The Key House Reflections + Photos
The act of creating art has always been a very personal and private experience for me. I can create from my soul, then I get to choose if I share it with the world or if I keep it to myself.
Creating public art is a completely different process. You start off knowing it’s for public use and interaction. You know it’s going to live in your community and be seen and judged, and hopefully enjoyed, by people. This was part of the reason I decided to record so much of the creation process of The Key House sculpture. You can see time lapse videos of almost the entire process in my Instagram highlights.
To see a single image of The Key House you might not think it’s very artistic or that it was much work to put together… but it was. Those are specific comments I’ve read from people online, as the internet often provides. There was a lot of thought, intention, skills, time, blood, sweat, and tears put into this piece of art. It’s definitely best experienced in person.
Conceptualizing and constructing this sculpture stretched me in a big way. When my husband and I finally hoisted it upwards and set it into the trenches we dug to settle the frame into, I had a brief moment where I felt like… Everything I’ve ever created in my life has brought me to this moment.
I’ve received a small handful of negative comments throughout this process, but I’ve received many more positive ones. I’ve reached a point where I kind of enjoy that some people don’t like it… every piece of art isn’t for everyone. So, thanks for following along here, and thank you a thousand times over for everyone who has followed along in the real world too.
My concept was based on the idea of a house with no doors, that is large enough for people to walk through and experience.
The house is a symbol of shelter. In this instance the house is a symbol for a larger community. Each key hung on the walls represents a community member with an open mind, open heart, and an open door to neighbors. It’s a metaphor for showing up for each other and embracing our differences to create something beautiful together. Everyone benefits from a community full of people who are willing to listen to one another and work together.
The plants in the corners symbolize the ever-evolving aspect of a community. This sculpture will look different each time you view it. Keys will shift, the sun will cast different shadows, the plants will overtake it, and the hope is that one day is will be covered in leaves and flowers, with keys poking out, looking like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland.
We had the official opening for The Key House last week and it was really great. I was blown away by the supportive community members who came to celebrate, and especially for the family and friends who had a long drive into Midland to attend. Thank you all. This project was a dream come true. 💙
Stop by Creative 360 before the end of September to hang your key, and help complete the piece. The Key House was made possible by the NEA Big Read Great Lakes Bay Region Public Art Project, in partnership with the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
In Process Photos
Image Credits:
Devon Waslusky
OPENING Photos
Image Credits:
Renee Deckrow, The Ashman Collective
Erin Patrice
Various friends + Family
Thank you for reading this far and I hope that this creation will stand in our community for generations to come. I am honored to be tasked with this project for Midland to enjoy.
In an effort to foster a creatives community I’ve started a Facebook group called Art is a Record Creatives Community, the same name as this blog. I would love for you to join in the fun as we discuss creative living, projects, art, and life.
