The issue of practicality: Form vs. Function

I love conceptual jewelry design, even if it is a bit impractical at times.  Last night my boyfriend and I were having a nice conversation/debate about the functionality of art and design; you see, he is a graphic designer, and believes that art should be functional and practical.  I think at times it should be, especially in his field, but I'm the fine artist, and I enjoy pieces that are aesthetically interesting and conceptual, even if it means throwing practicality out the window.  Which is why he is so great at what he does, and why I failed miserably when I was in his major.  We both fit in somewhere, and I tell him this is why we a so good together; we balance each other.  I'm the Dharma to his Greg, let's put it that way.

Anyway, back to jewelry.  These pieces are by Ana Canadas, a graphic and fashion designer, who comes up with some pretty cool shit.  They are part of her "000 The Process" collection.

This is a 3-finger ring, the concept being that it sits at the bottom of your fingers, each finger projecting out as an extension of the object itself.  I think it is an awesome design.




I believe these are actual scissors, or made to behave as such seeing as they open and close like real ones.  The best part is the description on the website: "It is a more aggressive piece that requires caution when it is being worn."  (This is the point where practicality vs. insanity came up in our conversation.)




Okay, I believe this piece is very PRACTICAL.  Who wouldn't want to wear an instrument in which to blow bubbles with around your neck?