Keys to Heaven

This piece depicts an ancestral altar atop a piano. The altar, composed of a candle, figure, bible, money, perfumes, beads, flowers, shells, and images serves to honor the women depicted. With the women spending so much of their life at the piano, this piano now serves as an altar and resting place. The women who now rest on the altar are the artist’s paternal grandmother and great-grandmother. These women, along with the artist’s paternal great-great-great grandmother all played piano in the church. The artist utilized the book of Mark, her father’s namesake, to create the piano keys. The sheet music for “Amazing Grace” is included, reinforcing how integral spirituality is to the nature of the piece. The altar is covered in a stunning lace fabric which adds elegance, texture, and a 3-D element to the piece, bringing it to life. This piece remains deeply personal to the artist as a tribute to her loved ones who have passed. “Keys to Heaven” serves as a resting place for the women of the artist’s paternal line.