Ancestral Ties

 Original - Oil on canvas wrap

24"x 30"

Junteenth is a celebratory event with the richness of our culture and this painting is created to reflect that energy. The legacy of music and creative arts within the African American community is rendered in my signature style of Plastic Space abstraction swirling together into a moving breathing entity. I did a lot of research and sketching of ancient African musical instruments to gather images that work within my musical painting. I added cultural elements such as textiles, masks and wood carving patterns to enhance the flow of this creation. By sketching out the idea with graphite on paper, I work the design until it has balance and interest. Sometimes this process can take weeks or months until I feel ready to paint. Then I transfer it to canvas where I begin to add color with oils. This is the challenging part and often it takes a life of it's own and can go beyond the original sketch. This process takes time and concentration to complete and can last weeks, months, or in some cases, years. The final product can be a rewarding surprise.