What do you make when someone gives you over 300 keys that formerly unlocked a swimming pool? I repurposed many of the keys into “hers and his swimwear” in this sculpture titled Bi-key-ni & Man-key-ni.
Using fishing line to sew the garments together added to the challenge of making but means the keys can be prominent and flex if worn.
Like most of my art, I did some material science experimentation during the creative process. I tried welding, soldering, and riveting the keys together before settling on drilling holes and sewing the keys because I wanted the sculpture to be wearable. Likewise, I tried crocheting, macrame, and knitting before weaving the fishing line on my loom. The elastic on the Man-key-ni is recycled from a fitted sheet. My (Fixing Fashion) label is hand-sewn on both garments. Keyrings also feature in the construction.
Bi-key-ni & Man-key-ni is being exhibited in the Ashburton Society of Arts’ 62nd Annual Exhibition at the Ashburton Art Gallery from 6 to 31 July 2026.
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