More Than Just a Pot

Amadu, Yajim

Clay, glaze

The pot and the human figures represent both conceptual ideas and practical utility. The pot is not only functional, but beautifully decorated, glazed with pictorial elements, durable yet fragile. For many African cultures, a ceramic vessel means more than just a “pot.” As this exhibition demonstrates, it is an object of economic and social value, a visualization of spiritual beliefs, and a compelling medium for expressing and playing out issues of gender. As artists, pottery helps us express our creativity, expanding who we are and how we connect to our environment. Making pottery is a good way for people of all ages to explore the things they can do. I was fascinated by the new rhythm an inner vision of family made so people around the world can see the beauty.

Yajim Amadu currently lives in Dublin, Ohio.

Aminah’s World Baillieul, Deb

Fiber, mixed media

I pay homage to Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Columbus artist and storyteller. Aminah loved her community and its people. She spent her life telling their stories, stretching those stories to their roots on the African continent. She portrayed her love in the art she shared with her public, in murals on buildings, in neighborhood parks, and where children could experience “art making.” Her materials came from her community, bags of buttons on her doorstep, found objects, handmade paper and “Hogmawg,” her clay. For me, Aminah Robinson is Love. Love connects us to our community. She used her art to convey her deep feelings for her son, her Pointdexter Village, and Black history. She creates a story for us all. Using the materials I have accumulated—fabric, old clothes, buttons, beads, and threads—I created this hand-sewn piece with love and caring, keeping in mind Aminah’s gift to us all.

Deb Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Dumela Baillieul,

Acrylic

“Dumela.” A tourists’ guide to Botswana translates this traditional word of greeting as “hello.” A more correct definition is “I believe”… “I believe in you – you are real.” As a Peace Corps volunteer in the early 1970s, I learned that it was proper to greet everyone you encountered, whether you knew them or not. And when shaking hands, receiving a gift, or even getting change for a purchase, always use two hands. In this way you show undivided attention to the other person – a show of respect. Respect for the other, a foundational aspect of Black Love is fundamental to all relationships. My painting is based on my time in southern Africa and the lessons I learned there.

Tom Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Dance of Life

Branch, P. Muzi

Acrylic, mixed media

This painting depicts the art of dance as it relates to Black Love. Dancing is part of the courtship ritual, with movements that are erotic and suggest an ensuing physical relationship. This work is inherently mathematical yet innately flawed. Color relationships in this painting are visually stimulating, however, the color interactions are only part of the point. My goal is to make people think about the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of Black Love.

P. Muzi Branch currently lives in Richmond, Virginia

It Could Have Been Me Branch, P. Muzi

Acrylic

Bi-Cultural Branch, P. Muzi

Black Love is experienced throughout the diaspora. Wherever Black people are, there you will find Black Love. I recently had my DNA analyzed and found that I am 35 percent Cameroonian. This painting is of a Kirdi woman and child. The Kirdi are one of the many cultures and ethnic groups who inhabit northwestern Cameroon and northeastern Nigeria. I did this painting to honor that part of me.

P. Muzi Branch currently lives in Richmond, Virginia

Acrylic There is nothing like a Black father’s love. It’s a love that will protect, nurture and guide. This painting depicts a father who loves his child with tender strength, who teaches his child to love his Black cultural identity and protects his child from the institutional racism pervasive in American society. Neo-African American art has been intentionally the focus of my work. Recent paintings visually articulate the African American way of life, wherein the artwork expresses religious, political, and social manners, as well as the customs of African American culture.

P. Muzi Branch currently lives in Richmond, Virginia

Growth Brown, Becca

Acrylic

Black Love is complex and deeply rooted. This painting shows how plants surround the woman and man, which symbolizes their growing and evolving love for each other.

Becca Brown currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Sunday Afternoon Brown, Becca

Acrylic Getting your hair done on the couch by your mother or grandmother is a form of unspoken love. This painting is a reflection of one of many ways love is expressed in the African American experience.

