Hand Tools

[george wilson]

My art always has practical use. When tools are the subject,they really should retain their use.

 

[uncle harry]

George, you're absolutely right .... from a practical point of view. But since when has ART had anything to do with practicality???? And no, I'm definitely not using that term in the same sense as I've used it in previous posts admiring your work.

So, as an artist formally trained in Industrial Design, I consider art to be a part of good product design. (However, I'm not offended by your comment). Good industrial designers have had extensive exposure & "hands on" prototype building. I have three cardinal rules for machines I design to be operated by people. They are: 1.- They must be safe to operate, 2- They should look good (friendly appearance), & 3- They have to work. That includes ease of maintainance or repair.

 

[george wilson]

We seem to be in agreement, uncle Harry.

 

[hman]

I'll agree with both of you. I used to design and build assembly line equipment for Hewlett-Packard, and Uncle Harry's principles were indeed very important for all the machines I did.

I guess I might not have expressed myself as well as I could in my previous post. It kinda boils down to the difference between the "art" that an artist produces (for art's sake) and the art that's involved in good machine or product design. And of course, the latter category includes consumer goods, etc.

I recall occasionally visiting the industrial designers at HP who were working on future calculators. Very impressive work! One of them, Dan Kvitka, has since gained fame as a wood turner and photographer. http://www.mintmuseum.org/mason/masonsite/kvitka.html http://www.kvitkaphotography.com/

 

[Firestopper]

24" adjustable love wrench! " I love you this much ". Weird for sure.

 

[RIMSPOKE]

I WAS THINKING THE WRENCH COULD ALSO BE A MONKEY's HAND
THUS THE MONKEY WRENCH , LEFT HANDED , OF COURSE .