Conceptual Materials Social Practice Artist
This soft fiber sculpture is inspired by my research into the traditional masquerade costumes of St. Croix’s Old Time Christmas Festival.
It represents “Pitchy Patchy,” a character known for wearing a suit of tattered, colorful fabric pieces. In the festival, Pitchy Patchy acts as an enforcer, maintaining order among the carnival masquerades and performers.
After The Dance is a vibrant homage to the spirit of Caribbean carnival festivities—a celebration of the transformative power of joy. This piece, crafted from wire, a beaded bib, chenille, ribbon, acrylic yarns, metallic rayon fabric, metallic yarn, and three-ply cotton rope, captures the kaleidoscope of color and movement that defines carnival.
The textures and materials intertwine to evoke the exuberance of masquerade costumes, the rhythm of soca and calypso, and the shimmer of sequins catching the sun.
Through this work, I reflect on the ephemeral yet profound nature of carnival. The piece is a snapshot of the moments “after the dance,” when the streets grow quieter but the energy of celebration lingers, echoing in our bodies and spirits.
After The Dance invites the viewer to celebrate the beauty of transformation, community, and the enduring cultural legacies carried forward through carnival—a vivid reminder that even in the aftermath, the spirit of the dance lives on.
Next step will be to sew beads onto the rope…
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
Event: Every1 – Opening & Awards
Hosts: Kimberly Harding and Emily Dvorin
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.
Information and Registration here: Virtually Woven 2024
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.
Head over to Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY anytime day or night to see the installation before it comes down.