If You Play

a little haunted room.

Hello everyone!

My goodness. It’s been a hot minute. I hope you are all well, had lovely holidays, and are warm, cozy, sipping something lovely and thinking about all the nice things. I’ve been here, thinking about Death. Surprise!

I have been preparing for my upcoming Dear Death show (more detail on that soon), but wanted to share with you a piece that I have been working on for the last year. It sort of ties in with Dear Death, but it has its own story, so I am making this available separately.

This piece tells the story of Theo and Madeline.

When Madeline died, at first Theo thought he would never pick up his violin again. He swore to himself that he could not.

One night as he wandered from room to room, lost in memories, forgetting what he was looking for, what he was doing... he thought he could hear a few bars of the song floating through the air. He searched for the source, but it was elusive. He could however, feel the presence of Madeline. And as he lifted the bow to the strings after so many years, he could swear that she was right behind him, floating, humming.

~~~

If You Play captures a specific moment in time, when heartbreaking loss is replaced with fleeting reunion. It is a room set within a handmade box, and has architectural details; including a door and wainscoting. Madeline hangs from a nearly-invisible string, and is about 12 inches tall. Her dress is made from antique salvaged fabric and her hair is mohair. Theo sits on a stool, and plays a violin made of wood and clay. Sitting, Theo is 9 inches tall. He can also stand (with support). This piece of art can sit on a shelf or be hung from the string in the back.

If You Play will be available in my Etsy shop tomorrow, January 31st at 12 pm, EST.

Stay warm,

xo jana