Found objects

Last year, one of the grad students who works with found objects was showing me one of her projects. Using an archaeological metaphor, she walked around a park hoping to find items that spoke to the park's past or history of use. What she picked up was a lot of wrappers and plastic bottles, mostly trash.

In her studio, however, is a beautifully worn cabinet covered in paint. It is a true found object, something she found in the street. Found objects are things that call out to us. By their nature we just happen upon them like the perfect stone or the perfect chest. Found objects cannot be found on a deadline. We must wait for them to appear.

Today I found two beautiful twigs that I had been keeping for years in the garage. I think I've had them since I lived in Indiana, more than ten years ago. I didn't have any purpose in mind when I stored them away. Today I got the idea that they'd make nice coat hangars, my own version of the ones I've been looking at on the web.

Found objects have a unique presence. You can't go outside and say, "I'm going to find a found object today." You have either stumble upon one or be willing to wait for it to appear as you step through your life.

Art's tree sculpture

Custom tree sculptures available from Specialty Fabricating.

Global views tree sculpture

Another option for an indoor tree. I wrote the company. You may be able to see one at--

Interior Illusions
8448 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Ph 323 656 8448

This one is from Living Comforts.

Branches

These and more from Nettleton Hollow.

Expensive tree coat racks

For awhile I was obsessed with coat racks that look like trees. These are beautiful but expensive. Above, the $2,000 Erich Ginder Ghost Tree Coat Rack. Below, the $1,000 moss Fertile Garden Stromek coat rack.

Tree hanger

This attractive wood hangar comes from Live Wire Timber.

Tree coat rack

This design is lovely and affordable. See it at GI Designs.