locket: a small ornamental case, typically made of gold or silver, worn round a person’s neck on a chain and used to hold things of sentimental value, such as a photograph
As I posted the image of a pair of lockets for my online ‘Connected’ project recently, I was struck by how significant this particular piece of jewellery is. And of course, how ever more pertinent the sentiments around a locket have become in the current climate, one in which death and mourning have entered our lives on such an extraordinary, unprecedented and universal scale.
A locket is probably the most intimate item of jewellery – the ultimate keepsake when it comes to keeping loved and cherished ones close – quite literally – to ones’ heart. The preservation of a photo or a lock of hair encapsulates memories of loved ones on the deepest possible level and in April 2020, as we steer our way through this global pandemic lockdown, keeping loved ones close has taken on an unparalleled significance.
I’ve always been interested in objects as clear indicators of the passage of time. Themes of loss and remembrance reflect my ongoing fascination with the permanence of objects versus the fragility of life; the lockets, in this respect, have take on an even greater significance.
‘Connected’ is now at its half way point. I will continue to post images throughout the month of April as a reminder, as I said in my last post here: ‘ … of the importance of the virtues of love and compassion, reaching out, looking out for each other – and crucially, staying connected.’
I hope that we can.
