TINDER CLOCK
08.2023

Human rib bones, Fomes fomentarius mushroom, clay, thread, river rocks

A clay piece reminiscent of an insect carapace is precariously balanced atop human rib bones. Smooth river rocks are wrapped in thread and drapped over the top creating a delicate balance between instability and functionality. 

As the tinder conk fungus (Fomes fomentarius) material burns from one end to the other at a rate of ~10 minutes per inch, it leaves the scent of musk & earth. As it burns the threads, the stones fall making a loud sound that signifies the passage of time. This piece represents the passage of time, the human proclivity to measure it, and the absurdity behind all units of measurement. We had a running joke that this piece wouldn't survive the art show. It broke a few times while setting it up but we incorporated the broken pieces as part of the work. It did survive, and worked as planned. 

In collaboration with Josie Zayner