Ephemera/Keepsake

Ephemera is a funny word. For most people, it means that which will only exist or be relevant for a short time. For archivists and historians, ephemera often means the type of document that best describes a person, a period, or a place. A key to understanding a moment in time.

Such is the case of Joyce Lin’s Process Journal, a brochure I had the honor to work on for her current show at R & Company, Material Autopsy. Joyce brings an entire new dimension to her pieces by sharing her thoughts, so humbly and insightfully, which to me elicits a sense of involvement with the work that would not be possible otherwise.

I’ve said this elsewhere, but I find her among the most fascinating artist-designers of our time, so I hope this “throwaway” exhibition collateral finds its way into enough collections that people can read and learn about her work for decades to come. I'm glad she also made it available online so it can reach people

far beyond the gallery's walls, but it goes without saying that if you’re in NY, you should go see this show.

Illustrated here, however, is an equally treasured and very permanent limited-edition pendant I recently acquired from Joyce, and the reason I love what I do.