Dawn of a New Millenium: Keys 2001 - 2006

Even though I have already made 2000 keys on this big art project adventure it feels like I am at the beginning again. I am reminding myself to accept where I am with each key, try things, and keep going.

Key 2001 - I was thinking of the Space Odyssey movie when I made this. At one point the resin on the Other Side of this key looked very outer space…alas I decided to add some alcohol ink to the resin and that was mistake. If you look at just the right angle you can sort of see stars…but not at all the interesting outer space look I had originally made. I will try again another day to create some outer space when the right key comes along for it.

Key 2002 is made with a large (2 3/4'‘) gear my husband found for me. The other parts were from an estate sale that had a tub of rusty things for $3. I cut the end piece off and turned it sideways to make the “key” shape.

Key 2003 is made with another piece of the sign post frame I used in Keys 1974, 1979, 1992, and 1998 I don’t quite remember where the light bulb came from - another estate sale I think.

Key 2004 is made from a small bolt, an abalone shell earring, some other sort of shell in the big round found earring at the top of the key, a rhinestone, of course, and other jewellery beads and bits.

Key 2005 is made from washers and other metal road finds, lock tumblers from a locksmith that were gifted to me by a friend, more metal bits, and a big, beautiful, golden iridescent heart from a charm bracelet. This key came at a time when I was particularly discouraged and questioning my art…it is magical to me and is one of those “special” keys that help me keep going.

Key 2006 is made from upcycled objects and has a surprise hint of spring on the Other Side. Polar vortex aside, it’s been a very mild winter. Still, I’m more of a summer person and I’m really (really) looking forward to walking around on snow and ice free sidewalks and getting back on my bike.