The Story Behind the “Jewelry for Protest”
The latest expression of my creative practice has taken a political turn – it’s a visceral, reactionary and emotional response to the state of affairs in this country. While I’ve always been politically active, my involvement has previously been from behind the scenes. However, the current political climate has awoken an irrepressible need within me to take more drastic action – to step out of the shadows and into the streets.
These creative resistance actions have taken many forms. I have explored the concept of “NO HATE” in numerous ways since Trump’s inauguration, as I have become painfully aware that hate is at the core of this nation’s problems.
My “Jewelry for Protest” are miniature versions of my “Props for Protest” from my “NO HATE” actions.
The “NO HATE” project began with the “Postcard for Protest” I made after the inauguration, in reaction to the Executive orders that were being signed daily. I designed, printed and distributed 1,000 postcards that addressed issues I opposed and supported. I left a “YES” (green) and “NO”(red) symbol blank for the recipient to add their voice.
Based on the postcards, I created 13 “YES/NO” (double-sided) signs, a large kinetic “No Swastika” centerpiece and a several posters.
They were first deployed at an Anti-Trump protest in Miami in February. Later, I used them at protests for No DAPL, Sanctuary Cities and on President’s Day. More were made and taken to protests centered around the ACA Repeal, Cuba policy change, the withdrawal from the Paris Accord, DACA, the Trans Ban, Muslim Ban, Charlottesville and Spencer’s visit to UF. They were even deployed at a nationwide Artist March that I founded and organized.
These props have received a significant amount of local, national and international media. A few have been purchased by a private collector and are part of a traveling show called “Still They Persist”. Several are also part of the HistoryMiami Museum’s collection.
Not feeling that my street actions were sufficient, I began experimenting with more frequent ways to resist. I collaborated with artist Sean Fountain on a large “NO HATE/LOVE” inflatable with which I’ve performed public “Walks of Protest”. I also created “Protest Jewelry” that I wear every time I go out in public, which allows me to protest every day, in a variety of environments.
As public response to my “Jewelry for Protest” has been overwhelmingly positive, I decided to make this wearable way to protest available to you.
Not only has the jewelry been a conversation-starter, but I feel empowered each time I wear the necklace or earrings. They allow me to wear my politics around my neck, which makes me feel much less vulnerable than wearing my emotions on my sleeve!
I’ve had the most significant and profound conversations with strangers that I’m sure I never would have otherwise. Should you purchase any “Jewelry for Protest”, I hope the pieces enable similar positive experiences for you!
