In Celebration of Excellence and The Ordinary
Ebony pushes for an impossible image of Black respectability. Instead of Black people failing to achieve this goal something else happens, like magic through the queering of western standards an alternate vein of success is created and a new standard comes to light. My work speaks to the greatness of this Black Excellence but also questions whether this standard seen in the pages of Ebony is also creating a new hurdle that is impossible to jump over. By this Excellence becoming an expectation of not just Black success but often survival we take on a burden that rarely allows us rest, and the generosity of just being basic people who can be wonderfully ordinary.
Surf and Turf, September 2022, 16x20 inches, Gouache, collage, acrylic,and gold leaf and vintage charms on wood panelDate with a Dish, 2023, 16x20 inches, Acrylic, collage and gold leafSashaying into Summer, 2022, 11x14 inches, Gouache, collage, acrylic, and vintage charmsA Brave Little Beginning, 18x24 inches, Acrylic, vinyl and gold leaf on wooden panelColor It Black, Baby, But By All Means Color It, 2023, 18x24 inches, Acrylic, vinyl and gold leaf on wooden panelChance Encounters, 2020, Gouache, collage, acrylic, and gold leaf on wood panel, 11 x 14 inchesAvon Calling, 2020, Gouache, collage, acrylic, and gold leaf on wood panel, 11 x 14 inchesTennis Stars, 2020, Gouache collage, acrylic, and gold leaf on wood panel, 11 x 14 inchesScenes of Importance, 2020, Gouache, collage, acrylic, and gold leaf on wood panel, 11 x 14 inchesPool parties are a Popular Pastime, 2020, Gouache, collage, acrylic, and gold leaf on wood panel, 11 x 14 inchesSheila, Linda, and Crystal, 2020, Collage, acrylic, and gold leaf on wood panel, 11 x 14 inches