Human Artifacts
Human Artifacts is a project about plastics and our relationship with them through the medium of items that would be passed down in the past, being made of the material de franca of today. To that end, I have made a series of artefacts with only hand tools using recycled plastics in four parts, the ‘Comb,’ ‘Tile,’ ‘Rings,’ and ‘Clip’. The Comb recreates a craft style wiped out by plastic production. The Tile gives scale to the time it takes for plastic to break down by taking inspiration from tiles from 500 years ago, equivalent to the time it takes for the plastic to break down. The Rings are a series of rejections to the sterile treatment of plastics, insisting that there’s something lost in carving out the craft from creation. The Clip just as it does with money, ties together the project by reimagining an heirloom I received.
Human Arifacts
The full range includes four pieces, the Tile, Comb, Ring, and Clip.
The Tile
The Tile, a reference to 16th-century Spanish tilework. It embodies the dissonance between material and motif evoking historical presence and permanence while reminding us that plastic, too, endures for centuries beyond its intended use.
The Comb
The Comb, a callback to early 20th century holding combs. It represents the transition point between a craft based and manufacturing based goods system, and challenges value systems by recreating something of value by a material often considered devoid of value.
The Clip
The Clip, modeled after a family heirloom, yet rooted in plastic’s false promises. It ties the project together by questioning inheritance and permanence, forcing us to ask if the plastic we leave behind is how we wish to be seen.
The Ring (Scrunch)
The Scrunch Ring, shaped by hand and sculpted from molten plastic. It reclaims the accidental folds and flaws that manufacturing rejects, valuing imperfection.
The Ring (Droop)
The Droop Ring, a glossy cascade of layered plastic, reminiscent of chewed up bubblegum. It rejects mold-made symmetry in favor of fluidity, challenging what is deemed beautiful or worthy of keeping.
The Ring (Cavity)
The Cavity Ring, a smooth form interrupted by a trapped air bubble where a gem might rest. It highlights the human impulse to discard imperfection, inviting reflection on why we value flawlessness.
Human Artifacts: Harry Nunn MaID CSM thesis video