Acrylic on cotton, paper, wire

This artwork is part of my Earth Sanctuary series that explores African Americans relationship to the earth through the lens of Black women gardeners. In this installation I sought to create an enclosed space that evoked safety and the promise of rest in tandem with nature. The draped painting over a wire cage is covered with a pattern of tomato leaves and contrasting bright orbs that recall moons in a night sky. The wire cage is commonly seen in the garden and acts as a support for climbing vines searching for the sun. African Americans relationship to the earth has been a tumultuous one since our feet first touched the soil as enslaved Africans. In this body of work I visually investigate the concept of the garden as a resting point and place of restoration and healing for the spirit and soul.