Thursday, June 19, 2014

Image for Rika's book


My entry into Rika’s book was inspired during an artist retreat in the mountains of Pennsylvania, recently. Working with black paper was a bit of a challenge however I remembered that colored pencils actually glows on a black surface. I collaged some images from a collagraphic print and added shredded US money (commonly used in my work) to simulate hair for the standing figure, which is a fertility doll. The joined at the stomach crocodile symbol is one of many Adinkra symbols that visually illustrate Adinkra philosophy from Ghana. The name of this symbol FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU represents democracy and unity. (The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food). This popular symbol is a reminder, that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all whom engage in it. This journal project represents unity to me because we all live in different parts of the world and may not even know each other, yet we are unified by our contributions to each other through our art.

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