jessie derogy’s sculptural ashtrays are a tribute to death

jessie derogy’s sculptural ashtrays are a tribute to death
all images courtesy of jessie derogy

the smoker is the only existing link between an ashtray and a cigarette. the individual allows these two separate objects to meet, giving purpose to the small bowl of collected ash. designer jessie derogy‘s ‘tribute to death’ is composed of two sculptural pieces that glorify this relationship between the small roll of tobacco and container dish.

the smoker is the only existing link between an ashtray and a cigarette

the ‘sand ashtray’ contains a tall center structure that holds the cigarette within a curved cork handle. a layer of silver metal forms a puddle underneath, which mimics the effects of tar within the lungs. the piece acts almost as a volcanic structure, which has erupted lava from its sprout. cigarette butts are found submerged under the surface of the sand, which represent the end of an active cycle between these two components.

the ‘sand ashtray’ holds the cigarette within a curved cork handle

‘sand ashtray 2’ uses a metal tube inserted within a glass bowl container. a circular sand pit sits at the middle of the design, collecting fallen fags. the cigarette is again presented at the highest point above the metal tube. ash falls into the pipe and into the bowl creating a ghostly hourglass. the piece expresses many metaphorical ideas, one of which is the idea of a ‘lifecycle’. the lighting of a cigarette represents life, and the ashtray itself death. the engaging artwork causes the smoker to recognise themselves as the active participant between two mundane, yet symbolic objects.

the second ashtray uses a metal tube inserted within a glass bowl container

a circular sand pit sits at the middle of the design collecting fallen fags

 
the cigarette is presented at the highest point

fallen ash falls into the pipe and into the bowl creating a ghostly hourglass

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.