Lost and Found: Empowered Tools

Un-moderated use of technology may lead to self-destruction.
Exploration and generation of artifacts developed under the umbrella title 'Embedded Narrative'.

Question formulated in this instance related to the problem of symbolizing the possible relationship /consequences of man made activity to global warming and climate change. The objective was the visual manipulation of artifacts to raise awareness of the latent danger in unreflective use of powerful technologies. Simple tools (in this instance hammer and tenon saw, symbolic of technology in general) were rendered useless by turning their very uses against themselves. This strategy creating in turn a visual paradox and a dystopic depiction of the law of unintended consequences. The artifacts project a resonant poetic conundrum and a meditation on hubris.

Ralph Ball

Current Research

I define my research activity as critical design practice. My research draws on rhetorical themes and axioms specific to Modernism, Postmodernism and contemporary design. This research is articulated through the generation and realisation of artifacts, which investigate, illuminate and question design culture. I call this activity 'Design Poetics.' Design Poetics forms an experimental, continuously evolving series of objects and collections, which act as commentaries and contemplations on the culture of Modernism, Postmodernism and contemporary design. The work specifically rejects the discrete distinctions of Art, Craft and Design. It explores the conceptual, provocative and lyrical possibilities of the spaces in between. Drawing on rhetorical themes and axioms specific to Modernism and design culture (Form follows Function, Less is More, Decoration and Crime, Transparency, Multi-function etc) object typologies and generic forms characteristic of the modern furniture/lighting genre are re-examined. These rational and reductive axioms are co-opted to endorse paradox and legitimize the invention of formal incongruities, rational irrationalities or poetic transgressions. Ironic iconics: the pieces are self consciously introspective and are made to reflect upon themselves and the culture that supports them.

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