Artist Statement

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Embracing the mythologies, cultures and pathos of the African Diaspora, Australian Aborigines, Native American and Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand), my work has evolved into a “potpourri” of many of these indigenous peoples’ cultures as presented in the images included in this site.

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My sculptures either remain in their mixed media form (steel, newspaper, plaster bandages, cowrie shells, acrylic paint or amber shellac with brown wax) or they are cast in bronze, iron or aluminum.  The main material in the mixed media art is plaster bandage; other work consists of figures which are modeled in clay and cast in one of the afore-mentioned metals. These, like most of my work, explore my love of geometry, cubism, mythology, anthropomorphism, textures and Egyptian/Nubian art and symbols. It also incorporates an improvisational style of painting/symbols which is evident on the mixed media sculptures using acrylic paint. and in my 2D work. On the metal pieces a pneumatic air scribe is used to etch some of these designs into the metal. This style of painting is done to give a visually textured effect. My other objective is to simulate the look and colors of African mudcloth.

 

Over the years my work has progressed and is now linked to a relatively "new" genre: Afrofuturism.

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The level of enthusiasm for a concept which hadn't been defined until the mid 90s, gives an insight into how far Afrofuturism has come and how many people now identify with its ideas. First coined by cultural critic Mark Dery in an essay called 'Black to the Future.' In literature Afrofuturism is represented by the work of Octavia Butler and Ishmael Reed. Films: John Sayles, "The Brother From Another Planet."

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The manifestation of Afrofuturism in my work is exemplified in the areas of dance, masks, figures, vessels, abstract sculpture, paintings, and reliefs. It is particularly exemplified in most of my work, but it is more evident in “The 24 Guardians.”

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