I’ve managed to knit a bit more of the controller now. I started with two sections from the top, to cover the two circular areas where all the buttons are – it was very tricky to get right and took about 4 attempts but once I’d figured it out, knitting an identical one for the other side was straightforward. Now I’m working on a funny triangular shaped piece which will wrap around the middle of the controller then I think I’ll move on to the 2 handle pieces.
I’ve been thinking about the issue of touch for when it is exhibited next week for the assessment and the week after for the public show. I don’t want to use glass cases because I want the temptation to still exist and for people to have to resist and restrain their desire to touch; like I have to restrain my desire to buy all the things I want, else I would be very poor! However, I’m not sure if this same approach should apply to the PS3 because I haven’t had to resist buying one as I don’t want one. I think instead I’m commenting on the impulsiveness and greediness within us all and the prestige we attach to having the newest gadget or gismo. Is having a new PS3 in our lives what we should value and care about or if we were made to stop and think about it (by having to knit one perhaps) would we realise that’s not what we should value? I believe the latter, so with the work I want to make the viewer stop, think and contemplate. Right, got that clear! I’m going to show the item on a plinth, under a spotlight and I know from when I showed previously in a Thursday Show that this type of lighting will help in delaying the viewer’s initial impulse to touch. Then I was thinking about having “Please Do Not Touch” signs; not a barrier but a clear indication not to give in to the desire. However, here’s what I’m worried about – I’m pretty sure that the odd person will touch and I guess that’s unavoidable and actually part of the discourse but then if other viewer’s decide to follow this lead I’m worried it could get out of control with everyone touching it, perhaps even picking it up – and I definitely do not want that, more so because the item could get damaged and it would destroy the whole aesthetic of the piece. So I was thinking about having an Usher next to the item, to over see things and act as an authority. But then I worry about whether people will listen to them! Any thoughts or suggestions, please email me; kimberleyelderton@hotmail.com