My interest is in redefining the conventional purpose of functional objects. By questioning expected qualities and identities, these objects are able to convey ideas, generate conversations, and promote novel, yet enduring, engagements with their audience. Avoiding function and economics as the sole factors for design, this work brings everyday life into the conceptual and aesthetic realm, and offers new and invigorating perspectives on functional objects and spaces.

"Breaking the Bottle" is inspired by the do-it-yourself protective glass barriers surrounding homes. Found on fences and rooftops around the world these labor intensive layers of broken bottles and glass shards display careful planning and placement. However, they are a threatening symbol to the community while overtly exhibiting civic distrust. Furthermore these barriers, which intend to protect the contents within their perimeter, greatly isolate the objects therein. My intention is to highlight the elegant results but unfortunate need of such home additions while exaggerating the repercussions of over protection and the impact it has on social dialogue.

Materials⎯pleasing or off-putting⎯can determine how a person responds to or utilizes a given environment. While glass shards evoke a sense hostility and intimidation towards the community home interiors greatly contrast their protective counterparts. By their very definition homes offer personalized elements of richly varied and pleasing materials, textures, and colors. These attributes of the home fuse in a space that offers comfort, history and familiarity. Admittedly, the home, and the contents within, are worth protecting.

"Breaking the Bottle" is a collection of 12 home objects encrusted in protective layers of broken glass. These specific objects were selected based on their symbolic and utilitarian importance within the home and are arranged in a manner that suggests regular use. Further reinforcing the importance of the home, this "12 pack" sits atop a pedestal in the same dimensions as my child hood living room which I considered the heart of any home. By fusing elements of protection with objects of the home this installation discusses the importance of the home and the need for fervent protection while highlighting the devastating effects of over-protection.

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