Conceptual Materials Social Practice Artist
“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.
This work weaves together a tapestry of culture and blend of African print fabrics, acrylic yarn, and upcycled textiles. Each meticulously crafted strand intertwines to form a mesmerizing cascade of long, luscious locs of hair, delicately knotted and wrapped around six three-ply cotton ropes. These locs exudes a sense of strength, resilience, and beauty.
Sitting on my deck, enjoying the gentle warmth of the raindrops on my skin, I closed my eyes, letting myself be carried away by the soothing rhythm of the rain. Suddenly, my peaceful moment was interrupted by a unfamiliar sound. It was Amazon, shuffling through a playlist by Herbie Hancock, and then I heard “The Jungle Line.”
Intrigued, I opened my eyes and asked Alexa for more information. She told me it was from Herbie Hancock’s album “River: The Joni Letters,” released in 2007 as a tribute to Joni Mitchell. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t discovered this song or album before.
As the music continued, I found myself drawn in by its complexity. Joni Mitchell’s lyrics vividly depicted the blend of urban life and natural wilderness, while Leonard Cohen’s distinctive recitation added depth. And then there was Hancock’s skillful keyboard work, weaving intricate rhythms and atmospheric sounds together.
In moments like these, when the rain and music merged, I felt a profound connection to something greater – a fusion of nature and melody. It served as a powerful reminder of the unexpected beauty that can be found in simple moments of life.
Drawing inspiration from African hair beading traditions, different bottle caps have been strung together into colorful oversized beaded braids.
… is what happens when bottle caps are reimagined into beaded braids.
Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21
Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD
Woeful news likes to go viral.
I will not let this despair settle in, like forlorn fog.
I will find something to rejoice.
Convert bad news into cheerful song.
And unshackle this emotional baggage from my spirit.
Woe Be Gone…
Woebegone: Emotional Baggage Cart
Neon painted recovered shopping cart, waterproof reflective tape and blacklight strip
woven with plastic grocery & newspaper bags, paracord and t-shirt yarn.
36” x 40” x 24”
May 2023
Inspired by the lush vegetation found on my rainforest property, I wove single-use bottle caps into vines and flowers to reflects the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of vines, orchids, Heliconias, and Birds of Paradise that surround me.
I was going down a rabbit hole looking at images of masquerade costumes when I stumbled upon Tom Van der Borght’s work and was stopped in my tracks. WOW. I love his use of beads, zipties and paracord. It makes me rethink how i uses these same materials in my own work
What happens when vintage silk ties are woven onto a metal dress form adorned with a zip tie tunic?…
