This sculpture consists of two busts connected by their braids. For this project I reference my mother on the left and myself on the right. The main concept is that mother and daughter are connected by multiple things including, the fact that they’re family and because of the experiences they share. I remember my mom taught me to love my hair even if she didn’t know how to do it because her mom didn’t teach her. I am self taught and plan to teach my future daughter. Overall, this sculpture represents how the way we do our hair is passed down through generations of black women.
Black Gaia (2023), Ceramic/Stoneware Clay and, gold leaf
For this sculpture I chose to reference the idea that a black woman’s hair is her own personal crown. Themes of divine feminine and Mother Earth come up with this piece. With this piece, I’m continuing the idea that natural hair and the natural world are similar. I created a bust of a woman and then configured her hair out of shapes that look like leaves and vines. The vines in her hair double also double as locs. In order to emphasize the idea of hair being a black woman’s crown, I have her eyes covered. Covering her eyes with her hair also symbolizes the idea of confidence from within and being at peace with who we are. The finishing touches on this sculpture were the tree-like markings in her body and gold leaf.
The Fro -Tree (2023), 11 3/4″ x 9 1/2″ x 25,” Ceramic/Stoneware Clay
For this sculpture, I wanted to create a ceramic version of The Fro-Tree. It was unintentional but the kiln left a leaf mark on the back of the sculpture. I carved markings into her body to make her even more tree-like. The idea is that she’s peaceful, confident, and one with nature. Using actual materials from the Earth to create something that has a theme of natural world really adds to the nature like qualities.