I got lots of fast growing Tan Tan trees in the wilds of my property in St Croix… maybe I could make them more interesting and weave them into a structure of some sort. I keep cutting the Tan Tan back and they keep coming back like weeds… Ideas percolating over here.
Exploring the Intersection of Individual Artistic Vision and Group Creativity
January 27 – February 3, 2024
How does the synergy of collective creativity influence your artistic approach? In what ways do you derive inspiration from your creative community?
SDA’s upcoming online conference in 2024, titled “Parallel Play,” aspires to construct a communal environment where the confluence of individual artistic perspectives and collaborative creativity can be thoroughly explored.
Engage with fellow creators to investigate the transformative power of cross-disciplinary interactions, diverse interpretations, and shared discoveries in shaping innovative thought processes.
Immerse yourself in a week-long experience featuring presentations by esteemed speakers Ruth E. Carter and Nnenna Okore, accompanied by over 15 hours of diverse programming.
I will be participating as the conference as Artist in Residence with open studio hours on
Monday January 29, 2pm ET
Thursday February 1, 2pm ET
Please register through SDA’s website. The conference will be held over Zoom and will be recorded and available to attendees until the end of March 2024.
In the whirlwind of our daily lives, the depth of meaning carried by ordinary objects often escapes our notice. Amidst the commonplace, the unassuming shopping cart emerges as an unacknowledged heroine, quietly threading its way through the intricate fabric of our societal and cultural tapestry.
The Multifaceted Language of Materials:
Picture the shopping cart not just as a practical carrier of groceries but as a canvas adorned with the threads of our experiences. Crafted from materials that carry layers of metaphorical significance, each cart tells a unique story. The cool, metallic structure might symbolize suburbanism and convenience, yet simultaneously evoke contemplation about homelessness and food insecurity.
As we traverse the aisles of life, our hands establish a tangible connection with the world and the people around us. The materials speak in a silent language, open to interpretation by each observer. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the floor becomes a beat accompanying us on the journey through life.
Unveiling the Unseen:
Much like a tapestry, the genuine beauty of the shopping cart lies in the unseen threads—intangible elements weaving through our emotions. It becomes a vessel for personal translations, reflecting our unique perspectives. Projecting meanings onto the cart’s textile, tangible and abstract emotions intertwine.
Placing items in the cart becomes a metaphor for life choices. What we choose to keep or discard mirrors the decisions we confront daily. The cart transforms into a tangible representation of our personal narrative, an evolving story told through the products we select and release.
An Invitation to Reflect:
Amidst the chaos, I encourage you to pause and peer more closely within. Engage with the materials, trace the contours of the cart, and reflect on the emotions it stirs within you. Consider your story—what memories do you deposit in the cart, and how does pushing it metaphorically align with navigating the twists and turns of your unique journey?
In the grand tapestry of life, the shopping cart assumes a central role as a silent yet powerful storyteller. Its materials, structure, and the experiences encapsulated within contribute to a narrative that is exclusively yours. So, the next time you find yourself guiding a shopping cart, remember, it’s not just about procuring goods; you are intricately weaving the fabric of your own story.
Follow the Thread: Emotional Baggage Cart InstallationFollow the Thread: Emotional Baggage Cart InstallationFollow the Thread: Emotional Baggage Cart Installation
Location: Equity Gallery, 245 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
I Am My Hair
Exhibition Dates: through January 1, 2024
Location: Louis L. Redding Gallery, 800 North French Street, Wilmington DE 19801
Excellence In Fibers
Exhibition Dates: through January 7, 2024.
Location:San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textile; 520 S First St, San Jose, CA
World of Threads Festival
Exhibition Dates: through January 14, 2024
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre; 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 3L5, Canada
NEXT YEAR
Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry
Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024
Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ
Exhibiting Artists: Eileen Braun, Anina Major, Leon Niehues, Mo Kelman, Terrol Dew Johnson & Aranda/Lasch, Becca Barolli, Sylvie Alusitz, Hanna Vogel, and Dennis Redmoon Darkeem.