Elephant Ring Holder

Umbra home accessories company, 2017

Metal, chrome plating

Dimensions variable

Originally owned by Michelle Chen

Personal collection

This object is a metal elephant ring holder that was gifted to me by a close friend. As an environmentalist and animal rights activist, my friend knew I would love this object as it is functional yet allows for the opportunity to create meaning for myself. This object relates to our relationship with nature. Many species are becoming endangered or extinct at a rapid rate due to the pressure of human life on the natural resources of the planet and our disregard for other living creatures. I believe that this object, along with many others representing animal or even plant life, will become extremely meaningful in the future if we continue on this path because it will remind us of the past while demonstrating the consequences of our current lifestyle. Just as many museums today try to conserve artifacts from our past as humans, it is very possible we will see conservation practices applying to objects either related to animal life or made from animals that are no longer prevalent in our environment.

During this difficult time, it is important to focus on things that remind you of what you love. Because of the pandemic, I now appreciate this object in a different, more meaningful way. As we look to our everyday objects for meaning and relevance, items that you once saw as mundane gain more significance. This shows how objects are not created with the intention of being meaningful; they gain value depending on the situation and the individual. This item is now a part of my own personal collection of items that have resonated with me, and whose impact is heightened due to this new social climate.

Kamrani Doray