The Dumponaut™
Introduction:
What would you do if you had next to nothing, or nothing at all? Would you be prepared? Would you have what it takes to ask yourself what to do to survive? This work was an exploration of these questions – in a world where resources and modes of production are at a premium, I wanted to ask myself what I would need to survive using only what I have at hand.
The Dumponaut (aka Lil’ Takeover) was designed as a form of affordable, mobile, alternative housing, built for comfort, as much as for durability. Built from 99% post-consumer waste (the body is made from a dumpster I found in a dumpster, haha). I spent about $50 on bolts and fasteners, but that’s about it, in terms of fiscal investment. From what I found in construction dumpsters around the city of Pittsburgh, I was able to craft a venerable Winnebago/urban assault vehicle, complete with storage compartments and mock-wood detailing.
This work was created to provide shelter for one human being for an undetermined period of time. It was created to examine concepts and practice of transience in a typically disposable, modern-American culture. It was displayed in a group show, in Pittsburgh, PA at the Society for Contemporary Craft. The work, as sculpture, was a great success – fully interactive, and filled with influential books and media, it piqued viewers curiosity as an art object that also housed a purpose.
Please view the gallery below to learn more about the mission and specs of this work.
