Cabinet of Lost Teeth

I have been taking an online class through Coursera & U Penn called Introduction to the Elements of Art. It's been interesting. Though I would probably call it "Introduction to the Elements of Modern Art" or something like that. The different themes/mediums we've been exploring have been collage, mail art, environmental art, photography, and collections.

You can opt to watch the lectures, read the handouts and take a quiz for each unit in order to get a basic certificate of completion. If you do at least two of the art assignments you'll get a studio certificate (something like that...I'm taking it primarily for fun). If you do the art assignments, you are obligated to peer review at least two other students' works. Fine. But that also means you get peer reviewed. The peer reviews I've received have been primarily good. However, last week I received a scathing review for my piece (it was an environmental piece). Initially, I was surprised at how sharp the criticism was. I thought, "Well, the hell with it. I've done my minimum. I don't need abuse." Then, after thinking about it for a while, I realized the person was right. I hadn't done a good job on the piece. Frankly, it sucked and he/she was correct. I may not have liked the way the message was delivered, but it was accurate. So, I decided to redeem myself and make something that I could be proud of.

This week, we were to "(create) a unique cabinet of curiosities that displays your personal interpretation of collecting." My cabinet was dedicated to lost teeth.

I created all the teeth with polymer clay, which I cured and then glue-gunned into the box (I gave myself a wicked couple burns with the glue-gun). I then added tags that were written with pen and ink. Here is my artist's statement for the piece:

Teeth are an extremely important element in survival. Without teeth, we cannot eat solid foods, we cannot speak properly, and our lives are shortened. Dental records are a way that bodies are identified. We appreciate a smile with beautiful teeth. Our age can be determined by our teeth. Although we care for them on a daily basis, we rarely think about them until they cause us pain.

This collection is an homage to the humble tooth. In the specimens, I have tried to conceptualize the possible ways they came to be separated from their owners. By examining the tooth on its own, we begin to appreciate how important this seemingly minor piece of our bodies is. Though it may be a small part of ourselves as living beings, without our teeth our lives would be lesser and shorter things.

I'm much happier with this piece. I feel as though I've redeemed myself and deserve my certificate.