What are pencils good for?

Other than writing, what can a pencil be used for?  Sometimes, I attempt to use them to put up my hair… and of course it fails because I can never get the twist/grip right.  Other times, I use them as bookmarks.  I use them as pointers for demonstration purposes; I use them to poke people.

I wish I could use them as artwork, as Dalton Ghetti does.  These minuscule sculptures carved out of pencil stubs and the graphite are amazingly intricate in their design.  It is absolutely insane what he can do with one pencil.

Especially these:

They remind me of small charms.  And indeed, they are tiny.

Starting from Marcel Duchamp’s notorious “Fountain“, the practice of transforming daily objects into art forms is nothing new.  But it makes me wonder: what other everyday objects can be used as breathtaking pieces of artwork?  Or, controversial ones, as well (to which Duchamp can attest).

All I know is, I want about a hundred of these pencils lining my desk.  Perhaps it will give me more motivation to study!