The Worn Sacred Object

The relic of sacredness that is carried on one’s person is not a new concept. For thousands of years, humans around the world have imbued meaning into objects and held them in their hands, pockets, around their necks, etc. These tokens have meant protection, a reminder of prayer, a symbol of health, love, peace, anything we desired to maintain. This concept has remained with us as we change, persistent as it reminds us how much we love to hold, touch and keep close to heart what it is we desire. I make sacred objects to be worn because it is still important for us to place meaning into the things we collect and carry with us. The pendants I make are a continuation of this ancient practice. Intuitive processes offer me the chance to create with secret purpose, like a whisper of mystery and the touch of adoration. The sharp edges of my sacred objects inspire defensiveness, protectiveness and a reminder of the danger in loving something too deeply. The spikes point outwards, unto the world, yet I find myself running my fingers along them as I wear one around my neck. The allure of gentle pain is hard to ignore. The imagery, pulled from an internal lexicon of meaning, is for me and for anyone who understands it. Understanding it their way is sometimes better than understanding it my way. It is about connection, in the end. I love these creations, their process of being made is a ritual I treasure. I hope that every person that wears one, or hangs them on the wall, is considering its purpose to them. I hope it goes beyond beauty and loveliness. I hope it moves into a realm of connectivity, strength and divination – and I mean no divinity a god can offer, but one that is born into us from the moment we take a breath. It is real, devastating and brilliant.