Oh no... what have I gotten myself into!?!

After filling up my Element with a hefty load of junk and stuff from the basement, and dropping it off at the local Goodwill, my work space feels much easier to work in.  There is still organizing to do, but for now, I want to get right to work on my chandelier project!  Though after unwrapping all the items that were delivered, I am having second thoughts on this whole endeavor!

The loot

What a completely random assortment of stuff!  The mat is some sort of moss attached to a netting back, there is a rubber duck and a plastic fish, an old light bulb with no base, a crystal, and some one else's art made from found metal objects.  And that is just to name some of them.  Counting the collections of things as one item, I now have thirteen things to work with.  Considering that only nine people came through, I have a few over achievers in the bunch....

Something I hadn't considered when I started this process, is receiving objects that I would feel morally awkward about deconstructing.  Normally, as an artist, I will tear anything apart to create something new.  But I received two objects in particularly that I am struggling with.  One is the found art object- I am having trouble wrapping my head around the idea of taking apart someone else's art.  Or even just using it as is in my own piece.  The other is the vintage syringe.  As a vintage dealer, I have a well honed love for old things.  The way utilitarian items used to be made is truly phenomenal in our current disposable age.  Even though the glass on this syringe is broken, it is still so finely, and beautifully crafted that I can't imagine taking it apart.  Not to mention, I know some very fierce people who collect vintage medical equipment, so I know how coveted a piece like this is.   I suppose the question is whether I can figure out a way to respectfully use these items without compromising the finished chandelier.

Found object art, syringe and ducky.

While I battle with that dilemma, I have begun to put together a plan of sorts.  However, what is starting to percolate in my thoughts will require me to learn some skills, mostly involving flame and metal.....   and a trip to the hardware store.