Pages from the Black Book

"Pages from the Black Book" is a concentration of pieces depicting the life struggles, fears, joys and triumphs found in the Black Diasporas.
The concentration is broken up into 5 series; Africa, Slavery, Jim Crow, Harlem Renaissance and Today. Each piece you see will fall into one of these series, illustrating the passion and the sentiment of said time or place.
Together, these series form the pages of the black book- provocatively and poignantly expressing the emotion of Black people through my eyes, my hand and my pencil.
This body of work is meant to be a living and breathing voice, both to its audience, and its subjects. Provoking the most genuinely raw response of understanding, sympathy and awe is the essence of art. It is the reason I create. It is the message I convey.
May you be moved.

NMcc.

“Forgiveness”

Media: Charcoal

- Picece from my “Woman’s Wrath” series depicting the emotions women go through in love and life.

“Oh Lawdy, pick a bale o’ cotton; Oh Lawdy, pick a bale o’ hay”

Mixed Media: black charcoal, white charcoal, acrylic

“Grandaddy’s Gators”

-Charcoal

“Humble”

“Humble”

Credit Line: Charcoal

An artist is never ahead of his time, but most people are far behind theirs

—Edgard Varese

Credit Line: Mixed media- acrylic, newspaper, charcoal; 9/2010

 

This piece is an illustration of a grandfather on a bench reading the morning paper.

I wanted to capture the illumination of early morning sunlight in the park for this piece. It was crucial that through the collage of newspaper in the background, that the depiction of the grandfather showed emphasis on sunlight and detail.

The detailing of his clothing was instrumental in stressing how important a clean and presentable appearance has always been to elderly black men.

It is a story told on top of stories. Take time to cast a light behind this piece and you will see the illumination of articles behind him reading. Enjoy.

“It Takes A Village” -$675

26-1/2” x 34”

Credit Line: Mixed Media- Acrylic, Charcoal; 02/2011

 

This is an illustration of the old African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” In this piece you can see hands laid upon the swollen belly of a pregnant woman in support of her and her future child.

This proverb can be found true til this day still. Cultures around the world still follow its calling of those surrounding to take care of a child in need. It truly does take a village.

“Body Paint” -$775

24” x 48”

Credit Line: Mixed Media- Acrylic and Charcoal; 10/2010

 This Piece depicts three African women painted in tribal body art. The use of black and white on the bodies was purposeful to contrast the bright color washed background.

In this piece the women proudly show off not only their bodies, but their culture as well. Body paint can be done for ritual and ceremonial reasons. These three beautiful women are readily awaiting their celebration. Come join them.