Thinking Inside the Box


 

This piece (shown above) is one in a series I call 'Meditation Boxes' made from found items. I assembled the inner walls, drawers, and doors with scraps of mat-board and fabric and it is quite sturdy. It has a vintage bottle and glass communion cups that make it into a 'portable' and very personal box. It is available for purchase in my Etsy shop and is currently the most viewed item. See more images here.

 

Project for Beginning 3-D class

 

I was introduced to mixed media in Beginning 3-D Design class at WOU and I instantly fell in love! The materials and possibilities are endless. One project was named 'Confined Space' and was to be a personalized box. Our professor, JinMan Jo, did not say anything (that I remember) about Joseph Cornell. But lately, as I look at his work, I see similarities in the concepts.





 

 

 

I became interested in Joseph Cornell's works in May 2013 during a visit to the Portland Art Museum. I took a photo (allowed) of an interesting exhibit. In all honesty, at first I was only interested in the surname Cornell... my paternal great grandmother was a Cornell. I have done genealogical research and thought I would see if there is a connection. So far, I haven't found it, but I have discovered wonderful artworks, interesting stories, and inspiring designs.

 



Cornell Box at Portland Art Museum 
(photo by KmBennett Art)

 


Joseph Cornell (source)
A Cornell Box - Untitled (source)

 

 

Here are two more boxes I made as gifts. Read more here.

 

 

 

I made my boxes without the influence of Joseph Cornell's designs, but I do love his work! A few of his boxes are interactive, but most are not. They are confined behind glass to be seen only. Mine are different as I intend them to be used and loved. I also like to include fun little secret compartments. And now that I have researched, I have many more ideas and will be working on them very soon!

Comments

  1. They are so lovely. I especially like the 2nd last one

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    1. Thank you! They were gifts for my daughter and d'law. I made them so they would either stand on a shelf or hang on a wall.

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  2. Amazing what can be created with scraps and a 3 D Design! Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you! yes, I am always amazed at how simple materials can be transformed with a bit of glue and paint. And with the found items, usually the highest price is the emotional 'letting go."

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  3. I love the idea of including a little compartment and the bird one at the end is so cheerful!!!

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    1. Thank you! That one was for Rosa, my daughter-in-law. She is studying animal biology. I don't tell the giftee the secret is there... more fun that way.

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  4. Love your title for this post!!!! I'm always so appreciative of people that can think creatively - and create such beautiful work. FABULOUS!

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    1. Thank you! I like to come up with inventive names...part of the fun. I did the same thing with essays in college.

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