When was the last time you bought something from a vending machine? This mechanical relic enables the most basic of transactions to take place: coin goes in, Devil Dog falls out, chowing down commences. The question is, what series of gassed-up trucks delivered that sugar rush, which global conglomerate’s assembly line pumped out the chocolate-brown ball of of fructose corn syrup, and to what end? Big questions for something being licked off a piece of cellophane, my friends.
Whether it’s a humble snack cake or a low-end knockoff of your favorite pair of kicks, big business looms over the dim remains of mom-and-pop storefronts. Artist Simon Hasan decided to broach the evolution of commerce, craft and industry in his latest installation, Industrial Makeshift, wherein he questions the role of handmade within the modern production system.
But how to make such a point? That’s where the vending machine comes in. Hasan has produced 400 buttery leather bowls, vases and cups using the medieval leather-working technique of Cuir Bouilli, a.k.a. boiled leather, which was once used as a technique to construct scales for armor. His version of Cuir Bouilli involved wrapping thrift store finds and prototypical examples of mass-production in leather, then immersing them in scalding water. The result is a hardened, brand-less relic that appears as though it could have been produced any time in the last 2000 years.
And herein lies the sweet, sweet rub. Hasan enthusiastically touts his “mass-produced hand-crafted one-offs” while making light of the creative process — for, even though it’s handmade using an antiquated technique, it’s still a rip-off (of an economy destroyer), no? Where handmade and mass-produced ends is hard to say, but the work looks good enough to nibble upon.
…And what about that vending machine? All of these pieces were sold for only £3 from a specially rigged machine in Northampton Market Square in England. No Devil Dogs were sold.
[Via Dezeen]
More leather and textural artwork can be found in the Related Items below.
Artistic Endeavors Series | Search for Items Tagged “Leather Art” | Art Category
97 comments
Sign in to add your ownTwinkleStarCrafts says:
Although vending machines are being used more and more in the corporate world to dispense items ranging from gloves in a hospital to tools in a machine shop, it seems somewhat impersonal to me to use one for hand-crafted items. That is just my opinion, though. The items are quite nice, though!
1 year ago
StringsnTings says:
What an awesome idea! Really cool pieces..
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
very interesting article and leather art!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Beautifully curated! Etsy opens our eyes to the world around us! Thank you Etsy! We L-O-V-E you all!!! Come be a part of our world at LeafandInk! SUBSCRIBE to our blog soon to feature FREE GIVE AWAYS!!! http://leafandink.wordpress.com/
1 year ago
VintageScraps says:
I've seen this before- I love the idea!!
1 year ago
rikrak says:
so fantastic! i was just reading about how the toronto public library will be putting book *vending/lending machines* at our busiest transit stations soon, for the ease of commuters! love it! gorgeous pics!
1 year ago
beautifulanodyne says:
Very cool article. Thanks for putting this together.
1 year ago
jewellerytreasures says:
interesting read and clever idea for the vending machine love it!
1 year ago
specimen7 says:
I think this is brilliant. I adore mass production "ideas" clashing with art...or is it art making fun of mass production?
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
Simply amazing. I want to fly to England just to buy one! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
BiscottiQueen says:
There is a company that buys old cigerette vending machines. They then put in small pieces of handmade art and then dispense them as custom artwork by local artists. I actually signed up to work with them one year, they have heavy duty specks to follow and it didn't work out due to packaging issues. Check out their site: http://www.artomat.org/home.html
1 year ago
funkomavintage says:
if something is handmade in a factory, whether the factory is small or large, means the item is factory made. Handmade is made one at a time (or in groups of one at a time)by one or 2 people who contribute to the product. Handcrafted is a handmade item made in a factory setting. People do often confuse the two terms. The delivery system is nearly irrelevant. My items are mostly delivered by corporations...etsy and usps. But what I make is made by me...and not in a tiny factory. If Hasan made each nifty leather object himself, it's handmade.
1 year ago
Waterrose says:
I think in and of itself the art in vending machines makes an artistic statement. Other then that...don't think I'll be buying my art that way...
1 year ago
JRoseAtelier says:
Such an interesting way to show this idea- thank you so much for sharing!
1 year ago
uglyyellow says:
Love this! It makes me think of the Art-O-Mat...I was kinda obsessed with them at one point. They are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art. ♥
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
Wow, i'd put my three quid in the slot for any one of those fantastic items! Love the natural leathery textured selection of picks too! :-)
1 year ago
uglyyellow says:
Haha....guess I took too long with that one BiscottiQueen!
1 year ago
sumshi says:
this is so cool. SO COOL. It just reverses your train of thought whatever it was...a paradox. Iwould love to see this :)
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Amazing....great view on a seemingly simple idea(s)....
