Liriodendron tulipifera + Juglans nigra + Cedrela odorata = Shoo Monkeys
Shoo Monkeys was carved from Poplar, Black Walnut, & Spanish Cedar. Designed with a Victorian style boot in mind, Shoo Monkeys is a derivative of the classic nursery rhyme, "There Was An Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe". The children were replaced by monkeys carved in both walnut and Spanish Cedar.
14"L x 4.75"W x 18"H
Khaya ivorensis + Tilia americana + Juglans nigra + Buxus sempervirens + Liriodendron tulipifera + Peltogyne app. = Baba’s Tune
Baba’s Tune was carved from African Mahogany, basswood, black walnut, bone, boxwood, poplar, and purpleheart
Babatunde Olantunji was an influencer, social activist, and educator who spoke to his many audiences through musical chants accented by his powerful drum beats. Baba’s diligence in teaching others to seek freedom was evident in his performances as well as his recordings. He birthed a cultural movement with the opening of his Olatunji Center for African Culture in Harlem, New York. Baba’s music transcended cultures and his diverse audiences embraced his principles of shaping one’s own identity to ascend to higher heights and overcome oppression.
This sculpture of Babatunde pays homage to a highly respected drummer who has influenced many individuals from around the world for more than 50 decades. Baba’s expressions while drumming - as captured in this portrayal- are naturally calm and smooth. His drums, typically oversized, are intriguing and never identical. The logo created on the drum head symbolizes Baba’s love for Nigeria represented by the green and white stripes of Nigeria’s flag. The stripes are arranged in a circular pattern so as to represent the drum circles he often performed in internationally, connecting back to his African roots. The “M” is made of purpleheart wood, which is not only symbolic of the heartbeat of the drum, but also of Baba’s alma mater where his journey in the U.S. began.
Morehouse is a connection that both Baba and I share, and is a reason for my passion in capturing the essence of Baba’s greatness in this work
16.5” D x 33.75” H
Liriodendron tulipifera + Juglans nigra + Peltogyne app. = Safe Haven
Safe Haven is loosely derived from the old nursery rhyme The Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe. The original version describes an elderly woman who has a plethora of children with which she didn’t know what to do. So she feeds them, spanks them, and sends the children to bed. Safe Haven takes a more positive approach; highlighting the endangered ring-tailed lemurs of Madagascar who are simply trying to blend in with their environment. A vintage Victorian style boot (also referred to as a granny boot) is the focal point, topped with corresponding Victorian architecture. At the base lies the top of an African drum which symbolizes a soothing foundation of serenity. On the toe of the boot sits a lemur who is fairly confident that he is camouflaged to match the boot as if he were in a tree avoiding predators or captivity. A second lemur hides inside the upper level with a tail poking from the window.
28”L x 10-1/4”D X 9”W
Maple + walnut = Love Me Knot
When one thinks of a braided rope, they may visualize a noose. Perhaps because of the stigma from its strong connection with the lynchings of black people in south from the 1800’s to late 1960’s. The braided rope is often associated with racism, hatred, and murder. This particular work of functional art aims to reimagine the braided rope as heartwarming and emblematic of love and embracement.
For this project, the braided rope has been transformed from a noose to a heart; depicting a deeper and stronger emotion - love. The inside lower portion of the braided rope heart is inlaid with walnut in the shape of the ancient Adinkra symbol “Akoma”, which means patience and tolerance.
One humankind. One love.
13L” x 8-3/4”W x 18”H
Ambrosia maple = The Gazelle
This sculpture is a simple driver’s cap which was stained and painted to resemble the body of a gazelle. The gazelle is a very unique animal found in both Africa and Asia and is typically overlooked. Gazelles are commonly known as swift animals and rightfully so. On the other hand, they are commonly referred to as dinner to large predators such as cheetahs, lions, and hyenas. They have beautiful coats of fur and are easily distinguished by their bold black stripes and white undersides.
This designer cap was created to highlight the characteristics of the sleek gazelle which is known to reach top speeds of up to 60 miles per hour with sustained speeds of 30 - 40 mph. They are interesting animals and very fast however simply not viewed as much more than a mere meal for both animals and humans.
Liriodendron tulipifera + Acer spp. = Student Meets Teacher
Student Meet Teacher was carved from poplar (piano keys) and maple (hands).
This was a commissioned piece by an art enthusiast who wanted to incorporate wall art into her home on a larger than life scale. When she was a young lady she wanted to take piano lessons with hopes of becoming an accomplished pianist. An instructor was introduced to her but she was unable to pursue her dream for undisclosed reasons. Hence, the sculpture Students Meets Teacher was born. The hands represent a student being taught by a piano teacher how to read and play on a stylized, serpentine grand piano.
48.5” x 11” x 1.5”
