Sol LeWitt
From New York Photobooks: “Autobiography is a photographic inventory of LeWitt’s objects in his living and working space in New York City. The series starts with a general description of the space, floor, ceiling, pipes and plumbing. The following pages focus on more personal possessions, such as tools, furniture, books, art materials, family photographs and pieces of art, among others. There is a progression from presenting structural elements of the space to more specific and personal objects, revealing clues as to how LeWitt lives and works, and what he likes to be surrounded by.”
See several examples of LeWitt’s grid photos here: https://newyorkphotobooks.com/2018/06/15/sol-lewitt-autobiography/
More examples: https://www.printedmatter.org/catalog/12830/
I decided to do my nine-by-nine pictures on writing utensils because I utilize them every day. My pictures consist of pens, pencils and markers. For this essay I am going to focus on how mechanical pencils are made and distributed. I want to write about mechanical pencils because they are very common and regular pencils are becoming less popular in schools.
Mechanical pencils are made up of five materials: rubber, plastic, metal, graphite and clay. The graphite comes from Canada and Mexico. The rubber comes from four countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Niger. China produces plastic and metal. The graphite is made of compressed carbons in the atmosphere, so production can occur in the US. Once these items are in the correct form they are shipped to France for production. The final products are sold to Canada and the US for distribution. This process that occurs in many countries contributes to mass pollution when shipping across the world.
Work Cited
“The Journey of a Mechanical Pencil.” ArcGIS StoryMaps, SL – 07EC – Morning Star MS (1114), 2 Mar. 2020, storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8c4771b27ab449419119b7d42e5fc756.
I did my 9-picture grid on vases. Growing up with a mother as a florist, there are flowers everywhere. It wasn’t until I did this project that I realized how many different types and various vases we had in our household. It opened my eyes to how these vases just exist in my everyday life, and I don’t recognize them. The different types of vases whether it was color, size, or volume can be directly correlated to mood. Modern and simplistic vases can give off a new vibe, while gold and tall vases give off a royal vibe.
Vases have a long and deep history and date back to 3000 BC. The very first vases were crafted by the potter’s wheel from oil and grain in Mesopotamia during the Bronze Age. These vases were meant to hold valuables. All around Southern Europe in 500 BC, vases began to become popular, differentiating in design by telling stories. Vases are a handmade object and could be used as trophies in the 1700’s. It wasn’t until recently that vases were mainly used to hold flowers. Now, vases come in all different shapes and sizes such as glass or plastic. Vases are still a decorative item with a purpose of holding something.
Works Cited
Whittaker, Coco. “History of Antique Vases.” Mayfair Gallery, Mayfair Gallery, 11 Dec. 2020, http://www.mayfairgallery.com/blog/history-antique-vases/.
It’s kind of peculiar that I have these vinyl’s because I don’t even own a record player. So why did I choose the vinyls? Well simply because I bought them liking the aesthetic yet the only time I notice them is when someone points it out. Maybe it’s the flatness of a compound containing polyvinyl chloride that glared when you walk by that catches everyone’s eye. Or maybe it’s the design that shows I enjoy rap is why it’s even in my room. Either way the process of making a vinyl is very interesting, it starts off as PVC pellets and gets loaded into a hopper. They are then melted and squeezed into a “Biscuit.” Even though they are very outdated it’s a cool piece to my room/dorm but it’s like many things that just go unnoticed after a while. Which isn’t a bad thing, it’s just human nature in my opinion.
Works Cited
Levine, Mike. “How a Vinyl Record Is Made.” Yamaha Music – Blog, 9 Sept. 2021, hub.yamaha.com/audio/vinyl/how-a-vinyl-record-is-made/.
Benjamin Maddock
Professor Green
Intro to Creative Writing
3 September 2024
When I’m stressed or bored, one thing I often do is listen to music. I feel the sounds of vocalists, of bass guitar, of drums and brass. I can get lost in it; unaware of everything around me because I don’t need to focus on anything else. Until I ask myself: “Where did this record come from? How was it made?” before I go back to just enjoying the music- ignoring that question for months. That was, until I finally bit the bullet and decided that I would finally figure it out. For a vinyl record to be produced, the first thing that is needed is an audio recording. Whether it is digital or analog, it needs to be mixed for a vinyl record. Too high of frequencies can lead to distortion, while. too low of frequencies can lead to skipping. There must be a balance. Then, from that recording, the master record is cut by a laser. This record is used to create a stamp, and this stamp is used to press the mass-produced vinyl into a record to be listened to. (House of Marley) All that work for me to ask the question and not really care about the answer for months on end. Why didn’t I care? Because in the end, the way something I use was made doesn’t really matter to the consumer. To them, the only thing that really matters is that they can get it, and when they can get what they want whenever they want it, they can worry about something else that is, to them, more important. So, the production line is forgotten, and that apathy can prevent people from learning something that they may find interesting.
