An Object Portrait of Ms. GG
This collection of objects together comprises my altar. I used to use it when preparing myself to go out to social events — it consists of icons and relics of people and past parties that embody the spirit I wish to bring. Some such objects:
- When I used to smoke, I used a Zippo; they are the best and I used to give engraved ones as gifts.
- The brown leather braided bracelet is a tchotchke from a county fair — I like leather.
- Whenever I have the opportunity, I charge necklaces like the thin coiled black one on others’ altars. (And yes, charging means whatever I say it means.) The thick linked gold necklace belonged to my aunt; it has a really nice heft to it. The cross necklace was a gift from a nice Italian boy.
- The paper reads, “Take my heart with you when you go.” It’s an evocative line I’ve appropriated from Westworld.
- The leather wrapped matchbox embossed with a gold DD reminds me of a huge bowl on my Dad’s desk in the ’70s that was filled with matches from different restaurants and clubs; it also reminds me of Ms. Darker, of course.
All this, and more, lives in a black lacquer box from Anna Sui that reminds me equal parts of my grandmother — and a fantasy Victorian bordello.