Homecoming

About the Book

As an artist, I consider myself a visual storyteller, highlighting the stories of people and places that have had a significant impact on African- American life today. My painting pay tribute to: slaves, sharecroppers and countless of others whose lives were often unappreciated during their time. I seek to glorify their existence, presenting them as strong, proud and empowered while also illuminating their plight and showing their pain; their joy together. As an artist I feel that it is incumbent upon me to tell the story of the African- American experience through my paintings; And in so doing I am telling the story of the many unsung heroes who gave their lives because they refused to submit to the whims of the oppressor.

About the Author

My artwork is a reflection of my childhood memories of growing up in the Deep South during the 60s. I grew up in a large family with many kids around to play with. It was always a joyous time around the house. We did not have a TV in those days so we spent a lot of time gathered around grown-ups Listening to stories, and singing songs. We entertained ourselves with the arts: singing, dancing drawing and painting right up to bedtime. My uncle was a very good artist. He taught me how to draw and paint with color pencil. My grandmother had an old family bible that was tattered and worn and was filled with great biblical paintings, like the paintings of the great masters. Every night I would flip through each page, one by one admiring the beautiful pictures. I would then draw the pictures as precisely as I could, coping every detail. I became so good at drawing those images, that I began telling my own story through my paintings.