Thank you to Bev Fuller of Jon Fuller Locksmith in Orleans for this box of keys to inspire art. I am grateful to you for this box as well as to all the many others who have donated their used keys to this project. Did you know that most people want to keep their keys after they create their KeyStory? It becomes a symbol of their dream or goal.
In the past five years, I must have given away over 5000 used keys! Before they were donated to this project, these keys were carried around in pockets and purses and opened countless homes and businesses, boxes and safes, garages and sheds. The keys have started cars, trucks and lawnmowers. Some opened small boxes, private diaries, secret drawers or padlocks. It's funny, when both adults and children choose their key to draw, they often exclaim, "this key feels good". Are they picking up on the energy from the former owner? Some keys, no matter how ordinary, seem to contain good mojo.
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So many people are intimidated by white paper. They worry that they will wreck it. So The Key Idea "wrecks" the paper in advance with random sprinkles of ink. We want the project to be accessible to all, especially those who do not self describe as artists. Our project tour, The Keys to Our American dreams is less than two months away. Better get some paper made. Yes, at the equipment and furniture fits! Now we have to consider the art supplies and our clothes and personal items. No problem. Love me my Honda Odyssey. 
Who remembers these? We have a TripTik! I had forgotten how great these are even in the age of Google. It's a detailed overview of the route from here, Cape Cod to there, Santa Barbara with 19 stops along the way. My last TripTik was in 1999, a road trip to Ohio for Thanksgiving at my sister's house. Now they come in their own little black case, even better. When did you last use a TripTik and where did you go?
Love the idea of #Inktober and I admire the people who are able to keep it up all month- not me, but I'll be one of them in 2020! Meanwhile, here are a few of my early favorites. This might have been practice for when we are on the road... I still see the bruise on my thumb from a freezer incident in July. Planning this national community engagement art project, The Keys to Our American Dreams, is an enormous undertaking....so many different elements to consider. What I have learned from this project so fan, is that everyone is creative and everyone has something of value to say. We have learned that as a people, we are more alike than different. This is an important message and that’s why we are taking this project nationwide. Right now I am looking to book venues to gather the KeyStories, my plan is to showcase stories from mainstream America as well as underrepresented communities. Some of my ancestors were Amish. I would love to gather stories from that community. Any ideas of other groups that need to be included?  I was asked to select my "favorite" KeyStories - I have thousands, way to many for this short video. I am so moved by what people choose to share in this simple and complex art project. Share the video, share your comments and let me know if you would like to be part of this national art experience. thekeyidea@gmail.com It's that time.... there is something about making a Halloween costume, this year my favorite little 5 year old will be a dragon. As a kid, my mother would ask us to draw a picture of what we wanted to be and then she would make a costume from our drawing. I continued that tradition with my own children and now with my granddaughters. I don't really sew very ofter, but there is something about the creative challenge that I enjoy so much. I have to get the wings just right. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the scope of what we plan to do. I've been going through all kinds of files to find the perfect KeyStories for the informational video. I am so moved by how people respond the simple prompt, What does your key open or start or do? |
Lenore LyonsLenore Lyons is passionate about igniting the spark that happens when people think creatively and get big ideas. There is something about riffling through a large tray of keys that encourages people of all ages to think about possibilities for their life and their loved ones. Archives
December 2020
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