“Trim” questions the authority of the visual image by offering an alternative to what is generally accepted as the proper visual representation of an object designed to perform a task, in this case a line trimmer. The signifier is generally assumed to be the image of the tool rather than the action or purpose of the tool. In “Trim” the images presented are in the media that have been or are considered capable of the “true” or most realistic representation of reality.
People often define themselves by the job they perform. It is common to say, “I am a banker, policeman, chef, etc….” In this case the person chooses identify their self with the activity they perform rather than any ideology or biological condition. If you ask someone what he or she does they would seldom give an answer such as, “I deal with my diabetes”, even though that may have a greater impact on their life than how they make a living. I make my living as a landscaper, and this tool is my reality and my daily ritual. My answer has always been “I am a landscaper” and not “I struggle with not having the time to make art” even though the latter occupies most of my concerns and daydreams. So the marriage of these two aspects of my life allows this piece to play with the question, “What is the proper visual signifier for myself?”
