Visual VS Symbolic Language

"Economy" 

The image pictured above depicts a white piggy bank in the foreground tilted on its side with a few coins (about two pennies, two dimes, and two nickles) that appear to be falling out of it. The piggy bank is seen resting on an abstracted American flag, with some of the stars in the foreground and approximately only six stripes are visible in the background. Additionally, since the image of the piggy bank accounts for most of the composition of the photograph, it could be said that it is meant to be the focal point. One could additionally infer-- due to the details visible from the flag-- that the picture is a close-up shot. 

Responses/ Feelings to Image

• Satirical/ humorous 
• Amused (due to wit)
• In agreement with, despite slight exaggeration. 
• Understanding
• Slightly distressed
• Knowledgeable (insight to Politics and Economic state)
• Interested 

Symbols

• United States (symbolized through flag) 
• Economic crisis
• Currency (US coins)
• Piggy bank (notion of saving)
• Childhood (piggy bank) 
• Star (Symbolism of states in flag)
• Stripes (Symbolism for first colonies) 

The image's meaning is not only brought on by the symbolism created, but also by the composition of the photograph. Since the focal point of the image is the piggy bank, the photograph is introduced to the viewer through a feeling of amusement. This is due to  the relationship such an icon often has with childhood, making it witty yet intriguing to the spectator. However, when analyzing the foreground, one can come to the understanding that the symbol of the tilted piggy bank is a symbol for the Economic crisis in the United States, which in turn can cause some feelings of distress and or an interest  to obtain the deeper meaning of the context. 

MEANING 2: Interactions Between the 3 Levels of Meaning

Figure 1. The Porcelain Espresso Machine innovated by Arvin Haüsser highlights common materials by presenting them in a new context. 

As a student of Bauhaus University, Arvin Haüsser has innovatived the representation of espresso machines with his interpretation of the product, which is primarily constructed using porcelain and wood. By bringing in materials that are commonly associated with coffee bars, Haüsser is disclosing familiarity to his product in order to highlight its function and have the luxury of developing a more abstract shape (Frey).  

Figure 2. Although the overall body of the espresso machine is more organic and abstract, the product still displays features-- such as the spouts and the portafilter-- that are more representational. 

As noted in Figure 2, despite the unfamiliar shape of the espresso machine, a number of different elements found in this product are standard to any espresso machine. As a result, these components suggest the overall function of the product to the viewer-- such features include the spouts, portafilter, and the cup tray. Through the hints provided by these components, the viewer and potential user is therefore able to look at the product and immediately think "espresso".

A major factor atributed to Haüsser's innovation is his decision to craft his product in an abstract manner. Many of the components usually found in espresso machines are by their very nature functionally abstract. However, due to the long period of time for which societies have been exposed to espresso machines, their common geometrical shape has shifted from being an abstraction to a representation. It is then that by changing the formerly abstract product into a new organic and curvilinear modeled design, Haüsser is able to transform a previously mundane household object. 

Finally, despite the fact that the Porcelain Espresso Machine is a functional object, it still holds a level of symbolism. I perceive the use of materials to be a symbol of the advancement from the common use of plastics and metals and advancement into more sustainable and recyclable materials.

Additionally, the espresso machine as an item is a direct symbol for the communal activity of drinking coffee. Many cultures partake in the practice of drinking coffee and espresso drinks in the terms of social gatherings or during the morning coffee rush. By redefining the look and structure of the household espresso machine and incorporating the materials and stylization that are usually found in coffee bars, the notion of drinking coffee as a social activity is reestablished in the home environment.  Therefore, for many coffee will no longer just be a necessity in the morning, but something to look forward to as well.

Works Cited

Frey, Aaron. "Porcelain Espresso Machine by Avid Haüsser." Frsh/ Grnd: Coffee & Culture. N.p., 29 Feb. 2012. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://frshgrnd.com/2012/02/porcelain-espresso-machine-by-arvid-hausser/>.

EXERCISE 1: Meaning

Representational

The Hand Pen Holder released by the Urban Outfitters online store is an adequate depiction of the merger of functionality and representation. 

The designer of this product clearly portrays a closed fist much like in the nature that one typically holds on to object such as pens, markers, and pencils. 

By representing this gesture as a pen holder, the product embodies the notion of being quirky and witty triggering a positive reaction in the viewer of the product. The subconcious connection the viewer immediatetly makes of how one goes from physical holding pens to assigning such a task to a designated cup.

Abstract

Biomimicry is an upcoming concept of looking to nature for guidance when designing new products and using our natural surroundings as a mentor for functionality and design (Biomimicry Institute). 

This relm of design results in the production of such products as the one pictured here by Pax Technologies. The company drew inspiration from the natural shape of the calla lily when developing a water mixer, due to the flowers natural shape which allows for the quick flow of water (Heimbuch). 

The final product as a result communicates the organic shape of the flower all while being able to maintain the objects functionability clear. The final product as a result communicates the organic shape of the flower all while being able to maintain the objects functionability clear. 

Symbolism

Richard Notkin has long been acclaimed for making functional ceramic objects and attaching a deeper meaning to them in addition to their given nature and functionality.

In his series of teapots all titled Heart Teapot Notkin aims at dealing with the cultural and national conflicts that surround what he refers to as "human culture". Notkin chooses to replicate images of human hearts in this series because he believes that every problem found without our society originates from the heart. In each different piece, the artist represents different instances in which different nations have generated a "dark side" of the heart ("Richard Notkin").

In the instance of this particular product, Notkin is able to denote the hardships of the heart by presenting it tightly wrapped by a metal chain and covering it in nails and bolts, to exemplify something tough enough to be made of steel. 

Works Cited

"Biomimicry Institute." Biomimicry Institute. N.p., 2012. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. 
Heimbuch, Jaymi. "Nature-Inspired Innovation: 9 Examples of Biomimicry in Action." TreeHugger. N.p., 09 Jan. 2009. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. 
"Richard Notkin." Ceramics Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ceramicstoday.com/potw/notkin.htm>.