Hwnrietta Marie - Bell

Working on a design from the bell from the ship used in the transatlantic slave trade named the Henrietta Marie that sunk off of Key West. 

Michael Cottman wrote, "This bell would be the clue that would lead researchers to a horrible past of pain and unconscionable acts inflicted on men, women, and children in unprecedented numbers. These crimes were so brutal that strong men, their chests tight from fear, would prefer to jump over the sides of slave ships to a certain death rather than endure another day on board."

 

Work Clothes Quilt

 I was really inspired to make a piece based on the Work Clothes Quilt I saw at the Indigo Exhibit in San Diego.

Indigo Exhibit Explanation Card

Indigo Exhibit Quilt

Yesterday I painted a bunch of watercolor swatches and used salt, bleach, rubbing alcohol and spattering to make different textures.

Here they are hanging in my studio in Key West.

Here's the quilt design assembled on Photoshop

Artist Residency - PEARS - Studios of Key West

 I got to Key West a bit after midnight after a lot of travel issues.  After a long layover my flight was cancelled and I rented a car from Fort Lauderdale to Key West.  I started my journey at 8:30 pm and it was raining. I was scared driving because it was so dark and narrow but I got here.  I dropped off the car and got a LYFT from the Key West Airport to the Studios of Key West.

The Studios of Key West is incredibly beautiful. My studio is enormous .  Am I asking myself - how did I win this??   I feel so lucky.

TUESDAY

On June 3rd, we went grocery shopping and to the 99 cent store and I set up my studio.   I was got in contact with the museum at access to the collection. To my amazement I had a nice convo with Judy Blume at her bookshop.  I was crying when I saw her.  She was so important to me as a teenager.

WEDNESDAY

On June 4th, I met with the museum director and she's letting me go in the museum everyday for free.  I also did Bikram and got my notes together from the Cottman book, "The Wreck on the Henrietta Marie."

THURSDAY

I worked on the Sankofa designs again.  I want to the museum and I went to the local Bikram Studio.  I also went to the Mango Madness Art Opening next store.

FRIDAY/TODAY

I'm working on some designs from a mask I saw at the exhibit.  I'll put in another post what I have accomplished.