All good things much come to an end… the exhibition, Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined closes on April 21
Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD
Last Call for Metamorphosis
I’m Counting Down to 6 Weeks Stateside
As the countdown begins, I’m gearing up for an exciting six weeks stateside, packed with artistic endeavors and meaningful engagements. Touching down in New Jersey on April 27th marks the start of a whirlwind of creativity.
My first stop? Installing my work at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair on April 29th, setting the stage for a showcase of diverse perspectives and artistic voices. From May 1st to 5th, the fair will be abuzz with inspiration and dialogue, offering a platform for African art to shine.
Next I transition into the Touchstone Artist Residency from May 10th to 24th, where I’ll immerse myself into my microaggressions series and exploring new dimensions of expression and healing. This residency promises a fertile ground for experimentation and growth.
An exciting highlight awaits on May 22nd, as I share insights and reflections during a talk on “Free Your Mind” at the Touchstone Center for Crafts—a moment to ignite dialogue and foster understanding through art.
The momentum continues with the opening of “Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry” at the Hunterdon Art Museum on May 19th, an exploration of traditional craft intersecting with contemporary vision.
And marking a crescendo to my journey, I’ll unveil “Free Your Mind” at the Delaware Contemporary during their season opening on June 7th—a celebration of art, expression, and liberation.
When the curtains draw on this enriching chapter, I’ll carry home with me a tapestry of experiences and connections, further fueling my artistic journey on the vibrant shores of STX. Until then, let the adventure unfold.
Find inspiration in the mundane
“Ideas may come from anywhere, anything, anytime, anyplace. For the most part, however, I believe that they spring from rather unromantic, sometimes unexpected, or even unsavory sources. The artist is a collector of things imaginary or real. He accumulates things with the same enthusiasm that a little boy stuffs his pockets. The scrap heap and the museum—embraced with equal curiosity. He takes snapshots, makes notes, records impressions on tablecloths or newspapers, on backs of envelopes or matchbooks. Why one thing and not another is part of the mystery, but he is omnivorous.”
Paul Rand: A Designer’s Art
Pitchy Patchy
Drawing upon the vibrant tapestry of St. Croix’s Old Time Christmas Festival and its rich tradition of masquerade, Pitchy Pathcy is a soft fiber sculpture crafted from upcycled Patagonia shorts shredded then wrapped in a melange of textures and hues.
Infused with the spirit of the Pitchy Patchy mas character, known for its tattered, multicolored attire, this piece intertwines 4-ply worsted wool, soft rainbow wool, and whimsical eyelash yarn. Adorned with a medley of wooden and metal beads, cowrie shells, and hair jewelry, it pays homage to the enigmatic enforcers who animate the carnival’s bustling energy.
Assembled with reverence, this soft sculpture bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the magic of masquerade.
Transforming Trash into Treasure: Beach Clean-Up in St. Croix
Every week, I hit the shores of St. Croix armed not just with bags for trash, but with a vision. Ghost nets, marline line, and rope—once marine debris—are prized materials for my artwork. These discarded remnants not only mar our beautiful beaches but also tell a story of environmental neglect.
Through meticulous collection during beach clean-ups, I breathe new life into these discarded items. By repurposing them in my artwork, I not only create striking pieces but also raise awareness about ocean conservation and the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems.
I am turning the tide on pollution—one ghost net at a time.
Inspired by…. Sonya Clark
Textile and social practice artist Sonya Clark is renowned for her mixed-media works that address race and visibility, explore Blackness, and redress history. This online exhibition—the first survey of Clark’s 25-year career—includes the artist’s well-known sculptures made from black pocket combs, human hair, and thread as well as works created from flags, currency, beads, cotton plants, pencils, books, a typewriter, and a hair salon chair.
April & Beyond Blog
ONGOING
Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined
Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21
Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD
Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation
Dates: January 17- July 17
Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY
NEXT
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair with KATES-FERRI PROJECTS
Dates: May 1-4
Location: 1:54NY 601 W. 26th St. NY 10001 Booth #7
Touchstone Artist Residency
Dates: May 10-24
Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA
Free Your Mind @ Touchstone
Dates: May 17 – September 20
Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA
Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry
Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024
Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ
Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery
Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30
Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm
Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE
American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded
Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15
Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
Ponytails & Door Knocker Earrings Installation
If you are in New York City, please go see my installation in the lobby of Time Equities and let me know what you think. The lobby is open 24/7/365.
Exhibition Dates: January 17- July 17
Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY
Elaborate strands of rope, meticulously wrapped, woven, tied, and adorned with recycled beads, zip ties, ribbon, lace, tape, and bells beckon you towards a vibrant installation that serves as a visual representation of natural hair. These daring and playful sculptures delicately encourage viewers to engage in unconventional dialogues surrounding microaggressions, stereotypes, and implicit bias specifically faced by black women embracing their natural hair.
Can you relate too?
I not really into metal; I was more into 80’s punk and hip hop. However, I can still completely relate to being the only person of color in predominantly Caucasian settings.
Vestiges of Masquerade
“Through ‘Vestiges of Masquerade,’ I delve into the echoes left behind after the festivities have ended and the costumes have been put away. This work embodies artifacts, adornments, and symbolic imagery that resonate with the essence of a masquerade. This piece serves as a totem, evoking a profound sense of mystery, allure, and wistful remembrance, inviting viewers to explore the enchanting world of masquerades long after the masks have been removed.
