Renaissance Woman

Renaissance Women is an abstract figurative sculpture that has lived in my creative mind for nearly 20 years. This sculpture honors women of The Harlem Renaissance who paved the way for many artists today, including myself.

I was introduced to artists of the Harlem Renaissance 25 years ago by my mentor Russell L. Goings, a collector of art and close friend of Romare Bearden. I was able to experience the work of artists in his collection like Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and Charles White. As an educator working in Harlem and the Bronx for 23 years, I have been able to share this important moment in time with my students.

As an advocate for women in the arts, this sculpture is an opportunity for me to honor the women of that time. The sculpture was designed and produced as a decidedly feminine form representing vocalists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne, visual artists, Elizabeth Catlett, and Augusta Savage, and writers Dorothy West and Zora Neale Hurston.

My contour line drawing style translates fluidly in this three-dimensional form and symbolizes the frequent use of musical improvisation during this era. The flow of line is synonymous with the flow of jazz music and migration. The hand-forged steel sculpture is intimate and low profile to allow visitors to engage at eye level and connect viscerally.

I am eager to introduce this sculpture to The Pelham Art Center since the art and culture of this time highlighted uptown and the surrounding Hudson River/ Valley. Additionally, Charlotte Moquin had her heart set on bringing this sculpture to Pelham Art Center in 2024 and we were in talks about the logistics before her unexpected passing.