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    Labored Bodies is a body of work that explores the history of black people in America. This work was prompted by a personal investagation of my maternal family history. My anecestors were purchased and used for their labor. 

    I spent time reaqainting myself with American history as it relates to imperialism and capitalism. Pigment, paint and fiber, have histories that are clear examples of the use of power to gain more. 

    Tuesday, February 20,1856 "Grace" the eldest daughter of Mother Elvira was taken to Nesmith, South Carolina by Lawrence Porcher Hext daughter Mary Brisbane Hext- McConnell and husband John Thomas McConnell.  Grace was taken to be a slave/ nurse to thier daughter Eliza Ann.

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    These are my ancestors. 

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    Information researched by a cousin, Tanya Jones-Boland 

    Research Content
    Research Content

    "They picked cotton so I could paint on it." - Destiny Palmer 

    Label "Burden moving forward"
    Detail of "Burden moving forward"
    Detail of " Burden Moving forward"
    "Burden moving forward" Sewn fabric on wooden frame, 76" x84" 2019
    Left: "You consume space and air" Acrylic and Oil on canvas, 40" x 60", 2017  Right: "Burden moving forward"

    Thinking through historical documents I found, created a curiousity that inclinded me to refamiliarizing myself with history. By reframing the experiences of black and whites, rich and poor, in the American south during the mid 1800's, led me to draw questionable connections between a woman in a cotton field,  a woman in a fainting room and a posing nude female. Without defining a conclusion, I wanted to play with the ideas of all three histories existing. 

    Research Content
    Research Content "Women reclining on a couch" by Walter Bayes

    A fainting chair for Mother Elvira.  

    Weary Mixed media, Installation, 96" x 84", 2017
    Weary (detail) Mixed media, Installation, 96" x 84", 2017
    Muted "Acrylliv vinyl sewn and embroidered on wooden frame, 40"x 98", 2019
    (detail) Muted "Acrylliv vinyl sewn and embroidered on wooden frame, 40"x 98", 2019
    Left: Follow da drinkin' gourd. Upolstery fabric, installation fiber, bolts, wood frame, 48"x 48", 2017 Right: Let me tell my truth "Acrylic, oil,pastel, vinyl and canvas 72" x72",, 2019
    Follow da drinkin' gourd. Upolstery fabric, installation fiber, bolts, wood frame, 48"x 48", 2017

    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    For the old man is comin' just to carry you to freedom
    Follow the drinkin' gourd

    When the sun comes back, and the first quail calls
    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    For the old man is waiting just to carry you to freedom
    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    For the old man is waiting to carry you to freedom
    Follow the drinkin' gourd
    Well the river bank makes a mighty good road

    TransAtlantic, Acrylic on wood panel, 39"x 47", 2016
    Screen Shot 2020-06-30 at 11.53.23 AM.pn
    "In exchange" Acrylic on wood panel, 39"x 47", 2016
    Slaveshipposter.jpg
    Out of gallery
     

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