This piece is from a series combining little wood containers with miscellany from my collection. They are self-portraits in that the attachments and motifs reference childhood memories, more than simple memento boxes we have. This box came with our old home and was originally made around 1970 to hold a drill. The birdhouse shape it evolved into became a fun little object, but also a commentary on the distinction we make between perceived value and intrinsic value.
My assemblages have taken a more modern aesthetic, differing from the steam-punk-meets-Joseph-Cornell style I see so much. I favor a more clean-lined minimalist aesthetic--with a maximalist narrative quality. Assemblage of found wood box, acrylic paint, brass birds, Astroturf, ribbon, thread and shipping tag. Paint is applied variously with a brush, brayer and printed with potato stamps.