ANCHOR POINTS: A COLLECTIVE MATERIAL MEMORY PROJECT
"Anchor Points; A Collective Material Memory Project" is a collaborative visual and auditory installation that speaks to the local collective memory through objects. The Fort Worth community was invited to share images of cherished mementos that stand as a means of maintaining a connection with a time, place or a person. The temporary installation is part of Art Tooth’s partnership with Near Southside located in the Art South shipping container in the Soma District Micro Park, 125 S Main, Fort Worth 76104 . Anchor Points was on view from April 19 through June 11, 2022.
STATEMENT
As covid cases decline and we slowly shift into living with the CoronaVirus, we are now left to evaluate how these past two years have impacted our current reality. Stemming from the need to connect with people, when physical interaction wasn’t always possible, "Anchor Points' serves as a cornerstone to honor and remember our journeys through objects that hold emotional value and connect us through the experiences bound up in them. This domestic setting features curated images of objects provided by the local community that remind us of home, stability, and comfort. Layered meanings speak to the ambivalent nature of our new normal. The use of yellow alludes to conflicting emotions of joy, optimism, anxiety and frustration; fabric-wrapped picture frames encased in resin preserve the memories of objects that anchor us in times of uncertainty and help us heal.
The artist thanks all who responded to her open social media call, contributed to this project, and shared intimate stories.
This strawberry cookie jar used to live on the kitchen counter of my grandmothers home where I grew up. It was passed down to me recently and reminds me of the bittersweet memories of childhood.
~ Michelle Cortez Gonzales
As a child, I’d walk the path of my grandmother’s front yard which was lined with flowers. In the front was a wisteria bush that became the highlight of my childhood. I cherished that bush and love all flowers because of it. This Floral Beaded Vest reminds me of my grandmother and of my family history. Every person in my family has a flower that represents them or one that is their favorite, so when I think of flowers I think of love and roots. My other grandmother told me she liked this vest, so I wear it and I think of her. The beading on this vest reminds me of a painting, and nature that never fails to ease my mind. This thrifted vest has residency within the closets of me and my brother since it has special meaning to us both. I’m not sure of its origins, but feel the vest has more history than I can imagine. And wherever there are flowers, there is a home.
~ Ashley Anderson
The Basketball Court at Our Lady of Victory was where I spent countless recesses, and before and after school time with my friends and classmates. No other place and environment had an impact on me like OLV, and it continues to this day.
~ Michael Gonzales
This is my Watercolor Palette that I bought when I moved to Fort Worth 5 years ago. Its purchase marked a major period in my life when my art career was blossoming after having been a full time parent for a long time. I paired it with Two Oyster Shells that were also purchased and eaten in Fort Worth, which I find remarkable. For a long time, I was sad about moving away from our old home near the ocean and nature. I keep these mementos to remind myself that home is a mindset and I can find the things I need anywhere.
~ Brenda Ciardiello
his Cracker Tin has been around as long as my memory. Saltines were a staple in my childhood home. Sunday nights they were crushed atop Campbell's chicken noodle soup. An afternoon snack was peanut butter spread crackers. Much to my horror, my mother would fill a glass with crushed crackers and pour in milk. I don't know if it was a meal from her Depression era childhood or something she did to soothe her stomach. She kept this banged up relic in use to the end of her life and I continue the tradition.
~ Carol Ivey
My father, who has passed, was a brilliant architect & artist. When I was younger, we spent every weekend going to the French Quarter in New Orleans. He made a collection of these Paintings and they are so precious to me. It’s a reminder of my childhood, my Dad and why I was inspired to make art.
~ Mouty Shackelford
Trimble Tech High School was a good memory of home in Fort Worth.
~ Noemi Martinez
For me, a house is not a home without Flowers or a flower garden. Although temporary "objects" by nature and our time together fleeting, my roses are fragrant memories of warm summer days in grandmother's garden. Roots and Home. And the promise of the next season along with the pleasure of delivering a home-grown bouquet are memories in the making. It's all too good to be true.
~ Jenny Conn
his Polka Dot Teapot was purchased on our honeymoon in British Columbia. On returning, I set a carry-on bag down to be screened at the airport and I heard a small but unmistakable sound of a crack. Now it serves as a delightful sight in an honored spot at home, but alas totally dysfunctional.
~ Carol Ivey
The Indigenous Storyteller Figurine, surrounded by small children, was gifted to me in gratitude by a counselor at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center in San Antonio. I, along with about 8 other Chicanx writers, offered a free writing workshop to teens at the Center. It was very gratifying to work with these young learners, who seemed eager to try something new and also intrigued by us as brown artist-teachers. Two of my mentors, Luis J. Rodriguez and Raul Salinas, were there to guide our workshop and presentation.
