JERE KITTLE

“In this time of self isolation, reality seems to have shifted. Suddenly, as if waiting to be recognized, the little things in life including our closest personal spaces begin to appear different. In my exploration of this sense of appreciation, I encountered the forgotten and ignored places around me.

These are objects that have taken up residence in what commonly is called a junk drawer. With time to allow for closer inspection, I wondered why the objects were there in the first place and not lost or tossed. And I pondered their origin and meaning. There was a reason for holding on to every object and the reasons vary:

• Usefulness - not today, but has potential for practical or creative usefulness in the future

• Sentiment - a memento from an event

• Aesthetically pleasing or interesting - not to display necessarily, but to not discard

• Amusement or novelty - makes me smile

• Symbolic - of a place or time or person

• Misplaced assignment - i.e. object correctly belongs in a tool box or sewing basket

• Historical significance - i.e. reveals my age

• Mystery - I don’t know what the hell it is or why I have it

• Love - a small gift or token of affection.”

JUNE 2020