Artist Statement for Counting My Blessing
“Counting my blessings” is a visual documentation of my spiritual journey as an African-American male and how I overcame my personal obstacles in order to become a successful member of society. My collages and oil paintings are a testimony of how God intervened and guided me to success despite harsh environments. I was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia and I lived The Bartram Village Housing Projects for several years as a child. I was exposed to drugs and violence; as a result, my future was considered bleak according to governmental statistics and mass media. I am supposed to be incarcerated, a drug addict, or a high school drop according to national statistic. My life took a different direction despite the cultural stereotypes of society.
I survived my harsh environment and became a father, a successful artist and art educator by the grace of God. My paintings and collages represents the good, the bad and misrepresented. My images are comprised of family history and determination, fatherhood, spiritual connection, and pursuit of the American Dream. I believed that God guided me through the social obstacles and made me stronger despite my lack of resources. I want the viewer to gain the understanding that if you believe in God and have faith; then, you can achieve and overcome.
I survived my harsh environment and became a father, a successful artist and art educator by the grace of God. My paintings and collages represents the good, the bad and misrepresented. My images are comprised of family history and determination, fatherhood, spiritual connection, and pursuit of the American Dream. I believed that God guided me through the social obstacles and made me stronger despite my lack of resources. I want the viewer to gain the understanding that if you believe in God and have faith; then, you can achieve and overcome.
"Counting my Blessings"
Pendle Hill, The Tea Room Gallery
338 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, PA 19086
610 566 4507, ext 137
www.pendlehill.org.
January 4, 2020- April 23, 2020
Reception: Sunday, Jan. 5, 2pm to 4pm
Pendle Hill, The Tea Room Gallery
338 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, PA 19086
610 566 4507, ext 137
www.pendlehill.org.
January 4, 2020- April 23, 2020
Reception: Sunday, Jan. 5, 2pm to 4pm
Prints will be sold during the reception