Infrastructure 20091003

As discussed in previous sketches, I'm using "blanket" as a metaphor for infrastructure's intent to comfort and protect us against isolation and the elements. Taking this metaphor further, I hope to highlight the inability of many folks to purchase and maintain the growing number of infrastructure "blankets" required for contemporary living which unfortunately then leaves them disadvantaged. That said, living in Canada, I can't believe I haven't considered the iconic Hudson's Bay Company Point Blanket as a possible medium.

This image, an advertisment from a 1960 publication of The Beaver magazine, is from the Hbc website describing the history of their point blanket. While the HBC point blankets are made in England by John Atkinson and Sons, they are a Canadian icon and very possibly a wonderful medium and reference for this project given their historical significance. Even the simple wool blankets that Atkinson markets are distinctive in their appearance with their silk or nylon border. Funny how one can see something so often that it become nearly invisible!

Hbc blanket colour range: Multi-stripe, Camel, Green, Scarlet, detail from a 1950 advertisement in The Beaver. I believe there's a scarlet blanket folded in one of my Mom's storage trunks.