Paddle Toy
wood, steel, elastic cord, found objects
43” h x 13” w x 3” d
Paddle Toy is meant as a humorous critique of the macho posturing and gymnastic noodling associated with much contemporary guitar music as well as of my own childish fascination with the instrument. It is based on the children’s toy of the same name that consists of a rubber ball connected to a wooden paddle with an elastic cord. With this toy, one swats the ball repeatedly up and down with the paddle until one either makes a mistake or gets bored and gives up. Either way, there is really no “destination” in a game of paddle ball. It is an activity entirely dedicated to isolated self-gratification and raw endurance…just like the fret board histrionics of some of our guitar heroes.