The Atlantic Slave Trade laid the groundwork for modern capitalism, unfolding in three stages: arms, textiles, and wine from Europe to Africa; enslaved people from Africa to the Americas; and sugar and coffee from the Americas to Europe. The brutal Middle Passage marked the journey of enslaved Africans to the Americas.
As a Caribbean and African American woman, I am still emotionally unpacking my identity through this historical trauma. The metaphorical baggage carts, not fully covered in zip ties, symbolize my ongoing struggle with unresolved emotional baggage, reflecting a deep and personal connection to this painful history.
I am thrilled to invite you to the Free Your Mind Artist Talk at Touchstone Center for Crafts. Join me on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. to explore the profound impact of my work, either in person or through Zoom.
The Heart of Free Your Mind
Free Your Mind project is more than just art; it is a public textile installation that captures and liberates personal stories of microaggressions. This powerful work uses the medium of textile to weave together narratives that resonate on a deeply emotional level.
Event Highlights
Artist’s Perspective: Learn directly from me about the journey and vision behind Free Your Mind.
Interactive Experience: Engage with the artist and other attendees in meaningful conversations about the artwork and its themes.
Accessible to All: Join us from anywhere via Zoom. Ensure you register in advance for the September 24 talk.
Join the Conversation
Be part of this extraordinary event that combines art, storytelling, and social commentary. Register for the Zoom talk on September 24 today, and prepare to embark on a journey of artistic liberation.
There’s still a chance to participate in “Free Your Mind” at both the Delaware Contemporary and Touchstone Center for Crafts. This unique program invites community members to engage in a journey of self-expression and collective healing by releasing microaggressions from their personal narrative.
Share your story, connect with others, and contribute to a larger narrative of transformation. Join us and free your mind!
I am not speaking but I am planning to get my learn on, and act up in the chat. Care to join me?
Online Conference Presented Over 3 Fridays in July: July 12th, July 19th, July 26th
Schedule for Virtually Woven 2024! Three consecutive Fridays, with each Friday featuring a Panel Discussion, a Lunch Basket, and an Event. 11am to 3:30pm Each Friday – ALL times are Pacific Time
Friday July 12 – Gathered Gathered: a Panel Discussion Host: Eric Stark Panelists: Jeannet Leenderste, Kadey Ambrose, and Delia Fian
Lunch Basket: How do you begin? Do you gather? If so What & Why? Host: Anne Bowers
Friday July 19 – Alternative Host: Nick DeFord Panelists: Julia Gartrell, Linda Tien, Ellen Kelckner, and Lela Arruza
Event: Speaker: Gyöngy Laky, The Architecture of Basketry
Lunch Basket:Every1 Member Sharing Hosts: Emily Dvorin and Tony Best
Friday July 26 – Installed Installed: Panel Discussion Hosts: Ann Coddington & Amie Adelman Panelists: Rebecca Hutchinson, Carmen Mardonez, and Ashley Blalock
Lunch Basket: Tips & Tricks! Packing, Installation, and Presentation of Work Host: David Bacharach
Event Speaker: Jo Stealey, The Mind of a Maker
Closing of Virtually Woven 2024 (Including Nick DeFord’s signature cocktail/mocktail for this year!)
Virtually Woven 2024 is open to the public. The registration fee for all three days is $80. NBO members receive a discounted registration fee of $60 for all three days. Individual day passes are not available. Video recordings of panels and presentations will be available to members only on the NBO website after the conclusion of the conference.
Elaborate strands of rope, meticulously wrapped, woven, tied, and adorned with recycled beads, zip ties, ribbon, lace, tape, and bells beckon you toward a vibrant installation that visually represents 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 our natural hair.
This installation invites you to explore and reflect on the complexities of identity and beauty standards. Each piece tells a story of resilience and pride, challenging societal norms and sparking meaningful conversations. By engaging with these sculptures, viewers are encouraged to confront their own biases and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and struggles of Black women.
Elaborate strands of rope, meticulously wrapped, woven, tied, and adorned with recycled beads, zip ties, ribbon, lace, tape, and bells beckon you toward a vibrant installation that visually represents 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.
Installation Closes July 17
Head over to Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY anytime day or night to see the installation before it comes down.
My talk proposal; Free Your Mind: A Social Justice Public Art Project was accepted for presentation at the 2024 Textile Society of America Symposium titled “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles”. The Symposium will be held virtually on Zoom from November 12-17, 2024.
