Artwork > Building a Better Mousetrap Gallery

Telephone Trap
Wire, Thread, Cans, Lead
Variable
2007
Telephone Trap
Wire, Thread, Cans, Lead
variable
2007
Information Superhighway Roadster
Wood, Lead, Steel, Thread
17 x 11 x 24
2006
Information Superhighway Roadster
Wood, Lead, Steel, Thread
17 x 11 x 24
2006
Held in Place
Wood, Slate, Thread, Water Putty
2006
Held in Place - detail
Wood, Slate, Thread, Water Putty
72" x 15" x 34"
2006
Consume
Wood, Steel
60 x 13 x 19
2007
Broadcast Stack
Wood, Polystyrene, LED
7 x 8 x 8
2007
Broadcast Stack (interior)
Wood, LED, Polystyrene
7 x 8 x 8
2007
Broadcast Stack (interior)
Wood, Polystyrene, LED
7 x 8 x 8
2007
Waiting For a Response
Wood, Steel, Glass, Lead, Thread
84 x 25 x 26
2007
Waiting For a Response - detail
Wood, Steel, Glass, Lead, Thread
84 x 25 x 26
2007
Waiting For a Response - detail 2
Wood, Steel, Glass, Lead, Thread
84 x 25 x 26
2007
Steps
Wood, Steel, Sand, Polystyrene, LEDs
64 x 36 x 22
2007
Steps - detail
Wood, Steel, Sand, Polystyrene, LEDs
64 x 36 x 22
2006
Steps - detail 2
Wood, Steel, Sand, Polystyrene, LEDs
64 x 36 x 22
2007
Hallway
Wood, Steel, Sand, LED
12 x 32 x 13
2007
Hallway
Wood, Stee, Sand, LED
12 x 32 x 13
2007
In Air
Wood, Steel, Lead, Thread, Clay
40 x 54 x 18
2007
In Air
Wood, Steel, Lead, Thread, Clay
40 x 54 x 18
2007
Network
Wood, Steel, Thread, Nikelite, Glass jars, Found nails
74 x 30 x 65
2007
Network
Wood, Steel, Thread, Nikelite, Glass jars, Found nails
74 x 30 x 65
2007
Tensioned Bundle
Wood, Steel
60 x 72 x 24
2007
Observatory - detail
Wood, Slate, Brass, Lens
72 x 36 x 36
2006
Observatory
Wood, Slate, Brass, Lens
72 x 36 x 36
2006

LSU MFA Thesis Exhibition
Building A Better Mouse Trap - Jonathan Pellitteri


To me the phrase "building a better mousetrap" implies that a needless change has been made to something that already sufficiently serves its purpose. These words identify my thoughts about how over the past three years I have begun to replace trusted means of communication with newer technologies. My thesis work examines my relationship to these new modes of communication and how, as I see others around me making them useful parts of their lives, I am continually snared by the promise of their convenience. Ultimately, however, they distract and frustrate me with the countless hours I allow them to consume, as I am conscious that I often end up at the same place that their antiquated predecessors would have gotten me. This body of work presents quasi-architectural/ mechanical objects that take on the appearance of traps built in an archaic fashion. These contain representational elements that act as analogies for the modern-day conveniences I have reluctantly made a part of my life. In addition to thoughts of my growing reliance on technology, the works that I am presenting demonstrate my appreciation for craft and it is my hope that their carefully considered construction will serve as a reminder that everything cannot be done by machines.

April 24 - May 5, 2007 Jonathan Pellitteri, Sculpture Sponsored by Michael Robinson & Donald Boutté