Secretarial Ashtray

Porcelain, Walnut, Electronics
Single Trays are Limited in supply

Discreet Ashtray for Closet Smokers

After lighting a cigarette, the Secretarial Ashtray senses smoke at hand and responds by ejecting an ashtray. It recognizes without judgment that the activity of smoking is present, providing a place to ash. Secretarial Ashtray appears to be a nondescript porcelain object; its purpose is latent. It hides from the public eye the unappealing ash and waste that accumulates from smoking.

This object is temperamental, like a person responding to the signal that someone needs it. How would President Obama treat such an object? Like the behavior of playing politics, whispering smoke into its tiny aperture, like an ear, is an act of gentle persuasion that makes things move. The new President may find this interaction becomes a familiar part of his concealed smoking habit, and a nice analogy to his political approach.

Previously Exhibited
Objects for the Age of Obama
Salone Satellite
Fieramilano Strada Statale del Sempione 28 20017 Rho
Milano Italy

Making Modern
Sullivan Center Gallery
Carson Pirie Scott Building
33 S. State St. Chicago