Amulet #2, part of Assemblage II: Amulets

image: 3” diameter, watch: 3 ¾” x 3 ¼” x ¼”

2012

gold-plated pocket watch, acrylic painting, feathers, rhinestones

“Amulet #2” was exhibited alongside 19 other amulets inside a vitrine in my 2014-2015 Flint Institute of Arts exhibit.  Initially titled “In Sofia’s Cupola,” I decided that it would be more mysterious to classify each amulet with a chronological number during the exhibit’s run, rather than with a designated title.  Thereafter, titles would be potentially shared only as secret mantras between me and the owners of the amulets.  Is the woman in this portrait wearing an exotic hat, or has a bird perched on her head in order to peck at her elaborate feather and rhinestone earring?