Once described by Josh Warner of GOOD ART HLYWD as "the focal point of every photo it's in."
I designed the Curator with aesthetics at the forefront. Coming from photography, I took pride in the photos I snapped of my EDC gear. As collectors of knives and tools we don't have much opportunity in the real world to show off our prized possessions as we may with our fashion choices, wristwatch or cool car. If you want to share the things you carry with the world you must dump out your pockets, take a photo and post it somewhere on the internet.
Once you accept that fact you can begin curating your photos in a way that may catch some eyes, spark some conversations and hopefully cultivate like-minded friendships. The Curator was designed with one primary function; to be visually stunning in photos and in person for your enjoyment. Although they look cool in photos, light plays on the pyramids in a way that can only be truly appreciated in your own hand.
The visuals may be the main feature but the Curator has just a bit more to appreciate. A secondary function comes from the texture of the pyramids. Sharp enough to be distinct but not sharp enough to cut, the pyramids create tactile sensations that people seem to really connect with. You may feel calm when rubbing and navigating a Curator with your fingers or you may press and squeeze the pyramids to keep your mind off of other pains such as getting a tattoo. You may even harness the sensation and utilize it as a reminder to stay tough and fight your way through life's challenges.
Curators belong to a category of everyday carry items that I call Pocket Art
The art isn't confined to the design however as reverse side from the pyramids is a blank canvas that allows me to curate various artwork and design elements to give each piece a unique soul that may appeal to collectors visually, emotionally or by way of rarity and exclusivity. I've had the honor of working with many friends and inspired artists to collaborate on the Curator and I cherish every single thing we've created together.
Every design choice is intentional and no two Curators are identical as I assemble them, line them up on the laser and finish them myself. This level of individuality means that no Curator is flawless either; you may discover signs that they have passed through my hands. Some people choose to display their Curator to be looked upon and kept free of blemishes but it was designed for carrying in your pocket to be called upon for joy, comfort, entertainment, commemoration or simply to adorn your pocket dump photos.
If all of this sounds a bit abstract and you prefer the tools in your pocket to have a measurable function, I understand, there is plenty of art in the world that I don't fully understand either. There was also a time when I didn't even understand the things that inspired the Curator. This design may be an acquired taste and I can confirm that even Josh Warner whose comment I opened this story with happily confessed to me that he didn't understand it at first. When I'm greeted with curiosity and misunderstanding about Pocket Art I simply point out that everyone has something impractical that they enjoy for the sake of the feeling it gives them.
Pocket Art existed long before the Curator in the form of ornate knives, bottle openers and other pocket sized goods but my goal was to strip away all practical function and force the owner to admit that they carry, collect and appreciate ART. The Curator doesn't diminish any artistic value from the exceptional designs of everything else in your pockets, it emphasizes them.
- Jamie Williams
