Thingle Things: An Exploration of the Imperfect

Author

Jesse G. GroomFollow

Date of Award

Spring 6-3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Furniture

First Advisor

Patricia Johnson

Second Advisor

John Dunnigan

Third Advisor

Lothar Windels

Abstract

I am fascinated by the “imperfect” and ask: What are these so-called flaws? Might they just be misalignments with the plane of expectations which coat our visual processing? The relationship between object and human has grown ever more assuming since the advent of industrial production methods. I posit that the efficiency and profit driven decisions which underly this scale and mode of making have subsequently forced matter into the molds of our whims with little allowance for evidence of disobedience. During the opportunity of my own fabrication practice, however, I can discover new possibilities for the typologies of the things we live with. I aim to design for the users: functions, dimensions, and decisions that consider standard needs. But I also design for the things themselves, attempting to interpret their wishes and potential. Through dynamic gestures, unlikely textures, and elements of expression, these domestic goods evoke an autonomy and break free from the “molds” we’ve created for them.

Recommended Citation

Groom, Jesse G., "Thingle Things: An Exploration of the Imperfect" (2023). Masters Theses. 1529.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1529

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