Brian asked me to visit the Cinderella Table in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA, to those on the in with the museum world). This table was created by Jeroen Verhoeven. Much to my disappointment, I have to say that my photography really doesn’t do justice to this artwork. The light in the museum, as well as the display—the table was crowded onto a platform with several other sculptures—made it difficult to get a good shot. You might want to check out some professional photographs of the table.
There were several things that amazed me about this sculpture. First is the size. It is approximately 3 ½ feet tall, 4 ½ feet long, and 3 feet wide. The top has a shape reminiscent of a grand piano’s lid. The smooth lines and curves kept my eye continuously moving, and I almost had to put my hands behind my back to obey the sign “Please do not touch.” The curves, texture, and wood grain called out to me to stroke this sculpture. The most amazing aspect of this piece is that it is actually created from 741 layers of plywood. Look closely at the cross section photograph and you can see how thin these layers are. They were glued together to create a spectacular wood grain that reinforced the lines of the table’s design. 
First question for consideration: Why do you think Verhoeven titled his work Cinderella Table? Titles play an important role in the art. For example, Jackson Pollock, one of the most prominent American abstract artists, stopped titling his paintings so he wouldn’t impose his view/interpretation of his art on the audience. 
This work also leads me to consider how technology is influencing art. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s website, this table was created using CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). Objects are designed and cut out using this CAD-CAM system. “Because human intervention, interpretation of a design and handcraft are omitted, fault-free three-dimensional versions of digitally designed objects are possible. CAD-CAM would appear to negate the individualism of craft objects. But Verhoeven wanted to use CAD-CAM as (in his words) a 'new modern craft' because he felt it was 'hiding a craft' within it” (“Cinderella Table, Victoria and Albert Museum website). What do you think Verhoeven meant by this statement?More and more artists are using technology in connection to their artwork. In a personal conversation with Leon Parson, he told me that he uses Photoshop when he creates his sketches and preparations for paintings, rarely sketching by hand. (Parson painted the murals in the Rexburg temple, as well as the portrait of President Hinckley hanging in the foyer of the Hinckley Building.) What impact do you think technology plays on art? Is there greater credibility/artistry to relying solely on the materials available to the early masters? How might technology change our perceptions of art? Can you think of any examples to support your ideas?
I find this table really fascinating, not only by its design but also by its making. I can’t imagine the time and effort it would’ve taken to first come up with the idea to make a table with that design and then what to make it out of. One of the things that strikes me about this table is that at first glance, it looks like the table is just made out of a couple large pieces of wood that has been carved and then put together. But the shape and the design of the table are made by hundreds of layers of plywood put together in just the right order. I think the name of the table is important I think because Cinderella has become an archetype of someone trying to find their place, to seek their own little happily ever after, despite all obstacles. The table when you look at it is deceiving – it looks just like a funky looking table from one side, but then from the other angle, you can see the hidden heart in the shape of the table. I think the table is portraying our own journey to find our place in life, our destiny, our heart’s most earnest desire, just like Cinderella was searching to get away from her stepmother and stepsisters. -Alaura Berg
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