Saturday, February 04, 2012

The art of the cable tie

OK, I've already admitted I'm obsessed. But I really can't resist sharing these wonderfully creative uses of the cable tie. A few weeks ago, I bought a book on the basis that it had instructions on how to make one of those cafe-style fly curtains out of cable ties (I'm not actually going to do it, I just like the idea).  Here is what some other people have done with them.

Mia Mulvey, an artist based in Denver, Colorado, has made ceramic sculptures incorporating cable ties. She says she is influenced by "the intersection between art and science, its history, advancements and tools".  In the work you see below, she has tethered flying things like birds and butterflies to a tree with cable ties.



Heather Skowood is a contemporary jeweller and designer. Here are a couple of things she has made with cable ties.  You can read her blog to find out more about her philosophy.




Finally, even the cable tie itself can be designed so that it is both beautiful and functional (WHY can't they make watches and diaries like that. They are always one or the other but never both). My friend the Mess Goddess has sourced these gorgeous Italian cable ties with a leaf on the end. She loves cable ties as much as I do, but for different reasons.


I'm sure there are many more examples of exceptional cable tie creativity out there. Let me know if you find any.



8 comments:

  1. Thanx for the nod, cable ties are VERY addictive.

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  2. Anonymous1:33 pm

    Check out Tim Sterling too. Cable ties AND paper clips!

    http://www.artwhatson.com.au/hugomichellgallery/architectural-follies/i-beam

    john

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  3. Uh-oh. If I'm this obsessed with cable ties, what's going to happen if I get into paper clips too?

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  4. Woow really wonderful. Never knew that cable ties can be used in such a wonderful way. They are really used in the most amusing way. Love the art very much. :)

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  5. John, I really loved the link over to the I beam. That is one of the more creative uses I have see for cable ties I have seen in a while.

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  6. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=519123654819023&set=a.421330694598320.102235.417178375013552&type=1&theater

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  7. Another fascinating use of cable ties in an artwork! Thanks Mandy!

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  8. Good usage of cable ties on these creative products.

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