Schlock

Schlock is when a product's quality is poor because of the high demand for the product. Therefore, when a large quantity of product is being made, it’s difficult for the value to be consistent. These terms change the way I view products because I am more aware of the quality of the items. I do not mind paying more money for something as long as the value is good. Buying a product and then having it break within a few weeks is not worth the trouble. Other examples of Schlock items are on PinterestPlastic forks, spoons and knives are cheaply made and produced in large masses.Tabloid magazines are made on inexpensive paper and read all around the world.

Schlock

According to Wikipedia.com schlock refers to a product that is cheap. Through research I have come to the conclusion that many mass produced products can be defined as schlock . Each item produced needs to be both appealing to the eye and durable, but since the demand is so high the quality of the product is not as efficient as it should be. Exploring around my apartment I noticed many things that could be described as schlock such as light fixtures, desks, picture frames and more. I believe that as time has progressed we experience schlock products more. (Pinterest)The attached images above represent what schlock means to me.

Kitsch

Pink Yard Flamingos - aka "what the neighbors collect".Kitsch is art that is created for commercial, mass-demand reasons rather than for artistic purposes. Something that is kitsch is said to be tacky or a copy of a previous work of art. In the article "Kitsch as Only Kitsch Can", kitsch is described as "the stuff the neighbors collect". To me, that sounds like the outrageous yard statues and knick knacks sitting in the windows. My new found knowledge of the term kitsch has changed my view of objects in the world, because now I can label the unoriginal mass-produced items I see. It also helps me to define the line between tasteless and well made.

A room full of Kitsch - aka "knick knacks".

More photos on Pinterest.

Kitsch

The definition of "Kitsch" is something of tawdry design, appearance, or content created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating taste. After learning what kitsch is, I now view objects in my current world differently, and now look at objects with more appreciation.

In the picture to the left, is a deer head painted mint green, with glitter antlers. I chose this photo because I thought the object was interesting and liked the colors. It relates to the term "kitsch" because it isn't an object you see everyday. I believe this object appeals to people who have a certain kind of taste.

In the photo to the left, is a dresser with a different design/pattern on every drawer. I chose this photo because this object stood out to me, and I thought it was very creative. Once again, for describing kitsch, not an object you see everyday. This object would appeal to someone who loves color and multiple patterns.   

The Trappings of Schlock

The more research I did, the more confused I became.  It almost seems in some articles, the definintions of Kitsch, Schlock and Camp can be interchangeable.  We, as a group narrowed the definition down to: something shoddily made, of inferior quality, perhaps mass-produced.  Most examples of Schlock have to do with advertising and pornography.  The reading, "Designer's Guide to Schlock, Camp & Kitsch - And the Taste of Things to Come", (1975) also refers to Garden Art as an example of Schlock.  Below are pictures of what I consider examples of Schlock.  View other examples at my Pinterest site.