“How Are Vinyl Records Made?” theHouseofMarley.Com, House of Marley, 28 July 2022, http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/blog/how-are-vinyl-records-made/.
When I think about something I wear every day I immediately think about my sneakers. Sneakers are far more than just a part of our wardrobe; they are crucial for our everyday lives. They can protect your feet from the harsh elements- whether that means keeping your toes warm in the winter, shielding them from sharp objects on a hike, or keeping sand off them on the beach. Sneakers can help us remain comfortable throughout the day, reducing the stress on our bodies. Beyond practicality, sneakers often reflect our personality and style. They can mark a special occasion or simply be a favorite pair.
For soccer it is essential for me to wear cleats that are made from kangaroo leather. The comfort of kangaroo leather is unmatched, but due to new laws being implemented, finding kangaroo cleats is harder than ever. Nike separated themselves from the kangaroo leather market within the last few years, which has caused many to voice their opinions. It was believed that 1.5 million kangaroos and wallabies were killed in 2017. These big companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma source their K-leather directly from the Australian government.
Full Fact. “Adidas, Nike and Puma Use Kangaroo Leather in Some Products.” Full Fact, 14 June 2019, fullfact.org/online/kangaroo-shoes/.
My dishes are something I use almost every day in my life that you would not normally think about all the time. These include plates, bowls, and cups. Whenever I get hungry or thirsty, I take whatever dishes I need out of the cabinet. I put the food I am eating on the plates and bowls, and I put drinks in my cups. Then, when I am done with the food/drink, I wash the dishes with dish soap, and then put them back in the cabinet. Putting food and drinks onto dishes and then washing them is a basic life skill that everyone does all the time, but they don’t think about that life skill every single second of every day.
Paper plates and bowls are made from paper, plastic, and Styrofoam. These plates are a less environmentally friendly option because all these types of plates are disposable. These are normally used once and then thrown away after being used. Plastic plates are made of polystyrene. In 1839, Eduard Simon developed polystyrene, an “oily substance from storax, a type of natural resin.” These plates are much more environmentally friendly because they can be reused. If they get grease or food on them, they will not break down like paper plates. With plastic plates, you can wash them and reuse them. They definitely help you save money because you won’t have to keep going out and buying paper plates all the time.
Works Cited:
https://smartyhadaparty.com/blogs/home/plastic-vs-paper-plates-which-is-better
https://homesteady.com/13410830/what-are-plastic-plates-made-of#google_vignette
I decided to do a 3×3 grid of pictures on speakers because it has always been my therapy whenever I feel down or stressed. The aluminum basket being able to send soundwaves that sound like some of my favorite songs like “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill or “U-N-I-T-Y” by Frank Ocean, makes me feel like I’m in a private concert with just me and them. It is shocking to me that behind the scenes just going to Bluetooth settings and just pressing on the speakers to connect and play a second of a song, there is so much science behind it such as the speakers needing drivers and the requirement of electromagnetic waves to move back and forth with the speaker and the phone. Speakers are really something that keep me at peace because I am able to express whatever I’m feeling with the songs that come from those boxes containing metal, paper, and plastic.
Citations:
How do bluetooth speakers work? & how to connect. theHouseofMarley.com. (n.d.). https://www.thehouseofmarley.com/blog/how-do-bluetooth-speakers-work/
How do speakers work: A guide on how speakers produce sound. soundcore. (n.d.). https://www.soundcore.com/blogs/speaker/how-do-speakers-work-speakers-and-sound-production-explained
Savannah Johnson
Jared Green
ENG-164-A
September 6, 2024
The Oyster
Growing up on Cape Cod, I have always had easy access to the sea. When moving to college I brought pieces of art that reminded me of home, many being oyster shells.
