He was always tinkering with building something at his workbench. He loved to work with scrap-wood, rebar, pipes––repurposed odds-and-ends. My family lovingly refer to his creations as ‘contraptions.’
Contraptions, are a collection of utilitarian household inventions. Each item has a unique function: tools for digging, a rack for grilling, a wagon for carting, or perhaps a show of humor.
After my grandfather passed away, I collected many of these handmade objects and photographed them. I love the materials and the way the objects are assembled–these choices remind me of my grandfather’s character.
Inspired by their forms and materials, I created a series of large-scale ink-jet prints, documenting some of the items. Focusing on what is left behind, indexing objects and stories through my camera’s lens, I am able to interpret, translate and retell the stories.
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/scrapwoodstools-b-1024x705.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/scale-lafayette-2b2b2b2-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_9426021118-b-2-795x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/04_Bauer_garden-glove-b-639x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/05_Bauer_tools-1-1-647x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_9386-2-699x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bbq-tool-rack-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_9930b-682x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/05_Bauer_lawnmower-hitch-1-647x1024.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/01_Bauer_3piece-chicken-dinner-1-1024x647.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03_Bauer_rotary-souvenir-1-1024x654.jpg)
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2-DSC04542-scaled.jpg)
Installation views from post-grad exhibition, Re:Connections, Tin Flats, Los Angeles, CA. Aug, 2021.
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_8529b-1024x768.jpg)
Installation views, Re:Connections, Tin Flats, Los Angeles, CA. Aug, 2021.
![](https://amandabauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_8528b-1024x768.jpg)