Why I Keep Old Objects

My studio shelves hold a sewing box, three door handles, a stack of letters, and a coat that has never fit anyone in my family for at least two generations.

None of it is valuable. Most of it isn't even attractive. But each object marks a specific person's absence more precisely than a description of them ever could.

«An object outlives the reason you kept it, and then means something slightly different.»

I don't paint these things directly very often. Mostly I just need them nearby while I work.