h a n n a h b e r t r a m
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
LIST MAKERS PROJECT
I am a serial list maker. I inherited this curious habit from my mum who is never without a list. I have several types of lists that I make; simple shopping lists, daily to-do lists, don’t forget that great art idea list, books I want to read lists, application checklists, lists of words for various purposes, lists with complicated headings like “Is all this possible before the exhibition opens in April” or “Every tiny thing that’s worrying me tonight and possible resolutions”, and so the lists go on.
Recently when throwing out some of my lists it occurred to me that, the lists we make aren’t just banal tools, but are also intimate records about who we are. These mini documents talk about the people in our lives, what we want to be, what we need and desire, what interests and bothers us, what we think about, how we prioritise our living, what opinions we have and how we hope to live. Like photo albums, our lists bare witness to our every day existence - they are portraits of us.
During 2008, I am seeking people who would be interested in collecting their lists and then donating them to me. All that is required is to get a box, drawer or envelope and store your lists once you have finished with them.
At this stage I have not decided how these lists will be collated, reworked or displayed. I would however like to make it transparent that there is a possibility that these lists will simply be installed in a gallery on mass, unedited and in their original format. Please think carefully about being involved but also keep in mind that your lists will be displayed anonymously.
To start you thinking about how you might like to contribute I have made three incomprehensive lists about lists.
A LIST OF THE LISTS PEOPLE WRITE
Neat weekly shopping lists
Never-ending to do list
Lists in the form of complicated organisational maps
Lists of people to invite to my party
Lists of potential baby names
Lists that carry over from last week
Top ten songs/albums/artists of the week/year/all time
Books I want to read/ books I’ve read
Calls to return
Excel spreadsheet comparison lists
Christmas/Birthday card/present lists
Things to do/see before I die list
What to pick up at the shop list
New years resolution lists
Don’t forget lists
Must remember lists
Pros and Cons List
Spelling list
Lists about money
A LIST ABOUT THE KINDS OF MATERIALS USED FOR LIST MAKING
Post-it notes - various shapes, sizes and colours
The back of used envelopes/letters/cards
Diary/exercise book/calendar
Computer
One of those kitchen blackboards
Fridge Magnetic notepads
Wads of scrap paper
Brain
Comic/floral/cartooned notepaper
Palm of your hand
A4 lined paper
Email
A LIST ABOUT THE KIND OF PEOPLE THAT MAKE LISTS
Busy business people
Primary school children
Organised efficient and tidy people
Disorganised haphazard people
Women with small children
Old people who are starting to forget things
People whose lives are chaotic
People whose brains are chaotic
People who can’t sleep
People who run their own business
People who dream, hope and desire
People who are trying to be better people
People that go shopping
People who travel
Music lovers
Collectors
My mum
Me
I am a serial list maker. I inherited this curious habit from my mum who is never without a list. I have several types of lists that I make; simple shopping lists, daily to-do lists, don’t forget that great art idea list, books I want to read lists, application checklists, lists of words for various purposes, lists with complicated headings like “Is all this possible before the exhibition opens in April” or “Every tiny thing that’s worrying me tonight and possible resolutions”, and so the lists go on.
Recently when throwing out some of my lists it occurred to me that, the lists we make aren’t just banal tools, but are also intimate records about who we are. These mini documents talk about the people in our lives, what we want to be, what we need and desire, what interests and bothers us, what we think about, how we prioritise our living, what opinions we have and how we hope to live. Like photo albums, our lists bare witness to our every day existence - they are portraits of us.
During 2008, I am seeking people who would be interested in collecting their lists and then donating them to me. All that is required is to get a box, drawer or envelope and store your lists once you have finished with them.
At this stage I have not decided how these lists will be collated, reworked or displayed. I would however like to make it transparent that there is a possibility that these lists will simply be installed in a gallery on mass, unedited and in their original format. Please think carefully about being involved but also keep in mind that your lists will be displayed anonymously.
To start you thinking about how you might like to contribute I have made three incomprehensive lists about lists.
A LIST OF THE LISTS PEOPLE WRITE
Neat weekly shopping lists
Never-ending to do list
Lists in the form of complicated organisational maps
Lists of people to invite to my party
Lists of potential baby names
Lists that carry over from last week
Top ten songs/albums/artists of the week/year/all time
Books I want to read/ books I’ve read
Calls to return
Excel spreadsheet comparison lists
Christmas/Birthday card/present lists
Things to do/see before I die list
What to pick up at the shop list
New years resolution lists
Don’t forget lists
Must remember lists
Pros and Cons List
Spelling list
Lists about money
A LIST ABOUT THE KINDS OF MATERIALS USED FOR LIST MAKING
Post-it notes - various shapes, sizes and colours
The back of used envelopes/letters/cards
Diary/exercise book/calendar
Computer
One of those kitchen blackboards
Fridge Magnetic notepads
Wads of scrap paper
Brain
Comic/floral/cartooned notepaper
Palm of your hand
A4 lined paper
A LIST ABOUT THE KIND OF PEOPLE THAT MAKE LISTS
Busy business people
Primary school children
Organised efficient and tidy people
Disorganised haphazard people
Women with small children
Old people who are starting to forget things
People whose lives are chaotic
People whose brains are chaotic
People who can’t sleep
People who run their own business
People who dream, hope and desire
People who are trying to be better people
People that go shopping
People who travel
Music lovers
Collectors
My mum
Me