Oyster shells can be extremely versatile, in my case they are used as decor I walk by everyday. When breaking down how oyster shells are made it’s actually quite fascinating. Their shell is made out of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) with rare impurities. Shells are made by secreting proteins and minerals from their mantles extracellularly. Further creating new layers of the shell which enlarge as the oyster grows. This is the science behind how Oyster shells are created, but, what was also fascinating is that in Greek mythology oyster shells represent renewell and everlasting life.
Out of my 9 photos I chose to write about my oyster photo because of the personal sentiment behind it. For my birthday one of my best friends decorated various oysters from her oyster farm on the Cape which was an extremely special gift to receive.
Overall, this assignment helped me pinpoint objects around me that hold a significance in my life, but may sometimes be looked over. Writing about the decorative oysters in my room has opened my eyes to how special of a gift they are.
Shoes have existed for thousands of years, from essential protection to complex fashion items. The earliest shoes found with “Ötzi the Iceman” from around 3300 BCE were made from plant fibers and animal hides to protect feet from rough terrain and weather. Shoes became more elaborate in the Middle Ages with staples like the long-pointed “poulaines” that showed wealth and status. The 20th century saw a rise in diverse styles and specialized footwear, including athletic shoes designed for performance and comfort. Today, shoes blend fashion and function, reflecting advances in materials science and design innovation.
All of this, and they still somehow go unnoticed. For me, I analyze everything about someone when I first meet them. This should start with looking at them in the face, their eyes, hair, and mouth, but I look down at their shoes. I look at the color they decide to wear that day and if they had a thought behind it. I look to see if the shoes have been used to the core and need to be thrown away, or if they are brand new, so new that they are squeaky. I look at the shoe laces to see if they are tied or loosened up, which everyone seems to have recently. This can say a lot about someone if you analyze it correctly.
I use shoes to express myself in a ton of different ways. It describes my state of mind. Although I am a D1 athlete, sometimes I like to not act like one and wear my Uggs. I love my Ugg slippers. Sometimes I want to feel more protective, and I will wear my Hokas. This is not sponsored, but Hokas makes me feel like I am walking on air. They put some magic in those shoes, and even if they were the ugliest color or style on the planet, I would still wear them even if my first glance when I get analyzed I have them on.
My tennis playing shoes. Somedays, I will wear my tennis shoes while not even planning on picking up a racket. Tennis makes me feel good and happy, so putting on the shoes gives me the same feeling. To go more in-depth while I was writing this out, it would be easy to describe a shoe. You put it on your feet and wear it every day, but if I wanted to explain it to someone who has never seen one, they are exciting and unique. Every person has a different foot size, and shoes don’t all fit the same. How interesting it is that shoes hug your feet and protect them. Some shoes make you faster while running; others help you climb mountains, swim, play sports, and play in the snow. All of this and yet they still go unnoticed, yet you wear them every day.
Solomon, Mel Becker. “Shoe.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 5 Sept. 2024, http://www.britannica.com/topic/shoe#:~:text=Climatic%20evidence%20suggests%20that%20people,by%20about%2040%2C000%20years%20ago.
Ring ring! Buzz buzz! Beep beep! Ding ding! We bring this object everywhere. We go crazy if we lose it or if it breaks. For better and for worse our phones have become an essential ordinary object. My screen time for last week was 3 hours and 3 minutes. It’s shocking to realize how much time I spend glued to the screen daily. It becomes how I communicate, entertain myself, and doom scroll. It’s both a blessing and a curse, constantly pulling me in yet keeping me connected. There is a daily battle where I either cross the line with my iPhone, improving my life, or making it worse. These tiny machines are more powerful than those that took us to the moon. How is this possible? Starting with a concept, the phone’s design is decided. The concept evolves into prototypes, tested rigorously. Once finalized, phones are assembled from components sourced globally. Thousands of hands work on processors, glass screens, and lithium batteries to create the final product.
Works Cited
Miller, Nick. “How Are Phones Made?” Discovery UK, 5 July 2022, http://www.discoveryuk.com/how-its-made/how-are-phones-made/.
Prior to learning the details of this assignment, I haven’t really thought about how often I use certain items in my everyday life without thinking twice about it. It did not take me long though to think of an item that I find as precious as my air pods. These earbuds are used constantly in my daily routine. From the moment I hop out of bed, to the countless minutes scrolling through my phone in bed after a long day. Prior to the invention of air pods, us apple users had to use wired earbuds to listen to our favorite entertainment. These wires had a specialty of somehow always being inconvenient, and for a lack of a better term, just always getting in the way. In September of 2016, apple introduced us their newest invention of the air pod. Bluetooth headphones that you could easily plug in your ear and stay there for however long you pleased. This was a game changer for me. The air pod acts as an escape for me. Whether it being listening to my favorite music, podcast, movie, tv show or even for learning, it aids me to be able to enjoy these things conveniently. These nine photos show how I use them in my everyday life varying from own bed, the gym, baseball, school, and just being an arm’s length away from me.
