Task Seven proved to be challenging for me. I struggled to think of a way to redesign the semiotic mode of the first task while still delivering insights into my day to day life.

After much thought, I decided to work in reverse. I hoped that by speaking to my experiences, I might be able to reveal the contents of my purse. And so, the idea of a thank you letter to my purse started to emerge.

I wanted to honour the spirit of the task by focusing in on the auditory; however, I did use a strategic sampling of photos and videos to give the audio a little more life and add to its authenticity. What I’ve created is a careful curation of voice narrative, music, photos and video. I’ve purposely avoided any use of text, including a title page or end notes. In addition, I thought the use of blank space represented through a black screen, helped to emphasize voice through the project. You can view Task Seven below or here: Dear Purse.

Reflections on Mode-Bending

Creating the original photographed flat-lay for Task One provided an opportunity to reflect on possessions contributing to the text of my life. This task did not however, stir my emotions and was not intended to stir the emotions of my readers. When I approached Task Seven, and had settled on the idea of a thank you note, my intentions were to create a kind of satirical narrative that might humour my readers (while of course hinting to aspects of my life).  After reading through my script, I felt fairly confident that I had succeeded in mode-bending through written word. Something surprising happened however, when I began the process of putting my project together in Camtasia. As I added the music, photos and videos, the feelings around my project started to change, and as I narrated the script I became quite emotional. My mode-bending had taken a turn! I started thinking about the passing of time and how my purse had been a witness to the last three years of my children growing. My thank you note transformed from satire to heart-felt message without changing a single word. This process revealed the power of mode and the correlation between method of delivery and impact.

The Script

Dear Purse,

I’ll never forget the day you arrived. Delivered to the door in that perfect black box. A surprise gift from my husband after the arrival of our second son. You were unlike any of my previous purses, which seemed to tarnish and wear after only a few outings. Your soft gray suede and matching leather straps have held up perfectly these last three years. The addition of your monogrammed tag – a perfect detail and reminder that you were meant for me.

But Purse, it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, it’s what you hold within, and in your case – the necessities – those items that have kept me going for the last few years – 2 kids, a full time job, my masters, family, a social life. Purse, you’ve nailed it.

When I think back to our first year together, it was perhaps one of the most challenging. We seemed to be caught in a nap-trap at every turn. But purse, you always had just the right supplies to make those hours fly by. Whether I was stuck in the car with a sleeping baby in the car seat, stuck on the couch with a sleeping baby on my lap, or stuck at a park with a sleeping baby in the stroller, you always seemed to pull off some miracle to keep my mind busy while time passed.

Beyond a sleeping baby, I want to thank you for your commitment to hand sanitation. You know the boys love a trip to the farm followed by a post-farm snack. You’ve managed to keep my animal-germ anxiety at an all-time low with your steady supply of antibacterial products. Goats, ducks, chickens, cows, pigs…they’re no match for your commitment to cleanliness.

Purse, you’ve been with us for countless wipe-outs. If the boys aren’t flying off swings, they’re tripping over rocks at the beach or tree roots in the forest. There’s been no scrape you haven’t handled, and bloody knees are no match for your always topped-up first-aid supplies.

You know purse, one of the things I really love about you, is your ability to produce a Starbucks gift card from somewhere deep within your pockets. Just when I think I’ve used them all, you manage to surprise me with a half-forgotten one from last year… The kids thank you too – you know they love popping in for treats.

Yes Purse, you’ve certainly helped out with the kids over the last few years, but you’ve also had my back for any unexpected lunches or dinners out with the husband or friends. You know how far a little touch-up, and a pair of sunnies can go. For that I thank you.

On a final note, I thank you for keeping the Big Three safe and sound…If it weren’t for you, I’d never be able to find my keys, I’d certainly get caught without my wallet during the check-out process of one of our massive family shops, and my Instagram account would certainly fall short…

Purse – Thank you.

Love,

JM

PS…Just for the record, thank you for being small enough to fit under the stroller and  big enough to sneak a full bottle of wine into cash bar events. In addition, I’ve appreciated your ability to conceal purchases needing to be snuck into the house… I owe you.

*No new photos were taken or staged for this project.