One night last week, as I was chopping vegetables for dinner, in the midst of wherever my mind was wandering, it occurred to me that the knife I was using somehow made a job I’ve done a thousand times recognizably more satisfying and even pleasant. I’m not waxing poetic here – most dinner prep is a routine chore, but it was an “aha moment” to be aware that I had subconsciously reached for that particular knife because of the enjoyment derived in using it.
Tools Drying ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
It’s definitely not fancy or expensive (I actually got it for free with the stamps they give out for every $10 spent during a grocery store promotion). But the point is, despite its low cost it caught my attention in a way my other, “better” knives never have. And as I chopped, observing more closely while appreciating the heft and balance of it, I realized that the credit belonged to the knife’s design.
I invite you to take a moment to appreciate a tool you rely upon every day. As you’re poised to put it to use, reflect upon how difficult, or at least more challenging, that job might be without it.
Can Opener ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
One has to honor the brainpower that has gone into designing the art supplies, instruments, utensils, gadgets, apps, etc. that make our everyday tasks easier and more efficient. For example, a pair of scissors is an object of wonder when you consider the combination of purpose with ergonomics. It’s a mighty amount of creativity that can design an object that not only meets a specific use, yet which is also beautiful, independent of its function.
Two ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
The next logical line of thinking was what worthy subjects tools make as I keep chipping away at learning to draw/paint, which in turn reminded me of Jim Dine’s prints of tools from the 70’s, published in this monograph, one of the first art books I paid for with my own money.
To explore this idea further, check out Design Milk, a website that centers on all aspects of design. This quick article (mostly photos) on abstracted kitchen tools is a good prompt for thinking more about about the marriage of design with use. (And as a side note, its column “Friday Five” interviews contemporary designers about their top five inspirations — definitely worth a peek).
Together ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
So look around your space and notice which tools make a difference in your creative practice, whatever it may be. And then join me in a collective nod of gratitude and admiration for the designers who have made it their life’s work to dream up the things we take for granted, but which make such a difference, practically and aesthetically, in our day-to-day.
Chop, chop, chop! A wonderful meditation too. Let’s get together again SOON for a meal and/or walk or both. Also, I want to talk more with you about developing a circle of honest feedback as I know you’ve worked on building your own.
Your drawing is marvelous, both in monochrome and color. It will serve you well no matter that else you do in art or life.
And thanks for sharing these ideas with us today. When I look at my old cameras, I feel like they are friends and we know each other well and they serve me so well—like your knife—in getting things to the place I want them to be.
This week I was also using a pair of tinsnips that are probably 100+ years old which I first used at least 60 years ago! Amazing isn’t it? And they still do their work so well only ever asking for a bit of oil and a sharpening. This is a link (http://shop.lenswork.com/Uncle-Kenny_p_980.html) to one of my favorite photographers who has mastered the art of telling stories in chap books, this one specifically about tools and the hands that used them.
Yes, there is much to talk about so let’s work on that!
The link you gave to Uncle Kenny’s photographs is a perfect continuation of the idea — thank you. There are many tools – kitchen and wood shop – that have been in my family for generations. I like the idea that drawing allows me to really appreciate them on another level.
Another wonderful read with beautiful art. The detail you got with the can opener is lovely. The object conveyed with your artistic skill becomes a piece of art and no longer is a kitchen utensil. Form over meaning. I have a hand shredded bamboo watercolor brush that I purchased for its sheer beauty not its function. In fact I did not like the effect but having it in my hand or looking at it was art. D
I can totally relate Dianne; I am a sucker for beautiful objects – whether or not can use them.