Zain Sunstone: capstone
Date
2018
Authors
Sunstone, Zain, artist
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Abstract
The artist's statement: Where does art take over from purely functional objects? Are they mutually exclusive or do they fall along a spectrum of design and manufacturing decisions? What makes an object beautiful? Is it the smoothness of its lines and curves, its material choices and surface treatments? Where is the disconnect that took us from taking pride in what we make to the production of the cheapest, and often ugliest, functional items? When crafting a tool I try to find a balance between functionality and beauty. I design them to be pleasing to hold and look upon, and instill minor regret at the damage and discoloration they will gain with use as working objects of art. These tools are meant to be used and reshaped as needed by artists, to be living objects. But are they tools simply because that is what I've named them? Are they tools because they look like tools? Are they art objects that only hold the form of tools, or are they only art objects? Sometimes the design of a functioning object overtakes its functionality, and sometimes the work only appears to be functional. Mixed into my displays are nonsensical, whimsical, and some downright awkward tools. Despite not knowing the use of all that I have created, everything here has had the same attention to craft and detail that I would put into an elaborate piece of jewelry. I have tried to re-infuse delight and wonderment into the items I will use to craft even more elaborate items. Everything here is a tool. Everything here is a work of art.
Description
Colorado State University Art and Art History Department capstone project.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
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Subject
metalsmithing and jewelry