How awesome would it be if your key fob was made from an object found on the seashore?
As a child, I used to collect seashells – and anything else interesting – I could find. I personally still enjoy collecting seashells when I go to the beach. Thus, the idea of using found objects on the shore to make a key fob amazes me.
Image Courtesy of Mathijs Labadie
Dutch designer Chris Kabel created twenty-nine key fobs from found objects that have been washed up on the shore, buried in the sand, and bought from the neighborhood supermarket on Fogo Island.
The key fobs were made for the rooms at the Fogo Island Hotel situated off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. It’s home to dwell-in-artists, studios and cabins as part of an ongoing residency programme. Designed by Saunders Architects, it was built in 2013 and has twenty-nine guest rooms, a library, and an artwork gallery curated by Fogo Island Arts.
The twenty-nine key fobs are bronze cast and feature found objects such as a snub-nosed cod head and an iron nail that was likely stolen by the native Beothuk Indians from the first European settlers. “Each object tells a small or large story that relates to the island. Together the key tags become the chapters of a book about the present and past daily life on the island and its rough nature,” says designer Chris Kabel.
Iron nail key fob – Image Courtesy of Mathijs Labadie
Flower key fob – Image Courtesy of Mathijs Labadie
The way the key fobs are displayed on a plain black wall behind the reception desk at the hotel elevated their magnificence. It’s almost like looking at a museum display with each key fob telling a story about the lifestyle on Fogo Island.
Image Courtesy of Mathijs Labadie
Besides creating key fobs, Chris Kabel designed curtains that resemble the Northern Lights. To learn more about Northern Lights, click Here .
Image Courtesy of Paddy Barry
The curtains are located in the conference space hung on the north facing windows.
Digitally produced patterns, a glow-in-the-dark cotton yarn, and a weaving method are used to create a subtle gradient between colors. When the lights are turned off, the curtains produce a divine glow similar to Northern Lights.
Image Courtesy of Paddy Barry
In my opinion, using found objects to produce key fobs and making curtains that resemble Northern Lights are possibly one of the best ways to present the story of Fogo Island. It makes me wonder what other fascinating objects can be found in this place.
Who wouldn’t want to stay at this hotel for at least a day?
Check out more amazing pieces by Chris Kabel by clicking HERE.
Researched and Written by Ulama Hassan, undergraduate student at OCAD University in the Environmental Design program.
