The Household Essentials series explores notions of cleanliness and our definition of what is “clean.” Our cleaning routines and choices of products are deeply rooted in our identities and constitute key elements of how we present ourselves. Along with language or cuisine, we maintain and pass-on cleaning habits and preferences. While these may seem like private choices, they are culturally, socially, and commercially prescribed, thus making them very public.

The portraits in Household Essentials present tools that we use to perform our daily cleaning routines. These pieces are a combination of etching, drawing and collage. While the use of these laborious techniques parallels the many steps and work involved in cleaning routines, the overall effortless quality of the images sharply contrasts them. In our society, the labor involved in cleaning is rarely acknowledged, much less valued. Rather, maintaining the “perfect” home is portrayed as being easy, simple, and fast.

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

13x11 in.

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

8x10 in.

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

12x14 in.

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

15x18 in.

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

7x9 in.

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frames

Variable dimensions

Softground etching, drawing on Duralar, mixed media collage, frame

9x11 in.