Cleaning up the mess
In the home
In the neighborhood
In the nation
In the world
The truth of woman’s work
Verity 2
Nikki
Nikki
—prepares for meditation
—prepares for prayer
Nikki
—believes in a Divine Law
—respects man’s law
Nikki
—gives of herself to all in need
—gives herself to no one in
particular
Nikki
—embraces the spirit of all
great women
—has yet to experience the
fullness of womanhood.
Retreat
A place of privacy and/or safety: All people, especially women who often give primary attention to caring for others, need time to be alone with their own thoughts. Sometimes it is found by retreating into oneself.
Imbokodo
The people of South Africa celebrated a great political achievement when President Nelson Mandela. All in the Diaspora found inspiration in their struggles, comfort, and joy in their successes. Imbokodo is a stone used to grind corn, from the Khosian language. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and purity (the stone is always covered when not being used). Imbokodo is my tribute to them.
Verity 1
Coy
Innocent
Cautiously investigating
The truth of youth
Nubian Beauty
Stepping from her bath of warm water and fragrant oils—soothed, smooth skin braces with the breeze enveloping her as the towel is wrapped around her body.
Her skin—dark, supple, fine textured, as though her Creator found the smooth, dark clay of Oaxaca on the banks of the Nile.
Her skin—polished by the invigorating fluff of the towel.
The Nubian stands, not before a mirror reflection—non-the-less aware of her body—head to toe—a lithe body with curves declaring her budding womanhood.
She still feels the pull on her hair as the hairdresser weaves beads into her naturally thick springy hair and sculpts it into intricate repetitive shapes.
The towel drops and caresses her legs and she steps forward from my dream.
Alofa Tele
“Children of the heavenly Father safely in his bosom gathered.
Nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e’er was given.”
Caroline V. Sandell-Berg, 1855
Sojourner Truth (maquette)
I am a woman
Taller than most—man or woman
Stronger than many—men or women
Mother, preacher, teacher
Speaking out against slavery
Speaking our for women’s suffrage.
I am a black woman
A slave in my previous life
Reborn to serve God and mankind
And renamed to serve notice to all.
I am an American woman
Walking across the fields and
Claiming the fruits of freedom
For every man, woman, and child.
Standing Pose
How hard can it be to stand here while the artist works? —Well, try it for 20 minutes without moving a muscle. Even twitching my nose, wiggling a finger or toe helps relieve the tension.
The MAN
The MAN walks with purpose because he knows where he is going,
and you think he is threatening.
The MAN moves with confidence that transmits rhythm to his stride,
and you think he’s jive time.
The MAN has a firm jaw and a resolute gaze,
and you think he is menacing.
What IS your problem?