Welcome to Objectively, a series about people and the objects that hold meaning for them.
Leading with curiosity, the project is interested in objects as extension and embodiment of selves. We want to give space for people to reconsider their relationships with things, maybe acquiring new understandings of themselves in the process.
In this one, Maria Jones Delgado shares about her double-edged saw and more.
Maria Jones Delgado (she/her) is half-Mexican half-British. She was born in London and recently left to study and live in Hong Kong. She studies architecture and enjoys drawing, being in water, and reading.
What object would you say personify you?
Perhaps it is giving myself too much credit, but I think my Japanese saw would best personify me. It has two edges—a fine edge and a hardier one that takes on tougher cuts. It is flexible metal yet can be easily tarnished. It might seem cold but once its protective covering is over the blade, it is soft and inoffensive-looking.
And if you could be any object, what would you want to be?
I think I would like to be a little box that I own; it fits in the palm of my hand, and is beautifully decorated by hand. The inside always smells of fragrant wood and it keeps my most precious earrings and small objects.
It was one of the few non-essential objects I was able to bring with me to Hong Kong, and it is from Mexico. It’s inexpensive but beautiful, holds emotional value, and is practical.
Lastly, what’s an object that holds significance for you?
Jewellery is important and representational to me. It touches the skin and therefore remembers previous wearers and other lives. Whilst it has no other particular memory than just existing with me day-to-day, my grandmother’s gold necklace (above) holds a part of her too and is therefore significant to me.
For you:
Is there something you wear everyday; what does it do for you?
Find out more about Maria on Instagram.
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