The Bottom Is Aluminum Too

2011

A surreal reimagining of a family gathering.

The title, The Bottom Is Aluminum Too, nods to the humble aluminum beer can, a ubiquitous presence at my family gatherings.

I pictured someone seeking something humble in their drink, chasing the liquid to the bottom only to find it empty of comfort or epiphany. I was wishing that the drive behind addiction was more playful and inevitably less harmful for those involved.

In this reimagined world, the addict is a seeker, driven by the promise of an elusive prize - the golden ticket, tucked away at the bottom of some ordained can. This fleeting promise fuels their pursuit, a tantalizing mirage that beckons them forward.

And in this fantastical scenario, the lure of reward becomes a form of absolution, a way to cope with the harsh realities of dependence.

This notion sparked a broader exploration of the rituals and icons of family celebrations, including the communal table and the food that brings us together.