For my trade-up project, I started with a weird galvanized nail. I traded that for a full pack of gum, which I exchanged for a half full can of spray paint, then a 3/4 full can of a different kind of spray paint, then finally for a brand new paint marker. Here’s the tumblr I made for my items: http://iamnardo.tumblr.com/
Collections are most often precious; perfectly arranged china, priceless dolls in a dark wood cabinet, etc. These kinds of things are what comes to mind for me when I hear “collection”. For most, the reason for collecting is because of the value of the items. For this project then, I decided to go the opposite way. I wanted to make a collection of objects that interested me visually, but held no significant value on their own. I was also interested in the idea of narrative, seeing how placing a couple incongruous objects in an otherwise similar group could suggest a story.
See the presentation here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RUDevy0mhg1Qw0W7oI25E2l72Sp6YvULo9xew9pEpQc/edit?usp=sharing
The system I chose to reverse for 24 hours was the system I use to go to the bathroom. I decided that for one whole day, I would only pee outside (bowel movements would still be done indoors). This was a large inconvenience, especially being someone who drinks a lot of coffee. For example, I had to be careful about how much liquid I drank before bed, because I wanted to avoid having to go outside in the 20 degree weather at 2am. I took a photo of where I relieved myself each time I went outdoors. and these four photos combine to make a visually interesting overall summary of my experience.
1) Skating as transportation (I skate pretty much everywhere instead of walking)
Input: Need to go somewhere
Output: Arriving quickly
Feedback: Being able to skate faster, deal with obstacles
Change: Walk everywhere
2)Drinking coffee
Input: Being busy and an insomniac leading to lack of sleep
Output: Feeling like I can function much better
Feedback: Figuring out the optimal amount of coffee to have in a day
Change: Keep detailed records of my coffee consumption and plan exact times to consume it
3) Djing parties
Input: Wanting to make people dance and enjoy themselves/myself
Output: People enjoying the music/enjoying the music myself
Feedback: Improving music choice and mixing ability
Change: Mix only genres of music that I’ve never played live before
4) Working with spray paint
Input: Wanting to produce large spray paint pieces
Output: Making pieces I like
Feedback: Practicing can control, improving technique, letting medium dictate concepts
Change: Only spray paint with the can upside down
5) Dealing with stress/intense life events
Input: Feeling stressed or “bad”
Output: Feeling better
Feedback: Improving general mental wellness by letting go of things, not procrastinating
Change: Stop drinking, only deal with things using meditation
6) Dealing with insomnia
Input: Not being able to sleep
Output: Finally sleeping
Feedback: Figuring out better ways to fall asleep reliably
Change: Only use melatonin instead of other substances, shut off all electronics an hour before bed
7) Staying in touch with parents
Input: Parents want to talk fairly often
Output: Parents are happy, I get to not be separated from my family
Feedback: Plan certain times to talk
Change: Video chat with parents in the middle of the week (when I would normally least want to)
8) How I carry things I need
Input: Needing to transport items
Output: Having access to many things
Feedback: Getting better backpacks, carefully choosing what I bring with me when I leave my house
Change: Don’t use any kind of container, including pockets, only carry things in my hands
9) Doing class assignments
Input: Getting an assignment
Output: Completing assignment
Feedback: Improving how I work, doing things sooner
Change: Not let myself work on a piece the night before it’s due, it all has to be done before then
10) How I go to the bathroom
Input: Needing to pee
Output: Successfully peeing
Feedback: Not waiting until I really, REALLY need to pee
Change: Only peeing outside
