COOKIE-TIN

“Cookie-Tin” 2025

A button collection, found in an old cookie tin, is re-imagined, multiplied, and fragmented through the casting process.

Ceramics, oxide stains, found cookie-tin (sandblasted)

an old button collection is re-imagined
  • Many of us have memories of family button collections that were kept in old tin containers. Saved for re-use, or a specific piece of clothing these smalll objects have memories attached to them, and these containers hold a treasure trove of stories.

    I use the casting process to re-create multiples, fracture memories and fragment buttons. Memories change and are often forgotten over time.

  • I make silicone molds of individual buttons and then press paper-clay into them as a means of re-creating the buttons. Silicone molds are not traditionally used with ceramics, but I am not wanting the perfect resolution that plaster molds gives. Molds are taken from actual buttons as well as ones I have 3D printed.

    I use iron oxides to create stains that appear as though the buttons are old and rusted, an object from our past that has a relationship to sewing and slow garment-making.

    The cookie-tin is one I found in a second-hand store containing its own collection of buttons and sewing paraphernalia. I re-honoured it through careful sand-blasting so it further relates to the ‘rusted’ and fragmented buttons.