Chicago will be seeing Black men

Melodye's hands were a blur as she described the nuances and varieties in Black men physical characteristics and my willingness to take on this challenge when depicting the Men. Her mind races faster than her hands as only an artist would with her excitement over hosting (In)Visible Men this month. I'm still amazed at the irony of her discovering my work in October while I was always a fan of her children's books.

This will be the first public exhibition of the work in Chicago and I'm excited that former students and friends living in the city may be able to see my work. The opening reception is February 12 and the show runs to March 4, 2016.

Why do I have to die to be seen?

Don't get it twisted, I have no suicidal inclinations! I'm an artist and I live to create life. But don't wait until I'm dead to see me.  And read this article in the NY Times. I remember having to seek out Black art history while I negotiated a white dominant discipline. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/arts/design/black-artists-and-the-march-into-the-museum.html?_r=0

I Still Paint....As Black Men Die

There's no explanation for why this paintings is still in progress. No deadlines are looming and retirement is less than 35 working days away. I was down with the flu last week and thought the time home would motivate me but it didn't. Too much negative news in the media involving Black men and the Laquan McDonald shooting in Chicago is discouraging. Today I painted because I needed to paint. Under painting is relaxing too. I hope the month of December will be productive and no one dies. 

CMN 340 Visual Politics

This is the final two weeks of (In)Visible Men at the YMCA. I received this wonderful note from an instructor in a communications class at the U of I who attended the show with a class. I appreciate the feedback.

Mindless Monochromatic Meandering

Spent the evening with the men. Progress is slow since my deadlines are my own. It was very relaxing to sit at the easel this evening. I had lower braces placed Tuesday so the distraction from mouth issues were welcomed. Sucking on pretzels is the only way to eat them. Almonds are out of the question. 

Three Gentlemen

As I was sketching Shawn, Rodney, and Mashawn on the canvas today I reflected on the thought that these men wanted to be seen. They sought me out. I'd been attracted to Mashawn for more than a year. He's Hatian and his size betrays his attitude. He's a very humble man. He stopped by the office with Rodney and Shawn. I had never met the others but I was surprised when Rodney shared he was a graphics major. No information on Shawn yet but I loved his indifference when we took the pics and his stare into the distance in contrast to Rodney and Mashawn's gaze. Yogi will have to wait. 

Deidre's Acquisition

I'm so proud of Deidre. She was 12 years old when her parents reproduced Mother Africa in 1994 as a limited edition. 21 years later she became the owner of the original. I'm going to miss that painting but I know it's in good hands.