Artist's Statement
Initially, Camlyn and I wanted to discuss the idea of industrialisation and convenience as a deteriorating force on the modern individual. We looked for a way to discuss this through sound and sound only, ultimately settling on a comparison between shaving with a disposable razor and taking the time to perform a traditional wet shave, badger-hair brush and all. However, due to time restraints and other factors, we settled with just presenting the wet shave on its own strength, neglecting the comparison and contrast. I feel that this was the better choice, and although we arrived at it serendipitously, it tied into the message quite nicely.
The conversation is one of tradition, of quality, of patient appreciation. With a traditional shaving kit, you have many different parts made with considerable craftsmanship - the old steel Gillette handle, the Derby razor blades, the badger-hair brush and ceramic soap bowl, the Pinaud Clubman aftershave - all of these are essential in delivering a good shave. To find them all and learn to use them well takes considerable time and effort, and mastering the wet shave is a long process with plenty of nicks and cuts along the way. The end result, however, is a steady hand, a close shave, and a priceless feeling of satisfaction. We tried to communicate this through the recording - the instruction and preparation for the shave are the majority of the piece, with the intensely gratifying sound of a hot razor taking stubble as the closer. This is only two minutes long, but we tried to take the months and months of practice and growth and represent it aurally in a condensed microcosm, and I think we did it quite well.
