Precedents:

My initial idea was inspired by several studies that used SenseCams to inspire reflection (Harper et al 2008, Lindley et al 2011). As I grew more interested in the object-human relationship, I drew on research by Elise van den Hoven and her colleagues and their definition of a “companion” object, one which is utilitarian but becomes sentimental and accumulates memory through frequent use and “travel” (through time as well as space) with its owner. I took this idea of travel literally, which proved rewarding.

The project was heavily influenced by the field of object-oriented ontology, as explored by authors/researchers such as Ian Bogost in his book Alien Phenomenology and Jane Bennett in her book Vibrant Matter. I looked at several specific projects that have explored the perspective or agency of objects: Simone Rebaudengo’s Brad the Toaster (which sells itself on Ebay if it isn’t being used regularly) and Elisa Giaccardi’s work equipping household objects with Autographer cameras.

The idea of a GPS map engraved or etched on the side of the pot was inspired by a 2016 study by Lee, Son, and Nam in which cyclists’ digital bicycle history was engraved onto their bicycle bags.