Made as presents for two friends, the banners summarise the key elements I respect about the individuals they are made for.
For Briggs, the dog represents faithfulness, a good companion, intelligence. The antenna represent his ability to convey and receive information and his interest in culture. The magnifying glass represents his ability to make independent judgements, looking for what lies beyond surface appearance. The whisky glass his refined taste, his conviviality. The comb represents his good grooming, his decision to show the world him at his best and make an effort to make the most of his skills.
For Louise the baguette represents her sense of fairness and democracy - she is determined that all should have equal access to opportunity. The scissors represent her conflicting wishes - she is a great artist and is willing to cut things up and start again to keep things moving forwards. The camera shows her interest in the world as an observer, and her creativity. The rats are in memoriam of her old pets that she loved, but also show her tenacity and inbuilt sense of purpose. The books being near the floor show her obsession with information, but held in a place where she can trounce all over old agendas to make something new and more exciting from them!
