Living in the 70s

Exploring childhood memories of analog objects and clothing through the lens of magazine advertising and styling ideals of the era.

I’m interested in how the body interacts with mechanical devices, the shapes we make when using them, especially how we use our hands to operate or configure by pushing or turning buttons and knobs or winding mechanisms such as clocks and photo film.

Using objects and clothing still found at home – my mum’s “old” camera, her favourite scarf that she wore headband-style when I was growing up, and a blouse belonging to my Nana – to evoke the visual images and illustrations of my childhood memories.

My first experience of the View Master was in 1976 on a family trip to Europe visiting relatives and seeing the sites of Belgium, Holland, Paris and Versailles. The first “reels” we had were of the Eiffel Tower and other famous Parisian sites such as Sacre Coeur by night, stills from comics like Asterix brought to life through the depth of transparency giving them a 3D-like appearance.  Though tiny, the view master image contained a vibrant light that made these small worlds fascinating and magical.