"Come by Ya Indian Red" and "Ma Mitt"

Title: Come by Ya Indian Red’

Size: 12x12in 

Medium: Print, Intaglio Collograph with Carborundum, mounted on pine

Title: Ma Mitt

Size: 12x12in 

Medium: Print, Intaglio dry point, mounted on pine

Introduction:

These two works are part of a series of work exploring the threads of family structure and heritage. The work is driven by a didactic purpose, aiming to bring to light the often overlooked historical narratives that shape the collective experience across the African Diaspora. The series features pieces such as "Come by ya indian red" “bitter Soil, Bluebird of happiness, and "Ma Mitt," each offering a glimpse into specific chapters of my familial history.

"Come by ya indian red" encapsulates the odyssey of my Great Grandmother Selina Fields, utilizing the powerful symbol of an automobile against the canvas of the Great Migration. This piece serves as a visual narrative, portraying the vehicle as a catalyst for empowerment, facilitating the escape of African Americans from the constraints of the Southern United States.

"Ma Mitt" delves deeper into the intricate layers of history, unraveling the transition from slavery to sharecropping. Here, the artwork unveils the deceptive semblance of independence within this new system, symbolized by children adorned with tobacco leaves. This visual metaphor speaks to the complex intertwining of beauty with a future intricately connected to the historical complexities of the tobacco trade. Collectively, these artworks invite viewers to engage in a contemplative visual journey through time, fostering a deeper understanding of the nuanced layers of our past and the enduring echoes that resonate in our present. Through this work, I aim to elicit a thoughtful response from my audience, encouraging them to reflect on the shared narratives within the African American experience and sparking conversations about the complexities of our history.