Every woman has a story, especially the women of Storyville (red-light district of New Orleans from 1897-1917), who inspired this piece. The eyes of the woman in the photo stare at the camera, revealing a sense of mystery and resilience. She was dancing in a storefront window on Magazine Street and looking at me while I snapped her photo, making me curious about her story. Her haunting eyes beckon me every time I look at her, which is why I chose to put her inside the keyhole, along with a key to unlock her story if anyone dares. A 1919 New Orleans token adorns the key and gives the piece a sense of time.

Silver, copper, brass, vitreous enamel, 1919 New Orleans token, steel, photograph decal, riveted, textured by hand using unique tools created by artist.

Keyhole: 3.1 x 1.7 x 0.2 inches, Key: 2 x 0.7 x 0.1 inches

Work was exhibited at Society of North American Society of Goldsmiths 2017 Conference. Please go to link to see the participants and all exhibiting artists.

https://www.snagspace.org/2017-halstead-design-challenge-memento#/kalaya-steede/

Made in New Orleans