Mission
With Locket we aim to create a non-judgmental space to share stories about the people we love who have struggled with substance use disorders. Through these conversations, we may realize that we are not alone and work through guilt, shame, and stigma. By drawing the people that we speak with, we hope to form and visualize a sense of community and solidarity.
Historically, lockets have been used as a form of mourning jewelry - a way to commemorate individuals who have died. They are also used as remembrances for those who are still alive, yet far away. We hope to use the locket as a symbol to further express love and sentimental value when remembering loved ones we hold close to heart.
Locket is a collaborative art project that documents memories shared by people we speak and engage with. By sharing anecdotes about loved ones affected by addiction we hope to preserve memories of those lost. In sharing more positive, humorous, or joyous anecdotes it is our hope that this format of celebration will humanize and help end stigmas around addiction.
Creators of Locket
Miranda Pikul is originally from Scranton, PA and received her B.A. at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2022. She is currently pursuing her MFA at Boston University College of Fine Arts. Her painting practice explores human connection through figurative and narrative painting.
Reasons for starting Locket Art Project
There is a memory I carry with me of my father. The last time I saw him in person was also the first time I’d seen him in ten years. He was at a pizza place in Tucson, Arizona. What I noticed right away was how he spoke of himself. He thought he was the black sheep of the family. I regret not standing up for him, telling him he was wrong. Instead I just sat and listened unsure of how to proceed. That was the last time I saw him. Eight years ago.
Despite not having him in my life for very long I still remember the best version of who he was more than anything. I remember his humor, his laugh. He was also a painter and in a strange way I see him come through my own painting practice every time I create. My father has been struggling with addiction for over twenty years now. I’m not sure if or when I’ll have the chance to talk to him again.
I wanted to start this project as a means to start conversation about the complexity of living through these experiences. It can also feel quite lonely. Therefore I hope this project can be collaborative and help others feel less alone.
And while this project centers around addiction, I really hope to document personal accounts of those on the other side of addiction, people such as myself who have lost someone close to them. Here is a photo of my father, two months after I was born. This is how I will remember him, smile, and all.
- Miranda