Stanley Maziuk - collage artist

Artist Statement

Keys and locks have been a big part of my life, growing up in, and eventually running our family business. Over time I have bought, sold and worked with thousands of different key blank types. Mechanical keys as we know them are slowly but surely being replaced with various electronic credentials. Years ago, I set aside several thousand mostly obsolete keys with the intent of one day preserving them in some creative way. Wall hangings that display some of the more interesting key shapes often with themes of safety and security seemed a way to give purpose to these small pieces of brass and nickel silver that for most of our lives have helped keep us safe. Besides being an interesting visual, all the keys have a story to tell. On any given piece you may find keys that fit a 1968 Subaru, resident doors in a psychiatric hospital, 1950s supermarket cash registers, or the jimmyproof lock on a Brooklyn walk-up.

Artistic Process

Describe the major steps involved in making your art. This information will be become part of your artist listing on the website. Note elements that you do and do not make yourself. Include items incorporated in your work; for example stands, beads or fasteners. Feel free to provide a separate page or file with this information.

Keys made of brass, nickel plated brass, and nickel silver make up the core materials used. Keys appear both whole or shaped with a bolt cutter or grinding wheel. Glass and tile appear in some pieces, mostly as background. A finalized design concept is traced on to wax paper, which is then used as an outline template on backerboard. The chosen keys are laid on the backerboard, fixed with either an adhesive, or mortar. Any glass or tile accessories are then affixed in similar fashion. Grouting further secures the tesserae, and provides background color.

©2026 Stanley Maziuk. All rights reserved. Duplication is not allowed without permission.