Commission work: the big reveal
Remember that commission I finished and delivered last month? I can finally show it to you. Et voilà!
Yes — there’s a very good reason the collages feature those enormous, Marie Antoinette-style wigs. Book-It Repertory Theatre’s most recent fundraising gala was called the Big Wig Blowout.” And guests were encouraged to wear a wig to the (online) milestone celebration. Book-It turns 30 this year.
Book-It Repertory Theatre’s founders: Myra Platt (left) and Jane Jones (right)
Founders Jane Jones and Myra Platt created Book-It to “[turn] great literature into great theater” to encourage people to read. Fortunately, the company’s kept several of their playbills, and my mission was to incorporate some into the collages. I had plenty of material to work with: eye-catching program covers, plus rehearsal photos and various images of Ms. Jones and Ms. Platt. Really, it was more a question of what not to use.
Elements of the commissioned collage piece
I couldn’t show you the collages earlier because this project was a farewell gift; the director-founders are retiring after three decades of leadership. Even though I don’t know them personally, that knowledge made this project a little bittersweet for me. Things are changing for Book-It.
But these are creative people: they’ve pivoted to go audio-only for next season’s productions, like a podcast for Book-It subscribers. Who knows — maybe I’ll listen while I’m working on someone else’s collage next year. If you’re considering a commissioned artwork of your own, email me or send me a direct message on Instagram. Could be a lot of fun!
I got an MFA without studying. Here's how
In case you missed it: I’m now represented by the Morton Fine Art Gallery in Washington, DC! MFA and I are partnering to present my work to art collectors on the East Coast and beyond.
Here’s what that means for you, practically speaking:
If you’ve been eyeballing a collage or one of the 2D works in my online shop, please contact MFA. They’ll walk you through the process.
If you’ve been eyeballing one of my assemblage sculptures, contact MFA. Even if they redirect you back to me, it’s good form to ask the gallery first.
MFA is listing my work on Artsy as well as the gallery website! (Don’t say I never did anything for ya.)
COVID-19 precautions mean MFA’s physical space is open by appointment only. Contact them to see my work in person, and be sure to wear your mask.
One more thing: if you’re a Howard University alum who loves art and is planning to visit campus soon, MFA is less than two miles away…
I imagine it’d be super easy to make an appointment that fits into your itinerary. Happy Friday, y’all!
The only things we really need in life
In spite of all the pandemic stress, some days aren’t so bad. Right now I’m working on designs for a possible commission, and I also fulfilled giclée print orders. Thank you, returning collectors… you know who you are.
“Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower,” as the storyteller once said. I’m pretty sure art counts as “a little flower.”
Feel free to pick out your own flowers from my shop page. And as always, I’m happy to provide an installment payment plan on original pieces; just email me here.