Object of Awareness

Abstract

Drawing inspiration from amulets and talismans, I explored the theme of objects that protect, bless, or empower their owner/user. Visually stunning, tactile, and rich with history these objects are often directly tied to the cultures that created them, which can be problematic; making them seem out of place, quaint or even untouchable. In our modern society can there be objects that fulfill these needs and what role does a designer have in their creation? Undertaking cross-cultural research I investigated ways to update these objects. Exploring lessons learned from practices of hybridity, I set out to make forms that would allow users to impart their own interpretation into the functional outcome of the objects use. The result was the creation of the Objects of Awareness, a series of twelve objects that operate both aesthetically and psychologically. Combining form, material and user interaction the Objects of Awareness are conceived as a useful tool to facilitate self-reflection and self-awareness. Utilizing wood, brass and marble the forms are distinctly modern yet still reference the past creating a user centric conduit for symbolic contextualization.