My collaboration with New Collection started with a conversation about the objects we hold onto that bring us comfort, particularly the childhood tokens that evoke memories. No longer wanting these mementos and relics out for display, we keep them stored safely, afraid to let them go as if our memory would fade away. This conversation sparked a prompt, a physical prompt of two childhood trophies. Baseball trophies, each adorned with gold patina figures posed in action. One plaque engraved with "Most Improved (1993)" and the other with "Best Attitude (1994)".  

Through an experimental process using black epoxy, I memorialized the memories. Typically, epoxy (in its liquid form) is poured into a mold for casting. Once it becomes a solid material, the mold is removed, and the object is hardened in a matte black. However, I discovered a new process through a series of experiments, one being a 'happy accident.' Waiting for the right moment, I slowly poured the epoxy over the trophies as it was about to cure, freezing the liquid in mid-drip. Instead of a matte black, the pour resulted in a high gloss. Each figure, coated in thick drips, appears as if they are suspended in time. Similar to the way sap hardens into amber, these memories are preserved, and the objects now begin a new life.