Michael Dinges is a latter-day exemplar of the scrimshaw tradition, in which craftsman inscribed pithy commentary and dense imagery on the white surface of tusk and animal bone. In this contemporary iteration of the tradition, Dinges works on discarded artifacts of modern material culture, not precious ivory. He articulates serious social commentary and satirical critique through thoughtful craftsmanship on broken laptops, PVC piping, plastic buckets and lawn chairs. In this illustrated lecture, Dinges discusses the impact of Joseph Cornell’s assemblages on his own work.

Artists Connect is a lecture series that connects the work of Chicago artists with pieces in the Art Institute’s permanent collection.

Recorded Saturday, April 04, 2009 at The Art Institute of Chicago.