The Best Thing

 The Best Thing is a sculpture constructed from found objects.

It consists of plastic picnic or canteen cutlery assembled into the form of a hand, and glued together with kintsugi. It was originally conceived during lockdown 2020, and alongside the Nobel Peace Center's #fixthefood campaign.

As UK households, especially single parents, are facing stark choices due to lack of adequate income.

Helen Dearnley The Best Thing 2020

"The Best Thing" refers to the phrase "The best thing since sliced bread" - food banks are obviously not the best thing since sliced bread, in a wealthy country, even though some would say they are. 

Helen Dearnley The Best Thing 2020

Helen Dearnley The Best Thing 2020

Close up of kintsugi - the concept being that the best thing to fix the cost of living crisis is gold - money, and welfare, preferably decent wages - prosperity, not austerity.

Helen Dearnley The Best Thing 2020

So, this is a completed sculpture that now requires an exhibition and / or auction, where it can be sold for a considerable amount of money.

Or minted as an NFT?