Earring Thinking by Kate Connell
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate Connell made this collaborative artist book to create community surrounding her unique earring collection. Using the provided materials, one can make their own paper earrings from the prints included in the center pocket. Kate also provides instructions to receive replacement prints: trade your artwork for them!
Kate Connell, artist statement: “Earrings are a form of adornment and at the same time, a powerful tool for communication. The earrings in this collection are storytellers, recording ideas about a particular time and place, working class southeast San Francisco from 2020 – Present. The collection began during the COVID shelter-in-place. I found the materials I needed all around me.
“Framing the face, earrings greet you. They ignite dialogue. Located near the eyes, mouth, and brain, they invite engagement and easily insert themselves into conversation. I wear these earrings and share these paper prints to connect with my neighbors.
“I invite the viewer to make their own paper earrings, necklaces, brooches, or bookmarks with the prints in this book. The book has a social art practice component: To replenish prints, the individual may trade their own artwork with the Chispa Project for another copy of any print. Trade directions are included in the book.”
Processes, Dimensions, and Edition Information
By Kate Connell
San Francisco. Book &Wheel, 2022. Edition of 30.18.5” x 8.125” x .875” closed, portfolio with interior pockets and magnetic closure. Five interior pockets constructed of Mi- Teintes Paper. 18 5” x 7“ removable prints were offset printed on 15 pt velvet touch card stock. Fifteen of the cards are double-sided, featuring photographs of earring structures. Three of the prints have room to draw or write on the back. The other pockets hold earing making supplies and a sample cut out from the portfolio prints. Bound by Bettina Pauly. Signed and Numbered by the artist.