Modern Keepsakes

These variations of "birthday candle snuffers" reflect on how the global pandemic and other impactful, life changing experiences result in an adaptation of cultural practice. On a surface level these artifacts offer a "safer" approach to birthdays, but the result is bittersweet as we show restraint from engaging with our bodies and celebratory practices. Finishing out my senior capstone in isolation, I fabricated these brass snuffers in my home using self-taught techniques. These artifacts are currently on display at Pittsburgh's Society for Contemporary Craft.