Genesis, Exodus: when is it time to leave?
“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to…” bail out of a pariah nation, I suggest we leave in style.
Dirigibles feature prominently in the latest altered books I’ve finished. Not just because I’m a fan, but because all the old “signs of the apocalypse” jokes feel way too real these days. There is just. So. Much for African Americans to leave behind: climate change floods and fires, the coronavirus pandemic, white supremacists in general, police brutality in particular…
Remember why Black Lives Matter protesters faced off with Seattle police in May? Credit: Kelly Kline/Flickr
It’s gotten me thinking about #Blaxit again. (Think Brexit, but with Black people leaving the U.S. instead of Britain leaving the European Union.) If you haven’t savored the brilliant essay by Ulysses Burley III at The Salt Collective yet, I highly recommend it. Once your laughter subsides a bit, proceed to the absolute genius that is Awesomely Luvvie’s take on Blaxit.
In my version of Blaxit, we’re still debating whether to leave or stay. But if we go, we’re taking zeppelins out of this nightmare, fully stocked and ready for space travel. I’ll post the altered books very soon (right after I’ve had them properly documented) so watch my Instagram account for the upcoming first look.
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!