Talismans for the End Times

Ever since I was in art school, I was aware that having a narrative behind everything I make is essential for me to be invested in the project. Even if it’s not a story with a beginning, middle, and end, there is a fully fleshed out picture that exists in my mind of my creations in context. Maybe it’s simply a vibe, a song, a time of day, or a moment in time. I want to start sharing this backstory with you as I release new work or collections.

Talismans for the End Times

Talismans for the End Times is is a collection of sustainably made wearable art accessories. Each item is crafted from materials that can be imbibed with your own desired energies for you to carry with you throughout the day. The idea for this collection came about over my own fear and uncertainty watching my home country descend into authoritarianism. Even though I live in the U.K., I still keep up with American news and don’t feel the reality of my physical distance. It’s typical for me to gravitate towards my magical practice in times of need, so the idea of creating pieces with the intent of protection felt right.

Hand painted leather snake gold statement earrings

Snakes

Snakes have always inspired me as an animal and a symbol. We are in the Year of the Snake, a time of renewal, of shedding old ways to make way for something new. But I also like the idea of the snake as a fearsome creature. There is such simplicity in its physical beauty, yet it can strike fear in the hearts of men. It can symbolize wisdom and power (an important and rare combination).

Snakes adorn the head of Medusa, the mythical Greek monster. Every so often I have completely different interpretations of allegories and symbols than what they were intended to be. Medusa is one of them. She was said to be “so ugly” she could turn people to stone. But I’ve always thought of that ability as her power, not her failing. Perhaps it was her power and strength that led men to call her ugly rather than her physical features, because after all, who would live to tell what she actually looked like?

This interpretation of Medusa reminds me of the Two of Swords card in the Rider-Waite tarot deck. The imagery of the card is supposed to be foreboding, a troubling decision at hand. But I see a woman in her power, so confident in her ability to wield her swords that she can be blindfolded with her back to the sea and maintain her poise. I interpret this card to mean not to fear the unknown.

Hand painted burning cigarette brooch

The Medusa Bag (black macrame with gold lightning bolt charms)

“No.” leather and macrame keychain

Humor

In the same way I gravitate towards gothic imagery, I also love to incorporate inanity, humor, and eccentricity into my work. Though the initial inspiration point for this collection was serious, I hate the idea of taking myself too seriously. Sometimes, it’s just not that deep. Sometimes, you just want to wear a fake cigarette.

Material Matter (Materials Matter)

Everything in this collection is made from vintage, upcycled, or eco-friendly materials. But in addition to being sustainable, the materials are also things that can absorb energy (metal, leather, cotton). The idea is that you, the wearer, can infuse your own vibes and intentions into the object and carry those intentions with you when you wear the item (hence, “talisman”). Of course, you can always just wear the item as is, but for the days you need a little extra something, I invite you to dabble in a little bit of art magic.

You can shop the full collection here.