Still standing

1950’s wooden jeweller’s drawers, wax, plastic, paper, foil, resin, acrylic paint, found objects
1 metre high x 75cm wide x 44cm deep
2018–present

This project explores themes of fate, risk, and distortions of memory. As we age we are increasingly aware of the need to take calculated risks in our lives. Every time we enter a new relationship, search for a job, or try anything new, there is a risk attached, while our fear of failure may increase. We are sometimes thrown by the random nature of how life unfolds and how it can change suddenly. Is this fate? We tend to be good at reframing our memories of such life events to make them more palatable. Bad decisions or experiences, fears, as well as achievements are distorted over time as they are laid, and again relaid as memories.

The work consists of an old wooden jeweller’s cabinet of 24 shallow drawers. 24 represents the passage of time as hours in the day. The interior of each drawer is painted a different colour or lined with fabric. Most drawers contain something – an image, found object, collection, or relic, ranging in mood from pleasurable, peaceful, funny, escapist, to angry, sad or nostalgic. Some drawers are empty (memory still to be laid down). One is not able to be opened (locked memory).

Each drawer holds a memory of mine. Some are intensely personal, but even these depictions of memory are unreliable as they contain my ‘take’ on events rather than an accurate account. Some feature exaggeration, or hidden histories. Some drawers symbolise a long stretch of time. Some are about a moment.

Open a drawer. It is hoped that each drawer’s contents will evoke a personal and subjective reaction from the viewer, based upon their own constructs, preconceptions and memories.