~ Tammy M. Gomez
hese Books are by some of my favorite Chicanx authors (whom I also count as friends). My home would feel empty without these physical reminders of my place within a wonderful Diaspora community of indigenous Mexican-American writers. I am very comforted by these objects.
~ Tammy M. Gomez
This Bass Guitar was a meaningful gift to me early on in my marriage. It symbolizes a love we both share for music. It will always take me back to our humble beginnings in a rent house on James Ave. where we were establishing our relationship before marriage.
~ Marcus Gonzales
My maternal grandmother’s Sewing Basket connects me to her, even after losing her many years ago. She created marvelous garments for me; pieced and quilted complex coverlets and pillows; and crafted cloth dolls for me and others - all with love, creativity and skill. I love you, B.B. (Ada Beauchamp Chambers Estill, 1884-1985)
~ Juliet George
his Still Life Painting holds a lot of value to me. It reminds me of my grandma and her home - the only place that felt like home for me. I now hold onto this painting as a reminder and look at it every day
~ Stephanie Watson
This is a Drawing of a Bowl and Striped Cloth. The blue and white material is from a dress that belonged to my grandmother. She was such an important person in my younger years and continues to be in my memory.
~ Carol Benson
I grew up in Colorado with this Blanket that my grandma made for me when I was little, my star blanket. This blanket carried me through a lot. I’ve been in Fort Worth for 3 years now and I still keep it folded in my closet, only to come out a couple of times a year because I’m scared to wash it; partially because it’s fragile but mostly because it smells like home.
~ Sarah Knight
The Richard Serra Sculpture at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is a special place to me, as is the Modern as a whole. I have always loved photographing it and I probably have more photos of that object on film and digital than anything else I have ever taken pictures of. They are both spaces that cause me to feel excited about creating . I feel lucky to have both in our city.
~ Ethan Healy
This Flamingo Garden Stake lived at my grandparents house in Diamond Hill. When they passed, it flew all the way to Meadowbrook.
~ Stephanie Watson
I lost my grandfather last year, this picture is my 10 year old niece playing with the snow on her grandfather’s 1997 Ford F-250, my father’s truck. One of the memories that makes me think of home, is that truck. My grandfather, my dad and myself used to go to work for more than 15 years of my life in that truck. Working construction from sun up to sundown. Regardless what happens in life, that truck will always remind of my grandfather, my dad and myself coming home.
~ Luis Reyes
WHATABURGER!!! My partner and I almost missed our flight from Mexico to California when we had a layover in DFW to score some burgers and fries!! Soooo worth the multiple train rides and running through the airport. hahaha.
~ Noemi Martinez
This is an Elevation Marker that Fort Worth puts on all state structures. It came from the old Merrick Street bridge on IH30 in West FW. My dad took my brother and I to see it demolished when he and my mother were dating.
~ Nick Covarrubias
This Cookie Jar takes it way back to when I was really young
~ Adam Rodriguez
This is a Painting I did on an old shoe sole sometime in 1980, after moving back to Texas from an ill-fated adventure in California. It was just some silly thing I'd done to pass the time, but it has hung around with me for over 40 years, usually in my studio, to remind me of the journey I've been on and continue on. If my studio was on fire, it's the one thing I'd run back it to save.
~ Ron Crouch
The Sprite Bottle, an icon from bygone days before the steam iron, before 'wash and wear' clothes. It brings back memories of the ironing board and soap operas on the TV.
~ Carol Ivey
This is an old Photo of my Grandma Julia who was the matriarch of my family. I love looking at this image of her standing healthy, happy and proud of the thanksgiving meal she made. She wasn’t much for words, and these days, she doesn’t speak at all. I wish I would have paid more attention, I wish I knew more about her past, where we come from, why she practiced a little dark magic, or what she dreamt of. I know she was a hard worker and she loves her family. This captures how I will always remember her; strong, hard working, a great cook. These actions of love, practiced through domestic rituals, and preserved through objects are forever embedded in the memories I keep and carry in my own journey.
~ Michelle Cortez Gonzales
These Cowboy Boots have travelled up and down the streets of Fort Worth with me. I’ve had these since high school and couldn’t bear to ever get rid of them because they remind me of some of the best times I've had in my hometown. I even brought them with me when I got married in the Stockyards. They feel like Fort Worth to me, rugged but stylish, deep-rooted and quirky.
~ Jessica Peters
This Tax Collector Sign hung in the corridor outside my Grandfather's office in the Tarrant County Courthouse. He was Reed Stewart, the Tax assessor/collector for 36 years until he retired at 83 years . I loved to visit his office and watch the Rodeo parade from there. Fond memories.
