365 Grams

Work by Rebecca Strzelec

When my Gram died she left me her writing desk. I knew I’d be getting it because the day I was born she stuck a piece of masking tape under it with my name on it. That same day in 1977, Gram received a bracelet with a pendant containing the first photograph of me.

In 2003, while on a road trip, Gram gave me four shoeboxes filled with her jewelry. At the time the gift felt odd but Gram knew I would eventually make good use of her collection. Gram died in 2008. Several years later I opened the shoeboxes.

365 Grams is part documentation and part reclamation. Beginning on July 1, 2016, without fail, I wore one piece of Gram’s jewelry every single day for a year to give the jewels the respect and attention they deserved. After that, the jewelry became raw material and 365 Grams.

Image Credit: Rebecca Strzelec

“Jewelry for/from a Desk”, Brooch for a Desk, Neckpiece for a Desk, Neckpiece from a Desk, and audio conversation

Gram’s Desk, Desk shard, wood filled PLA, PLA, and rope

Exhibition Dates: February 16 - March 29, 2024 with an opening reception on Friday, February 16, 5- 8pm