From 2011 to 2015, I created oil paintings addressing different aspects of my life, ranging from fear, race, and religion. I worked with the legendary artist, James Dupree, to help me carry out my vision. James Dupree was my mentor and lifetime friend, and I reached out to him. I worked with James Dupree for five summers and created twenty paintings and drawings. James taught me how to become a better painter and dig deeper into my messages. Working with James helped me unleash my talents to become a better artist. The artworks below are a good examples of narrative painting and good draftsmanship.
Riding to the Promise land, Oil on Canvas, 34x36, $ 2,000.00
I was inspired by watching A different World in the 90's. I loved the show; because, it showcased African-Americans attending historical blacks college. I wanted to capture the theme of determination. I created Riding to the promise land to document my personal journey of attending college and pursuing the American Dream despite the social obstacles. In the foreground, the large figure is traveling to the tower of enlightenment in the background. The figure must overcome the different obstacles as the stairways and the open doorways. When I look back, I blessed to have become successful.
The Face, Oil on canvas, 34 x36, $ 700.00
The Face is a self portrait. I was inspire by an incident that happen in my graduate program at Maryland Institute, College of Art. I attended a social gathering at the local bar on campus. I remembered an Asian gentleman approach me at the bar. I can tell he was a foreign due to his heavy accent. He asked me three questions at the bar. Can you dance? Can you sing? Can you rap? I answered all the questions with either yes or no. Then, he stated that I must not be a true African-American. He stated that all African Americans should be able to dance, rap, and sing. I felt insulted by the statement and corrected his ignorance. I realize that people create
Bullying of Cortez, Oil on canvas, 24x36, $ 2,000.00
I created The Bullies based upon a painful childhood memory of being attacked in the streets. The bullies lived in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, I could not defend myself due to the numbers of the attackers. As I laid on the ground, I screamed for help and no one help me. I remembered the spectators watched and laughed as I was assaulted. I was traumatized by the incident and was afraid to go outside for a few months. The experience made me bitter and paranoids about large gathering. My experiences made me help students experiences the same problems. The Bullies are a documentation of how the act of bullying can destroy a community. Bullies have so much control over their victims. Their victims are afraid to tell someone due to retribution.
No Way Out, Mixed Medium, 11x14, $700.00
No way out was inspired by a job interview experience. I was interviewing for a high school art position in the Delaware. I worked for ten years teaching middle school, and I wanted to move up to the high school level. After ten years of teaching art, I acquired the experience of teaching to all grade level. I could teach elementary, middle school, high school, and college level. I received an interview from a highschool, and I was excited by the opportunity and prepared for my interview. I sat down and review the interview questions. I created different scenarios and possible questions. I attended the interview and brought samples of students' work to show to the panel. The interview panel asked me several questions and I was able to answer all the questions without hesitation. Also, I showed the panel my students' work and explained students projects. After the interview, I felt like I had the art position. Unfortunately, I was not hire for the position. I was crushed by the rejection, and could not understand. I was overqualified for the position. I had a bachelors and a Masters Degree with ten years of teaching experience. Then, I did my research and asked around about the interview. I called the human resource department and they could not give me true answers. I realized that my opportunity was limited due to They hired the an unqualified art teacher for the position who worked as a year round substitute. The experience taught me that opportunity for Now, I have a strong relationship with God and I learned to leave my problems at the door. When I
Lost but found, Oil on canvas, 34x 36, $ 2,000.00
I create Lost But Found based my personal theme of being lost. I was inspired by the concept of lost. Throughout my life, I have always tried to find my path of enlightenment. My
As a human being, I considered myself a lost soul. I Lost means traveling without a plan or purpose in life. The figure in my painting is lost mentally and physically. He trying to find his way but he is surrounded by endless pathways. The figure is surrounded different stairways leading to no where. Also, the figure is lost mentally hence his mind is wandering without a clear thought. I wanted to capture the feeling of learning helplessness. When people get lost, they become bewildered. How do you find you true path in life with getting lost. We learn better when we have the opportunity explore and get lost.
As a human being, I considered myself a lost soul. I Lost means traveling without a plan or purpose in life. The figure in my painting is lost mentally and physically. He trying to find his way but he is surrounded by endless pathways. The figure is surrounded different stairways leading to no where. Also, the figure is lost mentally hence his mind is wandering without a clear thought. I wanted to capture the feeling of learning helplessness. When people get lost, they become bewildered. How do you find you true path in life with getting lost. We learn better when we have the opportunity explore and get lost.