Coombes, Lloyd. “A History of Airpods.” iMore, iMore, 26 Dec. 2023, http://www.imore.com/airpods/a-timeline-of-airpods-from-memes-to-world-domination.
“Apple’s Airpods Changed Everything. They Gave the Company near-Monopolistic Power over Users.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 28 Sept. 2019, http://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/apple-s-airpods-changed-everything-they-gave-company-near-monopolistic-ncna1055656.
Clocks have been used to measure time for thousands of years. Our current system of using 60 minutes and 60 seconds comes from ancient Sumeria around 2000 B.C. The word “clock” comes from French. Mechanical clocks were invented in Europe in the 1300s and were used until pendulum clocks were created in 1656. Over time, different cultures helped improve clocks to what we have today.
“Bzzz Bzzzz!” is the noise im waking up too and can’t get out of my head.
From the moment my alarm wakes me up to the reminders they provide throughout the day. Each morning, I’m jolted into reality by that familiar sound, reminding me of responsibilities I sometimes wish I could escape. There are days when I don’t want to rely on my alarm, but time doesn’t wait.
As the day unfolds, the clock continues to guide me, whether it’s telling me when to eat or reminding me of deadlines. What’s amazing is how it connects me to the world. While I’m starting my day, someone halfway across the globe is ending theirs. Different time zones create a strange, beautiful connection across cultures.
Clocks also come in so many designs, from sleek modern pieces to vintage beauties, making them both functional and artistic. Despite their variety, they are all providing the same thing. Yet, there are moments when I long to escape from the ticking, to live without time’s constraints. In the end, my relationship with clocks is one of dependence and a desire for freedom—a balance between routine and living in the moment.
Bellis, Mary. “Who Invented the Clock?” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 17 July 2024, http://www.thoughtco.com/clock-and-calendar-history-1991475.
Ellison O’Shea
White shoes can be a big part in someone story, it can represent someone wanting a new beginning, or someone having the confidence to show up with shoes that are worn out and not care about what people are thinking about their shoes. In my life white shoes mean a new beginning. When I get a pair of white shoes, they are brand new and don’t have any stains or anything on them it means that there is a new beginning for me. Usually when I get a new pair of shoes it is for the first day of school which is for me to start a new year. I usually wear my white shoes until they are a different color and have holes in them, which means that there was a lot that went on while wearing these shoes. In the grid some of my shoes are barley worn, and others are turning into a different color because of how much I wear them. This is a lot more than just the shoe changing it color and its shape. It shows how the shoes I wear a lot have a lot of memories in them and it was very important to me. The number of shoes doesn’t matter to me, but if there is a shoe that is worn out and the person is still wearing it, to me that means that they are not ready to let go of those memories yet and still have things to conquer while wearing those shoes.
Alexandra Paglia
Why Sweatshirts are Special
The object I chose was very random, but the more I thought about it, the more it meant to me. The object that I chose are my sweatshirts; yes, it sounds boring to the eye. They are much more than sweatshirts, whether it’s representing your town, high school, or college. You can express who you are, your style, and who you like and dislike; the possibilities are endless. When I first thought of my sweatshirts, I realized how much I wear them. All the time, 365 days a year, it can be the summer or winter, you will see me with one. I love the cozy, comfy feeling of having one on. Then, I did some research, strengthening my relationship with sweatshirts. These pieces of fabric were first invented in 1925; it consisted of collarless, long-sleeved, oversized pullovers made of thick, fleecy cotton. The earliest sweatshirts were in the color grey and used for athletes while training for their sports. Even though I could go on about the history of the “sweatshirt,” I want to talk about how each one has a different and unique meaning. Each of them in the photo has a different purpose. Some might be to match my outfit; the other might be to express something. There are always hidden meanings in objects you might never think of. Discovering the purpose of them opens your mind to seeing things from different perspectives.
Kamali, Norma. “Sweatshirt.” Encyclopedia.Com, Encyclopedia.com, 7 Sept. 2024, http://www.encyclopedia.com/fashion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweatshirt.