In this recent interview Kate talks about why Obsessive Consumption isn't that obsessive anymore, and how her work can attract all kinds of consumers.
Carrie MacQuaid: Do you ever get tired of being obsessed with your own consumption? When do you think you'll be able to get a pedicure and just enjoy it?
Kate Bingaman-Burt: I really don't. I don't even really think of it as being obsessive anymore. I think the process of documenting my purchases actually makes me more aware of being awake instead of passively consuming. To answer your question about getting a pedicure and enjoying it...I think that if I didn't document the purchase and the experience, I would just forget the experience. I enjoyed my pedicure (and other purchases) more because I drew it/photographed etc. I remembered the incident. I don't really see what I do as a form of punishment, but as being awake and aware. Society is being dulled by all of the advertisements and products that constantly assault us. I am choosing to personalize my consumption. Maybe even exhibiting a little bit of control over the constant influx of technology and consumer goods.
CM: Can you tell me more about your favorite and least favorite purchases?
KBB: That is tough...most favorite circle around sentimental reasons...our wedding rings and our dog. I don't have too many least favorite...probably just boring, everyday stuff (which most of my purchases are) like gas, toothpaste etc.
CM: A lot of your work deals with contradictions, (repulsion/attraction) what are some other contradictions you're interested in?
KBB: I like high-tech vs low-tech. mass produced vs diy (which I guess both of those examples are the same). cute vs creepy. high design vs. vernacular design.
CM: I feel like your work is very cathartic, what have you gained yourself from doing this project? What do you hope others to gain?
KBB: Well, I have been doing Obsessive Consumption in one way or another for over five years now...I guess the one thing that I have gained is an outlet to explore different ideas and medias underneath the umbrella of Obsessive Consumption. I am not just limited to being a photographer or illustrator or designer or seamstress or publisher, but I can freely flow from one media to the other. Whatever means necessary. Whatever works for the idea that I want to execute. That is pretty liberating.
As far as what I want others to gain. hmmm. Just to think a bit more about what they are consuming and why. I don't want to preach, I just want to make aware. I like the fact that a mall crazy teenager can be attracted to my work as well as someone who is totally anti-consumerism.
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