A Reliquiae, "Loved," 2023.
Traditionally, a Reliquiae is a container holding remains of the dead. But many cultures use this term to celebrate something of great sentimental value by creating an object to represent it. This project was inspired by the latter.
I think it's safe to say we all desire to experience love, extend love, learn and live in love. I also think children have one of the most authentic expressions of love: their laughs, their hugs, their kisses, their presence, their gifts, we never question whether they have an alternative motive behind these behaviors or actions, we trust the expression to be pure. I think in this way, children can teach us and remind us about the authenticity of love. Liam Lyons, one of my cousins, did this for me.
He used to leave me notes when he was learning to write. "I love you frend" (yes, spelled as he wrote it) "for you, love (with the 'o' a heart shape) Liam" he would write. Usually left with a bowl of soggy cereal he would pour for me before I woke up (sweetheart right?) or left on my bed when I was out. When I was thinking of objects of sentimental value for this project, these notes quickly came to mind.
My approach was to seal the note inside a handmade wood frame I created. The glass creates a distance and elegance to the design, and the black matte and vellum paper that sits in front of the handwritten note create a tension to lean in. And thats the underlying message with this piece–to lean into love. To remember how valuable it is to authentically love another and to celebrate when it extends toward you.
The backside has a note that says "when in doubt, break glass." I do not intend to ever break the glass, but the permission to say so felt like the final touch it needed.
"My dear heart, you'll never loose in love." -Rumi.