~ Tommy Stewart
This Ring was gifted to my grandmother from her son while he was on duty in Iceland in the 1930s. She would always wear it on her little finger. Before she passed, she gave it to me and told me to keep it until I am ready to pass it on to the next generation.
~ Donna Gonzales
very year Bird Nests were built in the wisteria vines. Every year another bird snuck its eggs in with the little ones. I wanted to toss out the aggressors, but I never did. I used to know the names of the birds, but I can't remember today. I am struck by how much nature keeps keeping on here in Fort Worth. On March 3rd I saw a full blown strutting male turkey two blocks from Hulen (in the Trader Joe's area.)
~ Gwen Meharg
This photo captures 2 memories that I hold dear to my heart. The Red Glass is from my maternal grandmother. Growing up my grandmother had a buffet where she displayed these beautiful red glasses. She would always tell me they would be mine one day. That day finally came. Now I’m so grateful for the memories and conversations we shared over the many “sips” we had. The Rosary reminds me of my paternal grandmother. I remember as a young girl, getting in her red Cadillac going to Saint Andrews Catholic Church with her where she would kneel and pray, holding the rosary between her hands. She would dab holy water on us before and after prayer.
~ Sophia Wilcots
here were 3 small Urns created for my dads ashes when he passed away in Texas 6 years ago. Each one of his daughters received one. It’s like still having him close to me at all times. It is my most cherished object which I hold dear to my heart.
~ Ann Denise Anderson
Over the years, I’ve collected every Card gifted to me. I store them in this bag as mementos to reflect back on when I desire a little nostalgia. Each card inside carries a piece of home from loved ones and friends.
~ Marissa Cortez Rodriguez
This is an Arcane Device that my father used in his stamp collecting hobby.
~ Herb Levy
My grandmother used to store small, special items in this Jewelry Box and passed it down to me.
~ Bianca Bargas
This Temple Dog was a souvenir my father-in-law brought home from his military time in Okinawa. It probably came from a side-trip to Japan. I always noticed it when we had family gatherings in my in-laws' home. After my mother-in-law passed away, I was asked if there was anything I wanted from my in-laws' home. The temple dog was the first thing that came to mind. I don't think it's beautiful, I don't burn incense, and it doesn't "fit" with my decor. But it reminds me of all those family gatherings that included me and my beloved kin by marriage. This object warms my heart with sweet memories. I can almost smell the turkey and dressing!
~ Laura Hunt
This is an old Kitchen Towel. Everyday when I clean the kitchen, the images of orange and yellow pumpkins bring me back to a season of creativity, family, and an overload of treats.
~ De’Andre Burton
I found this Ring in a Fort Worth parking lot over fifty-five years ago. It was my first piece of jewelry; a sterling silver, mother of pearl ring with an embedded mustard seed. Every time I see it, I wonder who it belonged to. Was it intentionally discarded like a used tissue, or lost and is heartbreakingly thought about to this day? Was it a family heirloom, bought in a foreign land, given by a lover, or maybe a treasure from an antique shop? They were definitely artistic, maybe it belonged to a cool hippie, how old would they be now? It also takes me back to my carefree childhood, that cool crisp Autumn day and the treasure that remains with me to this day.
~ Amy Reyes
My memento is a Ceramic Piggy Bank: he’s decorated with clown-like primary colors and a downturned frown. Years ago I was wandering the aisles of a Fiesta grocery store at night and saw him alone on a miscellaneous shelf. He was covered in dust from not being moved in a long time. Perhaps it’s related to being a middle child within a large family, but, I have a soft spot for overlooked, forgotten objects (especially with such expression and personality!) He has lived and moved all around Ft Worth with me. I’ve only put a few coins in because he doesn’t have a rubber release and I can’t bring myself to ever destroy him for a monetary value. However, he will keep small folded notes of my wishes for the future, whatever that looks like.
~ Sophia Ceballos
I chose some of my Grandma Libby's Favorite Candies. Her bedroom is where she kept her candy stash. I can't visit her bedroom anymore so whenever I see these candies in a store, they bring me back to a place of comfort from my childhood.
~ Vanessa Ocampo
My home’s Hall Salon!
~ Celia Álvarez Muňoz
A Sea Shell
~ Katie Flores
While doing a mural with students by the railroad we painted over this Object. We noticed it was loose and eventually we pried it off as a souvenir. I believe there used to be little light bulbs inside the holes and it would communicate to the trains but truthfully I have no idea what it is but I love it’s shape and form.
~ Andrew Giles
I wasn't sure about sharing my art, but really this piece is incredibly important to me. I had set my art aside for quite awhile and I wasn't sure if I would ever create again. But this incredible opportunity came along and I knew I would regret it if I didn't try. This is my first Glass Bubble that I created start to finish by myself, which reignited my creativity and drive to paint and draw again.
~ Elena Greer