"I'm going to make 5000 keys and none of them will be jewellery!"
I've always been "creative" but never really thought I could call myself an artist. Recently I've had some success creating mixed media art. I even have a show lined up at a community gallery next spring.
I've made various things over the years and became overly fascinated with keys about a year and a half ago.
IMG137
Here's a picture of the Debbie Travis Christmas Ornament that started the whole "fascination with old keys" thing (thank you Debbie and Canadian Tire):
Right after I got the Christmas key ornament I made a couple of "key" sculptures out of found objects and then one day in July of 2014 I made a dozen "keys".
Keys 3 - 14
Eventually (March 2015) I took them out into the world at a show and sale for "upcycled furniture and other artifacts". The show was well -received and I made my expenses (bonus!).
I got great feedback and many positive comments.
I also got:
what do you do with them?Like what is their function? If that were a necklace I'd buy it for my mother...maybe if they were curtain tie backs? Drawer handles? Those things on the end of a chain that pulls on a light?
There was no "purpose". I just thought they were cool looking. And interesting. And individual. And I was compelled to make them...
then:
Last week I saw a sign at a shop looking for local artisans with beautiful, unique, handcrafted items to place on consignment. So I went in and inquired. In fairness, the next day the shop owners expressed an interest in trying out all the keys I'd shown them.
However.
I was asked several times why I didn't just make the keys into jewellery. Perhaps if they were smaller? Held together with silicone instead of gel medium? How would people know what to do with them? Maybe a clear box to place/display them in would help?
After I left the shop I started to get angry. I mean really angry. Not just pissed off but shaking-in-my-insides-can't-eat-can't-sleep-can't-speak-fuck-you angry!
Anger at not being understood. Anger at not being heard. Anger at being dismissed. Again.
And so.
The big angry thought:
"I'm going to make 5000 keys. And none of them will be jewellery!"
It was a really big thought.
Like a vow.
Followed by a secret hope - then maybe you'll get it.
And hidden in my heart: then maybe my work will have meaning.
So now I'm committed to doing that. Making 5000 keys.
This blog is about that. The making of the 5000 keys. I can't guarantee that they will all be sculptures. But I can guarantee that none of them will be jewellery.
Let's begin:
5000 Keys to Infinite Places
Travel where your soul leads you.
Choose a key and unlock your kingdom.