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Works in Progress
The Work in Progress session documented my creative processes. As an artist, I spend hours in the studio working on different collages and paintings; I love experimenting with fresh materials and media. Playing with the materials and creating narrative art is a part of life. Please examine my works in progress and give me feedback. I post work on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Please follow me on social media. If you would like to learn information about the works, please email [email protected].
I was inspired by The Monopoly Board game. I remembered playing the game with my family and friends during my childhood. As a child, I loved using the race car as my game piece. Monopoly taught me capitalism and money management. It helped me escape my reality of not having money. The objective of the game was to own as much property as possible without losing all your money. When I played the game, I remember charging people money for the get out jail free cards. Also, I purchased property in rows/ sections in order to collect rent.
I love sharing my artworks and the stories. I prepared this piece for a charity fundraiser in Philadelphia at the Bridgette Mayers Gallery on October 2021. I created Peanut butter, jelly time from my childhood memories. I remembered my mother making Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for my sister and I. She had a special technique for making the delicious sandwiches. She used Stroman's bread, Peter Pan peanut butter, and Welch's grape jelly. My mother worked magic in the kitchen. I asked my mother how to make the sandwich and she taught me. When my mother taught me how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I felt enlightened for two reasons. First, I could make my own sandwiches. Second, I could become independent and confident in the kitchen. Ironically, I make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for my daughter. Eventually, I will pass down the family secret. I am blessed to share my stories with you.
My childhood memories of church inspired me. I found an old calendar book about lighthouses and started drawing lighthouse. Looking and drawing lighthouses brought back memories of the church. The lighthouse was a major symbol at my church. It was on pamphlets and brochure throughout the church. I felt safe behind the walls of the church; because the lighthouse represented hope and spiritual direction. I attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church in southwest Philadelphia. I remembered attending church with my family. I served as an altar boy and carried the cross down the aisles. I sang in the men's choir and attended summer bible camp. The congregation treated me like family. They always had positive things to say. I remembered talking with my pastor, Derrick Jackson. Pastor Jackson motivated me to become a successful person and a strong Christian man. I am grateful and blessed to share my memories through art. Thank you for your support.
"Lighting bugs in a jar" is about a childhood memory. I remembered playing in the abandon lots in Philadelphia during the hot summer months. The lots had overgrown grass and weeds. The lots were a good place to collect lighting bugs at night. We collected old jars and punched holes in the lid tops. At night time, I and my friends would catch lightning bugs in the tall grass.. It was a beautiful sight, watching the lighting bugs dance across the grassy fields. We would have a contest to see who caught the most at the end of night. Thank you for your support and God Bless.