This body of work was created at the Kohler factory in 2006 during a residency in the Arts/Industry program at the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Before going to Kohler, I found out that the Kohler Company owns a “5 diamond” resort directly across the street from the factory. It got me thinking about the diamond as a symbol of quality, power, wealth, & greed. 

Thanks to movies like Blood Diamond, & hip-hop artists like Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, & Nas, we have culturally become more aware of the problems & complexities within the diamond industry. As a fan of hip-hop music, I especially love how hip-hop culture has influenced mainstream America. The pimp cup is a status symbol within hip-hop culture. What is interesting to me is that most often these cups are made of chintzy materials but give the illusion of value & wealth. Rhinestones are simply glued onto glass or metal plated plastic cups. Essentially they are a form of urban folk art.

Carbonado

18” x 16” x 12”

56,699 karats

cast iron, vitreous enamel

OR chrome plated brass

2006