714-310-614
led displays, circuitry, button, glass jar
14" x 18" x 6" (2008)

-----This work consists of a lighted seven segment LEDs, displaying numbers in clear glass jars. Seven segment displays are often used in electronic devices to display information about time, for example, digital clocks. Wires, revealed through the glass, connect everything to a battery pack and a single button. These elements are sealed in the glass jar with a plastic white cap and a single red button inviting the press of a finger.
-----For me this work is multi-layered. The numbers in the jars represent area codes, for some a form of personal identity. They also represent geographic and social status; as with zip codes. While some people associate themselves with zip codes, area codes are also numbers by which we identify place and status. I realized that this was important to me when I moved from Los Angeles to Columbus. Because I had a cell phone, I was able to take my 310 area code with me. This meant a lot to me because I felt like I was able to hold on to my Los Angeles identity. My area code has become a numerical identity marker.
-----An ambiguous and equally layered meaning is that the object itself looks like a bomb. In our current state of always being afraid of terrorism, this was a layer that one cannot ignore. This was a conceptual strategy for me and I wanted the work to be laden with this ambiguity. I was hoping interactants would feel slightly threatened and to question “Is this a bomb?”  At the same time, I wanted to tempt the viewer by creating a compelling desire to press the red button.
-----When pressing the button, at first it may seem like the numbers are ambiguous; however, when they come on, with no explosions occurring, I think it becomes evident for the viewers that the numbers indeed represent area codes. It seemed fitting to encapsulate numbers associated with identity inside a bomb because people are frequently willing to protect their identity at all costs.