MOON SHOP

ceramic talons, embroidery and found objects June 2019 Shiro Oni Studio Onishi, Japan

photo by Machteld Rullens

photo by Machteld Rullens

This work documents a six week long stay in small mountain town in Japan.

I have always been hungry for answers. Poking and prodding, as if there was some hidden treasure just out of reach. This work served to counteract that urge; an attempt to find peace in not understanding everything. As I made these small objects out of clay, I wanted to move forward intuitively and free myself from worry about the final product. 

I installed my talismans and embroidery in an old tea room just off the main exhibition space. Talismans are a focal point for power, an object that can give strength or solace or comfort. I therefore wanted people to have these objects and form their own relationships with them. I left signs in Japanese and English encouraging people to take one if they wanted, simply asking they leave a small item in exchange. This exchange was crucial to the work as it maintained the equilibrium of the space, and formed the basis for a bond.

It was exciting to see people wearing the talismans, but the real thrill was checking back throughout the course of the exhibition to see what curious little items had been left behind in the shop.

A picture of the moon never satisfies, it remains un-captured. 

Bats and moths turn to it for guidance. They dart through the twilight hours, erratic and halting —

unsure of this in-between time, this gateway between worlds. 

What is it you’re always searching for?

Copyright © Kelsey Keaton 2011 - 2025