Jeannie Pearce

 

 "But lo! men have become the tools of their tools."

Henry David Thoreau (1817-62),U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist. Walden, "Economy" (1854) 

This body of work is based on the theme of the tool. As a photographer I am dependent on my tools: cameras, lights, darkroom, film and chemicals. Working with a computer to digitally alter my photographs has tied me to another tool that has many frustrating and entertaining powers. I've always been curious about technology and how its influence effects an approach to creating art. I am interested in exploring the ideas of tools, technology and influences in this new work. The Iris Ink jet printer allows a freedom in surface selection and image size that enhances and broadens the idea of the photograph.

 The dictionary states that a tool is a device used to do work or perform a task. A tool is also a person who is used or controlled by others, or is easily deceived or victimized. A tool can be used to instruct, construct and destruct. I'm curious how definitions of words can change the meaning of an object, or how a person's memory of an object can alter the significance.

Photographically, the solitary object has always been a mystery to me because of the evocative nature of the implied definition What is it? What does it mean? Is it simply decorative? If it is recognizable what does the name of the object signify? How is the object expressed in form and function and how does that presentation influence an understanding? Are there inferred histories and memories?


 These tools explore some of those questions using traditional and digital photographic methods. I have been collecting images of tools for the past two years and have altered them on the computer using simple modifications. For the most part, these tools have been a part of my family and their age and beautiful decay, for me, have become a metaphor for mortality. My intent is not to drastically change the look or feel of the object, but to intensify and modify the surface definitions. I want to keep the integrity of the tool with its history and imperfections.

Jeannie Pearce
Adjunct Associate Professor
Media Arts Department
University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA