Found Objects

Found

Objects

The “Found Objects” project came about during the very early stages of our collaboration, when we had started discussing each other’s interests, trying to find a first subject on which we could focus on.

What we’d clearly observed was that we had a common interest in unusual methods of data collecting: both of us had developed our own systems for gathering information or source material for previous work, using maps and self imposed regulations. Although it may sound quite restrictive, we both share the belief that having to be creative within set boundaries can prove to be incredibly beneficial: if you’re forced to work within a box, you’ll consider every possible angle, which will allow you to develop concepts and outcomes that question the nature of those imposed limitations. It’s a principle that many practitioners have expanded upon over time, namely “Oulipo”, the famous creative group who produced a number of “writing constraints”, exercises based on mathematical structures designed to inspire inventiveness in whoever applies them in their written work.

During one of our discussions, there was mention of a project that a friend of ours had carried out during her foundation year: she was given an empty matchbox and was instructed to fill it up with as many objects as possible within a certain amount of time. These objects could be of any nature, but, ultimately, they all had to fit together in this small container, which enticed the person doing the exercise to carefully consider scales, shapes and textures. Thinking about this task reminded us of a publication that we had seen during our first year of illustration: Inspirational Objects, Alison Milner. The way in which all these various objects were photographed and edited within the book gave us both the same sense of appreciation: we enjoy looking through it so much that we almost can’t put it down.

“Rules cease to exist once they have outlived their value, but forms live on eternally.”

- Raymond Queneau,

co-founder of Oulipo (1960)

Inspired by all these different elements, we started thinking of an exercise that we could do together, a sort of “beginners” project which would allow us to develop our own system of research, set up our own restrictions and, more importantly, gain a deeper understanding of how we function, as individuals and as a team. This is how the “Found Objects” project came to be: we would collect objects found in a delimited area at the same time every day for a week. This process would also include gathering data on the exact spot in which the objects were discovered (before moving them) by using photography and sound recording.

Development

We conducted a trial run in which no exact location was imposed, but we both had to leave each other’s front doors in a different direction: the idea was to follow one of seven distinctive routes at the same time every day, walking on the same course until an object which could fit into the box was found. Before collecting the object, we would photograph it’s exact position, take notes on the location, and record the sound of it’s surroundings.

The decision to use some kind of container in which the found objects had to fit was made almost immediately: we chose a small, circular, metal tobacco box that one of us had found at a charity shop. Our initial thought was that we would procure a second box with the same (or similar) features, so that we could both conduct the exercise at the same time in different places. We did ponder on whether or not we should impose more specific criteria when it came to choosing objects we would find (materials, weight, etc.), but concluded that it would be superfluous. Our only rule was that what we picked up had to fit in the container.

We observed several problems that needed to be addressed during this experiment:

The areas in which we live are unalike, but still very enclosed: if we were going to leave our front doors and follow a different direction every day for a week, we would ultimately hit a wall four times out of seven. There was also no guarantee that there would be any objects to find at such a short distance.
The trial was conducted at 8pm when the sun had already set: this made it very difficult to photograph the objects and clearly observe their surroundings.
One of us had to make do without the box.

In conclusion, we needed to do this exercise in a more delimited area at a different time of day. Given the times we both had available to us, we deduced that it was better to do it in the morning rather than the evening. After struggling to find two locations that we could each access during the early hours of the day, we decided that, instead of doing it separately, we would meet up somewhere.

Realising that meeting in a specific place at the exact same time every day would prove to be too complicated, we made a decision that really defined the nature of the project: both of us would go out our front doors at a set hour and start walking towards the other person’s home. Wherever we meet up in between will be the place in which the task takes place. By following this procedure, we would be able to carry out the project together, selecting the necessary tools, discussing choices and developing the process as we go along.

"Wherever we meet up in between will be the place in which the task

takes place"

Process

Time: 8.00am : leave house with equipment.

Area/location : Dereham Road (between Hotblack Road and Fishers Lane) : walk towards the other person’s house until you meet up somewhere in between.

Step 1: Locate any objects at close proximity that could fit into the container.

Step 2: Select one object per person.

Step 3: Photograph each object in the exact locations in which they were found.

Step 4: (without moving the object) Draw a circle around each object with chalk (approx. 20cm in diameter).

Step 5: (using a smartphone/compass) Mark the four cardinal points (North, South, East, West) according to the position of each object with chalk.

Step 6: Record the sound surrounding each object by placing the sound recorder on each marked point for 30 seconds, starting from the North and finishing on the West cardinal points (clockwise direction).

Step 7: (once all data collected) Gather all objects and place them into the box.

Step 8: (using brush-broom and water) Clean away all markings.

After following the same procedure for a few days, this exercise became a sort of ritual for us; comfortingly repetitive and stabilising, we found it easy to change certain methods along the way without disrupting the whole process. Critical developments, such as deciding to keep a logbook and referencing cardinal points for recording sound, were made gradually, as we executed the assignment day after day.

Performing this task early in the morning would also set us on the right track for discussing other possible projects, enabling us to share ideas and immediately give each other feedback. We discovered that we could really rely on each other, knowing that if we came across a potential problem, we would collectively find a way to resolve it.

"if we came across a potential problem, we would collectively find a way to resolve it"

As the project came to an end, we explored possibilities of displaying the found objects as well as their collected data. A particular idea for an installation came to mind: subtly marking the outlines of our route on a wall, a series of barcodes would be placed at each particular meeting spot. These barcodes could be scanned by smartphones, connecting audience members to an edited online logbook, which would include all the relevant information and data about the items collected and their specific locations. The objects themselves would be displayed next to or under the map on a pristine, white surface (shelf, plinth, cabinet), which would accentuate their individual qualities, as well as the contrast between the environment in which they were found and where they are exhibited. Although it never came to be, we keep this presentation idea in mind, and will possibly expand upon it for future projects.

A short video with the recorded sound with images.

Some examples of lighting and colour context to explore how we may have displayed the 'found objects'.

Even though it came to a swift conclusion, the “Found Object” project proved to be extremely beneficial for both of us, cementing our relationship as collaborators and revealing fundamental aspects of how we function as a team. Having moved on to more specific areas of focus along the way, we’ve stored the idea of developing this project at some point in time in the back of our minds.