” . . . . Do what you can. Use what you have.” –Arthur Ashe
Ribbon and caution tape 
Adding the pearls
How Has The Pandemic Affected My Work?
Ive been asked if the pandemic has affected me several times over the past year and a half…
The pandemic has forced me to rethink my social practice; how I create my work and source my materials are now done with social distancing in mind. Art supply swap meet ups became Glad bag recycled goodie drop offs with the doorman. In person work shops replaced by Zoom studio visits.
The pandemic alone time has given me space to be present to old emotional baggage and say good bye to many lingering conversations that have been inhabiting my head. Creating space for new and old ideas to co-mingle and inspire
Pandemic Vibes…
New Artist Statement
Utilizing 100-foot extensions of rope, twine, and yarn impeccably wrapped, woven, tied and embellished with recycled beads, ribbon, lace, tape and bottle cap bobbles, I lure you into her hue-imbued, enmeshed installations symbolizing natural hair. My bold, albeit whimsically twisted and locked forms gingerly invite the audience into off the-wall conversations about micro aggressions against black women and their hair.
Using personal conflict as a starting point, I juxtapose various fibers with a variety of found materials using free form weaving, coiling, knotting, wrapping and jewelry making techniques. Meticulously collected materials, transformed by their collective memory become “social fabric” weaving together contemporary issues and personal narratives.
Community art making is also key to my process. Multi-disciplinary experiences pairing people, food, wine, music and art, create a safe space to explore themes such as equity & inclusion, sustainability and personal wellbeing.
Upcoming Artist Talks
Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 7-8pm The Center for Contemporary Art virtual studio visit. Register here.
Friday, March 5, 2021 6-9pm Weave Weird Baggagecarts JC Friday. Register here.
Please save these dates. Registration links forthcoming.
Thursday, May 27, 2021 7-9pm Microaggressions MoCADA Artist Talk
Saturday, June 12, 2021 3-5pm Microaggressions MoCADA Workshop
Virtual Studio Visit 3/4
I am the third prize & solo exhibition winner in the International Juried Exhibition, Victor Davson, juror.
Join me for a virtual studio visit to see what Ive been up to this past year on Thursday March 4th @ 7:00pm ET.
Registration fee is free for members of The Center for Contemporary Art and $15 for non-members.
Inspired by Grace Jones
Thanks to pandemic protocols, images from Nottingham Contemporary (UK) exhibition about Grace Jones are online.
See the exhibit HERE.
Ive always loved Grace Jones for her fully unapologetic self expression. She is a true original.
“If You are Lonely When You are Alone, You’re in Bad Company”
Grace Jones
Inspiration by Jacob Hashimoto
I was first taken with Jacob Hashimoto images on Pinterest and found myself collecting his works for my inspiration board over and over again.
So imagine how tickled I was to learn TSGNY was hosting a virtual artist talk with him this Fall.
I had many questions about how he assembles his kites, the materials he uses and how he transports his large installation works. He answered all this and more.
It was an illuminating and inspiring talk. See for yourself…
January Exhibitions
Finding Your Inner Artist
Learn how I developed my artistic self-expression as a means of art therapy.
Get inspired to embrace your creativity and your art, in whatever form feels right to you while enjoy an intimate tour of my art studio and current works in progress.
See you on Sunday, January 10, 2021, for a journey into personal creativity.
Sunday January 10, 2021 12:00 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register for this Zoom Here
Privilege, Power and Everyday Life
Please mark your calendar on Friday, January 15, 2021 for my curator talk about with Studio Montclair. I’ll be talking about the works selected for the show and how art can encourage dialog about implicit bias and stereotypes.
The Exhibit Dates are January 15 – February 19, 2021
I will share the link to the Zoom Registration link and virtual gallery link as soon as I get the links
2021 International Juried Exhibition
I have two works of the 51 pieces in the show, selected from more than 740 entries from 259 artists by juror Victor Davson.
The Exhibition Dates are January 15, 2021 – February 28, 2021
The exhibition opening reception will take place virtually via Zoom on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 6pm. Registration Link to follow
The Center for Contemporary Art is located at 2020 Burnt Mills Road Bedminster, NJ.
Fiber Art Now’s Excellence In Fibers VI.
My work Caribbean Friendship Bracelet was selected for Fiber Art Now’s Excellence In Fibers VI.
View the virtual online exhibition on New Bedford Art Museum’s website HERE through March 2021. I am in the Sculptural artist group.
Pieces of Me
Featuring the Works of:
Preksha Kapadia, Blond Jenny, and Theda Sandiford
Curated by Kristin J. DeAngelis
On view at The Majestic located at 222 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey through end of February 2021.
To schedule a viewing, please contact curator, Kristin J. DeAngelis: (201) 280-4821 or kd@107bowersgallery.com.
Jersey City Arts Awards
Rewatch the Jersey City Arts Awards on YouTube
Finding Your Inner Artist
Finding Your Inner Artist
Join me for the “The Ellementa Show” on Sunday, Jan 10, 2021, for a journey into personal creativity.
Learn how I developed my artistic self-expression as a means of art therapy.
Get inspired to embrace your creativity and your art, in whatever form feels right to you while enjoy an intimate tour of my art studio and current works in progress.
See you on Sunday, Jan 10, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register for this Zoom Here