1 year ago
Blended says:
How freaking CLEVER! I see you've already got us all thinking :)
1 year ago
GloucesterStreet says:
What a creative way to get handmade items into the hands of people not aware of them. We all need to think outside the box like this artist.
1 year ago
lindaketelhut says:
Clever! Especially as at first glance you wouldn't expect to see something that is sculptural or appears fragile in a vending machine. Interesting how he modified the machine to suit his needs.
1 year ago
BeachCoveJewelry says:
That is a really cool idea! I like it!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Brilliant! A balance between art and commerce is tough. We gotta eat! Well done, Teen!
1 year ago
joyoustreasures says:
Wow, that is so cool! I love it. Looks really clever!
1 year ago
glasfaden says:
Art is to provoke a question, a thought, a discussion - which is nicely done at this point. Thank you for this great article, Alison!
1 year ago
PrimaryRedux says:
This post has touched on so many issues that us makers, artists, designers are dealing with today. I am so glad you came to it from the perspective of an art installation. Through this artwork you have brought up a huge topic here that speaks to the issues of the current state of our commerce, economy, handmade, mass-production, artist, art........ On a side note, I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees a beautiful piece of work and has an inexplicable desire to nibble on it a little.
1 year ago
Linelle10 says:
I like the idea of using something so anti-hand made to spread unconventional design and nonconformity. Brilliant!!!!
1 year ago
StudioCherie says:
great article. I would have bought one
1 year ago
GollyBard says:
Extraordinary! What a fabulous article!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Beautiful work--never seen boiled leather before! It looks like wood. Reminds me of the Art-O-Mat which I love.
1 year ago
JennyMJewels says:
very cool :)
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
Simply lovely! This is a great article! Thank you! The vending machine idea is very creative :D ~Wren ZenAndCoffee.esty.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles! <3
1 year ago
beerring says:
gorgeous
1 year ago
leatherandcopper says:
very interesting idea and execution! such beautiful pieces while still making a wonderful statement. also - i have heard of this technique of leather-work before, and it sounds fascinating! maybe if i get up the courage, i can try it one day!
1 year ago
dafnadagan says:
very impressive :)
1 year ago
LuBluDesigns says:
So interesting. What beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
lilfishstudios says:
Gorgeous work, and I love the conversation that this sort of presentation stirs up. As BiscottiQueen mentioned above, it immediately reminded me of the artomat, but on a larger scale. Thanks for sharing this.
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
beautiful
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Gorgeous pics! lOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE !
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Where mass produced ends and handmade begins IS hard to say! But Etsy is doing it's best to stay Handmade or Re-made. Great article !! Cheers !
1 year ago
TheEvesLikeUs says:
Interesting and wonderful artistry.
1 year ago
DanceLikeIts1492 says:
What a neat idea! There is/was an old cigarette vending machine filled with miniature artwork at the Chicago Cultural Center. Its uniqueness just begs you to put in a coin!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Leather and Coke bottles - who knew?! Love it.
1 year ago
FoundDays says:
I would love to buy art out of a vending machine.
1 year ago
2TrickPony says:
ironic, and thought provoking.
1 year ago
kimmchi says:
wow very cool technique
1 year ago
fanciness says:
I am consistently amazed by the level of talent and creativity of etsy sellers! Such brilliant craftsmanship!
1 year ago
ffflowers says:
The pieces are fantastic, and I'd be very happy to buy art from a vending machine at that price. But at a more realistic price I think I would want more of a personal service. Fantastic idea though!
1 year ago
TandRHandweaving says:
Not sure what to think, very interesting take on an age old technique.
1 year ago
NorthwestBridal says:
Great article, lot's to think about there.
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Very thought provoking art installation. This makes you think about how the artist/crafter needs to tackle the issue of convincing the audience to see the value of handmade vs. mass produced when the public may not always be able to distinguish the two. I do see the situation improving as more people re-acquaint themselves with the process of making something tangible, with the trend we're seeing of increased interest in DIY.
1 year ago
sparegusink says:
strange and beautiful art installation piece.
1 year ago
lesyeux says:
dear teenangster, in your picture you resemble the cheshire cat - alice au pays des marvielles. this struck me while purusing this very fine article. well thought and written, i might add.
1 year ago
worksofwhimsy says:
Interesting. Years ago, local artists here converted cigarette vending machines to sell little, one of a kind, cigarette package sized, works of art.
1 year ago
designbyjeramie says:
Cool idea and nice juxtaposition.
1 year ago
artofjane says:
How cool.
1 year ago
MerlotMoon says:
Love it, love it, love it
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
Such beautiful talents all of you! Such great texture!! VH
1 year ago
leslietsy says:
Near us, in Tacoma, WA, there's a group that's selling small (I think $5-, but don't quote me) artworks from recycled I think pop machines.
