Vermont Studio Center/The Hambidge Center Residency |
Brief Overview:
Created over the duration of two residencies, these pieces investigate the notion of sacred spaces such as "Grandma's Jewelry Box" and objects tied to my identity such as the cowrie shells, red/white/blue beads, faux bamboo earrings, and faux locs as seen in "Self-Portrait" and braids with hair crown accessories seen in "Libation Pitcher". They are part of a developing body of work. |
Penland School of Craft: Summer Workshop
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This body of work was created during a summer workshop at Penland School of Craft with Naomi Dalglish and Micheal Hunt of Bandana Pottery. During this time, I was fully immersed in considering all aspects of "The Whole Pot." From using traditional foot-wedging techniques with wild and natural clay bodies, to different hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. I had the opportunity to experiment with slips, surface designs, as well as participate in a 32-hour wood-firing.
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Flower Child | 2019
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Flower Child Series was inspired by recalling my childhood, my love and connection to nature & growth, and the freedom & beauty in flowers.
"...about being black, being a woman, and being magical." |
Pastel Composites | 2018
Greece Residency: Skopelos Foundation for the Arts | 2018
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These pots were created during my residency in Greece. They were influenced from the natural beauty and culture of the island. Skopelos is the most green of all of the Greek islands, surrounded by clear blue water, and homes with terracotta roof tops. The family-oriented culture, ferry boats, and open atmosphere inspired bright, colorful artwork.
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Broke With Expensive Taste | Ceramic | 2017
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Broke With Expensive Taste speaks to the juxtaposed dynamic of trying to make quick, inexpensive meals look rich and enticing on faux designer tableware. It comments on the materialistic need to aspire to a socio-economic level that glamorizes the dinner experience.
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Mount Blackmore | 2017
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“Mount Blackmore” is a hand-built structure in response to Mount Rushmore Monument that represents the lack of recognition of African American idols in American society in comparison to their white counterparts. Music, more specifically hip-hop has shaped American society economically, socially, and politically. Despite having a powerful impact on American culture, many conscious hip-hop artists reflecting issues facing the black community through their raps, such as Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, J. Cole, and Chance the Rapper are often discredited.
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Ankh Hoodie | 2017
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"Ankh Hoodie" is created using over 400 press-mold clay ankhs, stitched together with metal wire signifying the hoodie Traynvon Martin was wearing during the time of the attack (and subsequently was presented as evidence during the trial). Trayvon Martin was a 17- year old African-American high-school student who was fatally shot by a racist neighborhood watch member, George Zimmerman. Trayvon was unarmed, only carrying a can of Arizona tea and a bag of skittles. The stereotypes surrounding blackness triggered Zimmerman's fear. The ankh is an ancient egyptian symbol that signifies eternal life. This piece was created in honor of Trayvon, and highlights the painful struggles people of color still face today.
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Curls and Swirls | 2016
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"Curls and Swirls” consist of approximately 25 wheel-thrown plates that are altered to form the face of a black woman. Created during the rise of natural hair trends in 2016, this piece is dedicated to celebrating the afro and the various curls patterns of black hair.
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Lady Justice | 2016
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Lady Justice is suppose to symbolize equality and fairness. Often times people of color, impoverished people, sexual assault victims, and more are failed by the American justice system; wrongfully arrested, convicted, and imprisoned. As "Lady Justice" kneels on her pedestal, her blindfold representing impartiality begins to fall off, as she injures her hand holding the unbalanced scales (not pictured) using her own sword of reason. The mule in the background references the "40 acres and a mule" promise the American Government failed to uphold.
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The Proper Content | 2016
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The Proper Content” is a response to a pop-culture incident where a white fashion commentator asserted that a young, black, actress smelled like “weed and patchouli oil” because of the loc hairstyle, whereas her white counterparts were praised for being “edgy” having wore the same hairstyle. The locs represents the history of bondage in American culture regarding racial slavery and discrimination, whereas the fist represents the struggle and constant fight for freedom, equality, and unity. (See reference https://people.com/tv/zendaya-blasts-giuliana-rancic-for-criticizing-her-oscars-dreadlocks/ )
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Insecurities | 2017
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"Insecurities" comments on the physical appearance of a makers' hand at work.
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Trompe l'oeil | 2017
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Inspired my Ancient African artifacts, these sculptured figures were influenced from a sculpture originally created by a woodworker in the Bahamas.
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Sculptures
Jubilee | 2015
