paper and the various mediums we have created for new surfaces, it was inevitable for art to find its home in the advanced technology of the twenty-first century. The Huion PW100 Stylus Pen is a newer model of a recently ubiquitous instrument in the twenty-first century artist’s toolbelt: the stylus. Artists utilize the stylus in a variety of ways that let them mimic traditional mediums into a digital medium. Production for television series, graphic design for professional companies, and even freelance artists all benefit greatly from the progression of these devices. – Jay W.

Pooh-Dog / Peridot

Maker unknown, circa 2006, Unknown fabric with cotton and bean bag stuffing, H: 20” 

I could not stop crying the week I lost my stuffed dog, Pooh-Dog. I had just turned seven years old and the loyal plush companion that I had owned since the week I was born had vanished. Trips to Disneyworld were normally my favorite time of year, but nothing could salvage this trip for me when I lost Pooh-Dog halfway through it. No matter what my parents tried to do, nothing could fix the hole that stuffed dog had left. After multiple failed attempts at buying a replacement, finally a family friend handed me a brown stuffed dog I would later come to name Peridot. I immediately hugged it close and felt the warmth and softness that Pooh-dog had provided me all of those years. The tears finally began to dry as I felt a new soft companion enter my life. Patches of coarse grey fur speckle the surface from years of hugging, little signs of love that the washing machine cannot melt off. The ears delicately flop over the sides of their head, with years of hugging distributing its bean bag filling irregularly throughout its body. Three of the legs, now empty of their bean bag filling, stay semi-filled with stuffing, while the back left is filled to the brim with both. While others could see this as a flaw, I think it makes it just a little softer to hug. Even though it has been fourteen years, the black eyes still beam with the same loving gaze that dried my tears all those years ago. Its body, though squished down by the ages, is still warm and plump with stuffing. – Lillian R. 

Tarot Card Deck

Maggie Stiefvater, Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury, Minnesota, United States, circa 2019, Print on Cardstock, 4 9/15 x 2 ¾ x 1 3/15”

What sort of future is held in these cards? Each one of the seventy-eight unique cards holds their own omens of wonder and woe. The deck waits patiently for a curious passer-by to pick a card, any card, and learn what shall come of them down the path of life. Will they find infinite wisdom and success? Or will they be met with failure and poor tidings?

Whatever card is pulled from the deck, whatever meaning it holds, is any of it real? Do these cards hold any validity or unknown powers of divination? Maybe the cards are just a beautiful work of art, each one with its own unique illustration. It could simply be just a deck, a statement piece in a room that provides an air of mystery and a starter for conversation. The magic of a tarot deck, or lack thereof, is up for you to decide. – Sana H.

Disco Ball

2019, Styrofoam, Plastic, H: 6” 

Hundreds of silver eyes reflect across the wall, they see every point of view. Watching over me, they glisten in the sun. Disco balls were once the life of the party. Invented in the 1920s, the disco ball represents a sense of happiness and community which originated from its intended use in dance clubs. Our real-life globe could definitely use some happiness and a sense of community as well which is why I thought this would be a perfect object to discuss. The silver mirrors act as eyes watching over the room, hundreds of different scenes float up above. The disco ball acts as a narrative in a way, guiding the stories below. As it hangs up above it watches countless people’s lives. The disco ball serves as a source of energy, fueling the people’s emotions underneath by setting the mood in the room and on the dance floor. Even though technology has moved past the use of a basic disco ball, younger generations have continued to incorporate it into their lives as decor, which still allows the disco ball to live on and continue its legacy. – Terra B.

Heatmaster Non-Stick Fry Pan

TeFal, Rumilly, France, 2018, Stainless-steel, polytetrafluorethylene, and sapphire, L: 18”

I cook sausage and eggs. I do not have a need for ‘Sapphire Technology’. The many gems just glitter on the surface of the pan. The red symbol in the middle is unnecessary, being able to tell when the pan is hot is something I can do without a slow, color changing dot. 

A non-stick surface is convenient but is also excessive. A little oil or butter could make up for the lack of the thick Teflon coating on a normal pan. I do not need stainless-steel either; a simple iron pan could do the trick instead. Simple care is enough to keep the pan in good shape, perhaps even better than with the stainless-steel. 

The pan could be smaller as well. The excessive size only adds to the indulgence of the pan. All these additions are handy, some more than others, but they all are almost too much for such a simple object. – Nicholas B.

Flower Petal, the Pink Hearts Puppy

Webkinz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, circa 2006-2007, Polyester fiber and plastic pellets, H: 10” 

Flower Petal is a tangible piece of home that always manages to make me feel content wherever I am. This stuffed puppy is a comfort object that primarily reminds me of my childhood attachment to stuffed animals. These, I remember as my first memories of comfort after I had just moved to the United States from another country. Flower Petals’ most prominent feature is the hearts on her body that entices me to cuddle her whenever I am feeling sad or moody. Her hearts always emanate so much love and adorableness. Her fur’s softness always calms me and brings me down to earth. When I’m away from home and in an unfamiliar place, I always travel with her so that I can have a reminder that the world is not so scary and that she will always be there. There can be many versions of Flower Petal but she is still a one-of-a-kind object to me, even though I’m an adult now. – Tina T.

Double Weave Judo Gi Jacket

FUJI Sports, Pakistan, circa 2018, Cotton, Size 4 

You are a gi, a sturdy cotton jacket vital to the art of judo. I own you, but you have yet to become my gi. You are “perfect.” Your sleeves are not frayed from an opponent’s tugging. Your lapel, rigid and straight, has yet to earn finger impressions from years of sparring. Your deep blue color unfaded, has yet to be worn by someone constantly knocked down only to rise again. The only way to truly be my gi is for you to experience weathering and combat with me. I have not practiced judo in years, yet you hang before me, a fresh gi yearning to become something more. As we fight together, you develop greater meaning. Every time I send someone crashing to the ground, your tight knit weave loosens. Your sturdy nature will soften showing that you are an experienced gi, worn by an experienced fighter. As I look at you, I am reminded of the gis I have worn in the past and think how you too could become loose, discolored, weathered, yet drape perfectly over my shoulders. The only thing stopping us from beginning this process is that first match, one match to begin your new life as my gi. – Ivan O.

Decorative Book Box

Punch Studio, Culver City, California, United States, Circa 2014, Wood with magnetic closure, H: 2.5”

Some chapters never close. Lifting the cover of this book box is like opening a time capsule, except its narrative has not yet ended. Countless small items and handwritten notes that I have received from family, friends, and many others fill the box. Some things are complete, like the decorative elements of the box, which have been realized. The wooden container is sturdy and heavily ornamented with vibrant butterflies dancing against a gentle backdrop of flowers, arranged on the covers and spine. Closer looking reveals further details, like the faint writing on the covers in a language unfamiliar to me. 

Some stories never end. The mementos held within the box are mere fragments nestled in its steady frame. Together, however, they begin to tell the larger story of a life. The beauty is in the looking; beholding the external and appreciating the recorded moments this decorative object preserves. The box, too, will no longer close. Its larger story is not that of a life lived, but a life living. – Anna L.