1 year ago
stephaniemonroe says:
Interesting, well written article. Thanks for exercising my brain today! Reminds me of a visual thinking class I took my Sophomore year at SVA. It was taught by Graphic Deisign Department Chair, Richard Wilde. I really learned how to think outside the box. It's all about concept my friends.
1 year ago
simplyworn says:
love this idea...and the leather objects really stand out.
1 year ago
EcoChicHandKnits says:
Very interesting...
1 year ago
JanCramer says:
Very thought provoking.
1 year ago
themarketintheglen says:
I feel guilty about leather and sometimes even crafting, because I often worry about my footprint and impact on the environment,especially because what I make is not essential to life outside of the aesthetic. I see everything as a trade-off though. The world needs more trees not less, but perhaps I can inspire people through my crafting to preserve old growth and find more efficient ways to make the supplies I need. It's a struggle to be useful, beautiful, affordable and eco-friendly.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Well done. Love the juxtaposition of organic, hand form leather vs. impersonal vending machinery w/ all its connotations.
1 year ago
UnderGlass says:
very cool if you ask me
1 year ago
naomicayne says:
Very nifty. Reminds me of the Art-O-Mat - old cigarette machines converted into art vending machines. They had one in Richmond when I lived there, now I need to find out where they are - I am craving some art from a vending machine!!
1 year ago
111collagedesign says:
How cool!
1 year ago
patspottery says:
VERY neat!!
1 year ago
pasin says:
Very interesting , very cool, love them all.
1 year ago
archaicdesign says:
I love it! absolutely wonderful!
1 year ago
ElizabethPawle says:
Such amazing pieces! I had no idea leather was so versatile, this was such an interesting article.
1 year ago
SunnyDayVintage says:
Art and commerce. Industry and handcraft. Man and machine. Opposite but integrated.
1 year ago
TheOmegaWorkshop says:
Wow! How unique! Truly inspiring and a great read!
1 year ago
cherryblossomcloset says:
Wonderful article. The vending machine display would be a great way to show your work. It would certainly have people looking.
1 year ago
threepeats says:
Wow! And I thought the macaroni and cheese from the Horn and Hardart automat was classic!
1 year ago
buttonsbyrobin says:
Wow. What a wonderful collection of unique items! Robin
1 year ago
MJSGems says:
Just when I think I've seen it all! very cool art!
1 year ago
BeaumontStudio says:
Superb article!
1 year ago
NewDominionBlues says:
The irony is delicious! :)
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
While I love the leather pieces, I don't like the impersonal tone business is getting. I am one of those that truly misses mom and pop shops, as I see them dissapear every day in my own city.
1 year ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Fascinating article. (I had never heard of boiling leather!?) I just read a NYT piece about how consumers are changing their buying habits, experiences vs things, etc... This is a unique spin on consumerism/handmade/mass-produced. I would have loved to have stumbled upon that unique vending machine -- only £3 a piece?!
1 year ago
shopgoodgrace says:
P.S. Am I seeing a bit of "spam" in the comments above? I've noticed it from the same user in multiple Etsy/Storque posts...
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
shopgoodgrace - which article in the times was this - would be great if you can share the link. Thanks!
1 year ago
AndisAccessories says:
Interesting article. Beautiful pieces in the collection. I am afraid that the little craftsman secluded in his studio may not desire to sell his wares in such a fashion. But clever idea none-the-less.
1 year ago
paedrin says:
impressive and might be by soon,love the egg
1 year ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Very interesting! Love those vases - really cool!!
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
I had to come back and re-read this article. It blows my mind that those are made of leather. It makes me really wish we had more things like this around. Truly fascinating & thought provoking! ~Wren ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles! <3
1 year ago
anadiazarte says:
The vases are lovely, great article.
1 year ago
ktjdesign says:
What a neat way to put the handmade "underground" (in a sense) in a place where all different sorts of people will come in contact with it - especially those who would not normally seek them out.
1 year ago
gingerandgems says:
I absolutely love the idea of art in vending machines, why not? We can get books, dvd rentals, stickers, so why not art!! Lovely pictures and thought provoking ideas. Larissa
1 year ago
foxpots says:
I love the vending machine idea! I have more difficulty accepting a mass-produced item that has been boiled as handmade.
1 year ago
BPyarns says:
Lovely items, interesting concept!
1 year ago
AnRocaid says:
Beautiful stuff! Just amazing!
1 year ago
iktomi says:
One of the most interesting ideas I've seen in some time
1 year ago
santosleather says:
WOW ! So so pretty !
1 year ago