Violetta Thompson

Ergonomic Cigarette Holder

Class of: 2028

Major: Product Design BFA

Medium: Wood sculpture

Faculty: Natalia Zubko

Prompt: Create a clay grip of your hand holding an object, then turn this grip into a new utilitarian, decorative, or ritual object in wood or polystyrene.

I initially made a grip of my hand holding a cigarette and decided to stick with the original function by adding a hole to hold the cigarette. After drawing and measuring my grip I was able to cut and carve a polystyrene prototype, wherein I realized there was no way to ash it. A friend of mine brought up the güiro, an instrument with notches that are rubbed with sticks, and I decided to implement a similar notched mechanism next to the thumb cavity in a new clay prototype that, when rubbed with your thumb, produces vibrations that ash the cigarette. In line with the instrument, I carved my final version out of wood using chisels and a dremel. For the black finish, I opted for the traditional Japanese method of Yakisugi, in which cedar wood is charred to create a protective layer resistant to fire, which would be a clear concern. In more detailed, thinner spaces that would burn through, I filled in the gaps with India ink before sealing, and for apersonal touch I carved a stylized V next to the thumb. In addition to the aesthetic aspects of the holder, the utilitarian functions were also thoughtfully conceived. As a smoker who struggles with joint pain, especially in my hands, this object is more than decorative. Weakness and twitching in my fingers often causes me to drop a cigarette, and the holder keeps it in place and allows my hand to fully relax while maintaining the classic form of holding a cigarette between two fingers.