When making a distinction between art and decor, we often ask: Was it mass-produced? Is it kitschy? How much does it cost? Does it make some kind of statement or social commentary? I tend to put a lot of emphasis on context, or where a piece is placed in a room. For example, when a decorative bowl — one of mine or any other — is placed on a coffee table, I consider that decor, because it was put in a place where the functional version of a similar form — a bowl of popcorn or salsa — might also be placed. When the same decorative bowl is given its own space off to the side of a main living area, you are essentially asking that the piece be given a different kind of consideration. Whether or not the piece magically transforms from decor to art is a philosophical question as old as Aristotle, who had much to say about the topic. My point is that objects given their own space assume a kind of importance the same objects might not, if they were sitting on the kitchen counter or living room coffee table. Take bell jars, for example. Put a bell jar over any object and it instantly becomes special. Sacred. Intentionally and unexplainably removed from the reality it was designed for, and suspended in a state uselessness. Consider a painting on any wall; The subject matter is interesting, the technique impeccable, but the frame is a statement of importance. Contextual perception is what makes installation art a category of its own. The where is as important as the what and how. But this post isn’t about installation art, it’s about trying to hype these cool display stands I made for my decor, which basically becomes art when you put it on the stand. I didn’t mention the fact that it also can transform into a lampshade when a bulb is put inside, and is then no longer art, or decor. It’s that simple. Well, there’s more to it obviously, by the way I’ve gone on about it, but I’ll save it for another post called, Stop Calling Things Functional Art.

Tinkering my way to functional art stand designs

A couple years ago I started playing around with brass and aluminum plates, drilling holes and running metal rods through them at various angles. My tinkering resulted in a few interesting light and sculpture designs, but it was my growing obsession with carbon fiber arrows that led me to see the potential for awesome, lightweight, portable and strong display stands. I figured these would be the perfect companion/add-on/up-sell items for almost any piece of decor (art?) that comes off the Brightwire assembly line.

Leading up to my art show at House on Main last spring, I made about a dozen display stands, each with a slightly different design. Most are tripods, but a few stands have four or five legs. Some are aluminum, not carbon fiber, and any of them can be cut to a specific height. For displaying items that require an actual surface to sit on, I have incorporated some of my old broken cymbals. Obviously there’s not an endless supply of these, but I have a few at the moment. If you plan on purchasing and using any of these stands to display something I didn’t make, you should check with me on the weight of the piece, before ordering. At some point I will update this post with detailed weight ratings, but I haven’t done any controlled stress tests, yet. 

One reason I developed these minimalist tripod style stands is because I think they compliment the basic idea of my art. The more practical explanation is that I need a display system that doesn’t take up a lot of cargo space. If I’m setting up at an art show or gallery, I can fit ten of these stands in a small bag, about three feet long.

In order to screw different tips into carbon fiber arrows, a threaded aluminum insert is used. I leave these in the bottom sections, so the height of each leg can be fine-tuned. The points also stabilize the structure when placed on carpet, wood flooring or grass.

The best part about these art display stands is that they aren’t big and heavy, like a pedestal, which can sometimes look like another piece of furniture. My stands compliment my work, without distracting from it. They bring an elegant simplicity to a room without screaming for attention. And of course, if you buy any of my art with a display stand, you’ll get the Brightwire combo discount! Contact me for details. I respond to all emails!