"Things"

          My mother would likely call me a "mild hoarder." I however, would call myself a "lover of things." Things, objects, gifts, belongings, tools, toys, pictures, papers, postcards, records, candle holders, jars; the list goes on and on. Why do humans surround themselves with "things" or "objects?" Some may have certain functions for work or play, some may have deep sentimental meaning and history, or perhaps some are purely aesthetic. Truth is, "things" are important. We make them and craft them, or buy them and use them, give them as gifts, or admire them once we notice their presence. I truly believe a simple, white, ceramic bowl should be admired. It was first thought up by ancient people that magically created the idea of having something to hold their water or food or belongings in a contained, stored space. The pure history of a bowl is quite magnificent. From mud clay being pinched and molded, to Pier 1 Imports that sells hundreds of perfectly glazed, smoothed bowls that are microwavable safe. "Things" have plenty of history and successful progress under their belt. Artwork specifically  has one of the most extensive, rich histories that has had many advancements and stylistic changes as well.

         From an early age, humans live with things, objects, or what is called "material culture." Material culture includes all objects, artifacts, trinkets, things, etc. that are tangible and have been created by man for whatever purpose. Everything from your favorite games such as "Twister," to the colored mats on the floor in your second grade art room, to the floral couch in your living room. Then the things around you may have changed to pop cd covers, posters in the art room, or your mother's silver van. And finally your everyday objects may turn to car seats, wine glasses in the cupboard, a bronze sculpture on your mantel, or a new leather briefcase you carry every morning. All in all, objects/things will always play a major role in our everyday lives.

      When you look through an artistic lens, you can see beauty, thoughts and skill in all of these objects. Someone had to think up the idea of the couch, someone then had to decide tools and materials to use. Color swatches were created and looked over, and once the labor was over and the couch was made, it was then sent to a store where customers evaluate it with their own criteria and thoughts and purchase or continue to browse. The couch then may have a special function as a splash of color in a room, where kids work on homework, memories are made, or awkward in-laws sit.

       Material culture is influencing, smart, functional, historical, modern, aesthetic; all the above. It interacts with both the humans that create and use them, and the environment we place them in. Art Educators are looking at the importance of teaching material culture to students in hopes of obtaining better understanding of the creation process, historical points, evaluation, association and analysis of "things." I strongly agree with this thinking. Whether it be a painting, ceramics, a spoon or an old dresser, things can have a vast amount of history and information that students should be able to discover and digest. I believe that the overall idea of "Material Culture" should be taught in art rooms and should be the main concept behind some lesson plans, such as using found or recycled items as their medium.Breaking down an object and analyzing in depth can lead to much larger ideas and artistic concepts useful to art students.