First We Shape the Tools Then the Tools Shape Us

“First We Shape the Tools Then the Tools Shape Us” is exhibition of artist-made tools, both practical and conceptual. How do tools influence the ways in which we think and create? How many different ways could you use a hammer, if you didn’t know what a hammer was used for? When does a tool become an art object and when does an art object become a tool? Inspired by the complex relationship between the maker and the tools they use, this exhibition features the work of nine Detroit artists for whom tool-making has become a consistent part of their practices.