Doctor Key was so named because of its shamanistic persona. In the area of the southeast in which Claudia lives, there is a group of African-Americans called the Gullah, whose culture still harbors many of their West African roots. The traditional Gullah medicine men (or "root doctors") usually were named after animals, with names such as Dr. Snake, Dr. Buzzard, etc. Dr. Key evolved with a persona that evoked that of a "root doctor", and so she named him Dr. Key because he holds one in his hand. The blue bottle in his other hand is a nod at the Gullah bottletrees, whereby bottles were upturned onto the branches of a dead tree, usually a cedar. It was believed that the bottles would trap evil spirits and prevent them from entering the house. Liquor bottles were frequently used, because the smell of the alcohol was thought to lure the spirits into the bottle. The blue color was believed to ward off the devil.

Dr. Key was given to a friend who lived far away, was unwell and felt nervous about seeking medical help. It was Claudia's artistic intention for this piece to be a vehicle of empowerment for that friend, a physical presence that would serve as a talisman for healing. (It's deep.)

My work on cover of EYE Poetry Journal

any further questions can be addressed to her directly at: eibhlin124@hotmail.com

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