Theda Sandiford is a Conceptual Materials Social Practice Artist who uses everyday objects—like zip ties, bottle caps, and marine debris—to explore themes of equity, inclusion, and microaggressions. Her art draws on her lived experiences and challenges societal biases, using materials that reflect resilience and transformation. The “Blackity Black Blanket,” a prominent piece, uses zip ties woven into fishing nets, symbolizing both softness and discomfort to represent the persistent “poking” of microaggressions. Sandiford’s work often delves into the subtle, often unintentional, racial biases that marginalized people face daily, such as backhanded compliments or prejudiced behaviors. She encourages awareness and mindfulness of these microaggressions, advocating for empathy and a deeper understanding of others’ experiences. Her installations, inspired by marine waste and personal artifacts, invite viewers to engage with challenging conversations around stereotypes and bias, using her art to spark dialogue and reflection on societal issues.
Discover more about Theda Sandiford’s remarkable journey and the stories behind her work in her interview with Fibre Arts Take Two. You can read the full interview here.
The National Leaders of Color Fellowship (LoCF) is accepting Mid Atlantic region applications through Sunday, October 13th! LoCF is a transformative leadership development experience curated by WESTAF in order to establish multicultural leadership in the creative and cultural sector. By partnering with the other United States Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) the program has expanded nationwide and its mission has become a national endeavor.
Mid Atlantic Arts is pleased to provide support for the Fellows from the 10 states, territories, districts, and commonwealth’s that make up our region – DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, PR, USVI, VA, and WV.
The Fellowship will take place completely online, typically from late fall through early summer of the subsequent year. During this no-cost eight-month Fellowship, fellows receive access to specialists in the field, strategic learning objectives determined to deepen thought on anti-racist and culturally-oriented leadership practices, and national-level network and cohort building. Upon completion of this program, participants transition to alumni status and have opportunities to collaborate with the USRAO in their region as advisors, funding panelists, and/or other professional capacities.
Rain falls on high, where the hawk flies, Bathing its feathers under wide, open skies. In droplets pure, its wings find grace, Nature’s gentle touch in a quiet embrace.
The storm above, fierce and wild, Meets the hawk’s strength, unbeguiled. With every drop, a song of the free, A cleansing hymn for you and me.
For in the rain, the hawk stands tall, Finding solace in the sky’s gentle call. Through clouds and storms, it soars unchained, In the rain’s caress, its spirit sustained.
In the heart of every community lies a unique tapestry of stories, histories, and shared experiences. These elements, woven together, form the vibrant fabric of communal identity. As an artist deeply committed to fostering this sense of belonging, I believe in the transformative power of placemaking through monumental, artist-guided community artwork.
Placemaking: The Art of Belonging
Placemaking is an action-oriented approach that brings people together to shape their public spaces. It turns physical environments into communal havens, fostering social interaction and engagement. Through monumental art, placemaking becomes an immersive experience where each community member has a role to play.
Monumental Art: A Canvas for Community
Monumental art transcends the ordinary, capturing the essence of a community on a grand scale. These projects are not just about creating impressive visuals; they are about embedding collective narratives into the landscape. Each element of the artwork, reflects the voices and visions of the community it represents.
Artist-Guided Collaboration: Uniting Voices
Guiding a community through the creation of an artwork is an enriching journey. As an artist, my role is to facilitate this process, ensuring every participant feels heard and valued. This collaboration infuses the artwork with diverse perspectives, transforming it into a mosaic of collective identity.
Impact Beyond Aesthetics
The impact of artist-guided community artwork extends far beyond aesthetics. It strengthens social bonds, fosters pride, and ignites a sense of ownership among community members. These creations become landmarks, both physically and emotionally, standing as testaments to the power of collective effort and shared vision.
Join the Journey & Free Your Mind
I invite you to join me on this incredible journey of placemaking through “Free Your Mind”. Free Your Mind is a public textile art project aiming to collect, exhibit, embed and release personal narratives about Microaggressions in a multi-sensory installation.
This year, Free Your Mind is engaging audiences at Touchstone Center for Crafts in PA from May 17- September 20 and the Delaware Contemporary June 7- August 30th.
Together, we can create work that resonates with meaning, vibrancy, and a deep sense of community. Let’s turn our shared spaces into living canvases, where every member of our community sees themselves reflected and celebrated. In the spirit of collaboration and creativity, let’s craft artwork that enriches our collective spirit.
In a world often governed by norms and conventions, the outsider holds a unique position—a position of strength. Freed from the constraints of mainstream thinking, the outsider is empowered to craft their own narrative, forge their own path, and envision alternative realities.
Being an outsider isn’t about exclusion; it’s about liberation. It’s about embracing difference and finding strength in individuality. By constantly challenging the status quo, the outsider becomes a catalyst for change, offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
In this space of creative autonomy, the outsider cultivates a rich tapestry of ideas, birthing new paradigms and reshaping the landscape of possibility. So, embrace your outsider status, and revel in the power of building your own alternative. After all, it’s often on the fringes where true transformation takes root.
As the countdown begins, I’m gearing up for an exciting six weeks stateside, packed with artistic endeavors and meaningful engagements. Touching down in New Jersey on April 27th marks the start of a whirlwind of creativity.
My first stop? Installing my work at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair on April 29th, setting the stage for a showcase of diverse perspectives and artistic voices. From May 1st to 5th, the fair will be abuzz with inspiration and dialogue, offering a platform for African art to shine.
Next I transition into the Touchstone Artist Residency from May 10th to 24th, where I’ll immerse myself into my microaggressions series and exploring new dimensions of expression and healing. This residency promises a fertile ground for experimentation and growth.
An exciting highlight awaits on May 22nd, as I share insights and reflections during a talk on “Free Your Mind” at the Touchstone Center for Crafts—a moment to ignite dialogue and foster understanding through art.
The momentum continues with the opening of “Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry” at the Hunterdon Art Museum on May 19th, an exploration of traditional craft intersecting with contemporary vision.
And marking a crescendo to my journey, I’ll unveil “Free Your Mind” at the Delaware Contemporary during their season opening on June 7th—a celebration of art, expression, and liberation.
When the curtains draw on this enriching chapter, I’ll carry home with me a tapestry of experiences and connections, further fueling my artistic journey on the vibrant shores of STX. Until then, let the adventure unfold.
My art process is a tapestry of community, found materials, and collective memory. I gather discarded items, each carrying its own story, and weave them into new narratives. Through collaborative workshops and beach clean ups, I engage with community members, listening to their stories and incorporating their memories into my work. This shared journey transforms individual experiences into a collective history. My art is not just a creation, but a communal act of remembrance, healing, and celebration of our intertwined lives and histories.
I not really into metal; I was more into 80’s punk and hip hop. However, I can still completely relate to being the only person of color in predominantly Caucasian settings.
(@meredithbellmusic)