keep it safe (2020)

This piece is an edition of twenty embroidered keychains. Each key chain was made using pink denim, embroidery thread, and a punch needle. The title of the work is instructive. These keychains are intended to be delicate. With reckless use, they may break relatively quickly, but handle with care, and they should only show typical wear and tear. This speaks to the same way we should treat our bodies and health.

For this final project, I wanted to create a multiple which acted as a continuation of my work in this class. Two motifs I have used in my previous work are the human heart and the eye. In much of my work, I use the human heart as a proxy for the human body as a whole. The eye in this work symbolizes the evil eye – a source of protection. Pairing the two together suggests that the eye works as a form of protection for the human heart – and therefore human body. During this time of anxiety about our health and wellbeing, it felt appropriate to create something which represents another layer of protection. These keychains will not kill 99.9% of all germs, nor do they have the protective capacities of gloves and an N95 mask. They may potentially have protective powers – most likely not, but who am I to rule out that possibility? Regardless, these keychains are simply a reminder to take care of yourself and stay safe.