The Shiny American Dreamworld

Pearl Bedspread, Hartland Mansion
Tiffany Studios Dragonfly table lamp, 1902

The gaudy American Aesthetic has recently been defined by artist and writer Stefany Anne Goldberg through a timeline demonstrating how handcrafts met the factory.

Why is it that rhinestone denim jackets are popular country clothing or gold grills with rhinestone studs are seen in the mouths of pop culture icons? Where did the spinner rims originate? Goldberg writes that Americans are attracted to shiny things because it recalls a type of dreamworld. They are attracted to the shiny forms of new cars and jewelry and by imitating fine materials, the fantasy associated with beauty is brought to the masses. A plastic rhinestone instead of a rare gemstone also shimmers and possesses the same light reflecting qualities. Thus the production of fine materials in the factory made it possible for individuals without money to enjoy the fantasy of awe-inspiring extravagance.

The Arts and Crafts movement was the foundation for imitation and Louis Comfort Tiffany was the vehicle that transported beautiful things into the middle-class home. His stained glass gave the appearance of a European handcraft yet was made in a factory, thus the price was affordable. This accessibility changed American design and was the seed for American "bling" and the reason why iconic places such as the Hartland Mansion exist today. The mansion was decorated with a glue gun and many trips to the craft store, creating a shiny environment that emulates the abundance of Versailles. This venue is used for a wide range of events, all that enjoy the grand rooms filled with gold, silk and pearls at an affordable price. The Hartland Mansion is the epitome of the shiny American dreamworld.

More recently, the development of linoleum flooring is a craft that has made its way into many homes. It can appear as an imported tile or a rare wood, but is in fact a type of plastic. Similarly, Home Depot sells the popular white picket fence in sets of five plastic pickets that latch together. Now everyone can have their white picket fence without the expensive cost or maintenance of wood. The American Aesthetic is thus the accessibility of beautiful looking materials.