Becca Brown currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Riding on Love Brown, Becca

Acrylic on canvas

I Am My Sister’s Keeper Cliff, Lisa

Acrylic on canvas

When I think of Black love, I think of car rides with R&B music playing. The song “Ride Wit Me” by Nelly inspired this painting reflecting love in the stillness between a young couple.

Becca Brown currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

This painting is about the love between sisters, not necessarily bound by blood but bound by the commonalities, complexities, and history of Black sisterhood itself. I Am My Sister’s Keeper is about accepting responsibility for each other, and showing compassion. It’s about realizing the frailty and strength of our shared female tenderness, vulnerability, and experience and how we need each other to survive. I am making a statement that Black Love encompasses so much more than just romantic love. Using acrylics, I utilized dark colors highlighted by gold and copper to represent the chiseled faces of the African American experience to reflect the beauty and depth of each woman, you cannot tell who is helping whom. Both women are benefiting from this loving friendship. I also emphasized the beauty of their hair, which is traditionally an important component of our community.

Lisa Cliff currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Dream On, Little Dancer

Cummings, Andrea

Fiber

Little girls need to see examples of people who look like them doing the things that they aspire to do. This allows them to love the activity and the hard work required to develop their skills; love and admire their teachers; and to love and be proud of themselves in the process. No matter what the endeavor, in her dreams her mantra thus becomes, “not if, but when.” And when her dreams are realized she reaches back to help another little one achieve theirs. This continuum is an example of Black Love.

Downtown Love

DeGroat, Gregory

Watercolor

Family Love

DeGroat,

Watercolor

Black Madonna and Child

Eady, Barbara Freeman

Fiber My intention with every piece is to create art that reflects the beauty of my people and the stories of our communities. I wanted to create a contemporary Black Madonna that shows the Holy Virgin as “Young, Holy and Black”. The Black Madonna has a very strong symbolic meaning connected to love, nurturing, protection, transformation, power, wisdom, fertility, and justice. God is love. We are made in the image of God and we too are beautiful. The spiritual component is part of the African American experience. We are worthy of love and we have the capacity to love.

Fannie Lou Hamer: The Civil Rights Icon

Fortson Kirk, Lois

Water-based

HerStory: Rise Up George, Janet

Digital photo collage giclée print

Black Love is found in the strength and courage of Black women who were held in slavery. Their ability to continue to create and nurture life in a world that only offered pain, degradation, and death is the epitome of love.

HerStory: Rise Up speaks to the spirt of those women from then to now. Stolen from the shores of Africa, slaving in the plantations of the new world, supporting her sisters through Jim Crow and the Great Migration, all with a faith that defies description. At last, honoring the past, she dances to her own soul’s song— with a freedom of spirit that is passed on to her daughters and never, ever dies.

Janet George currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Simple Pleasure Hill, Jasmine

Acrylic and colored pencil

Simple Pleasure is a mixed media painting depiction of a Black couple enjoying a moment of peace while sitting on a park bench appreciating each other’s company. Their pleasure is demonstrated through their joyous facial expressions and relaxed, intimate posture. The infusion of the complementary triad of vibrant, chromatic colors conveys the dynamics of love. Even nature in the background plays along with the serene, spirited atmosphere of this couple. An ode to being a part of the diaspora is seen through the symbolism of the coffee, Africa earring, natural hair, and cultural essence in the apparel. I believe seeing this type of representation of colorful Black love is vital and captivating for generations to come.

Jasmine Hill currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Sweet Slumber Hill, Jasmine

Digital photograph

Sweet Slumber shares an adorable moment between father and child as they restfully cuddle in a tranquil sleep. This is a candid shot that I was blessed to witness and capture without thankfully waking the two. The composition flows almost into a natural spiral of the golden ratio by following the pillows, body orientation, various striking patterns, and especially notable the father’s embrace with his arm and the subtle touch of the baby’s hand to his face. I chose black and white photography to assist with the contrast between all the patterns and to give the appeal of a vivid memory. A father’s love transcends from his seed into the generations, I hope this image successfully displays a Black father and child’s genuine love in the most subtle, yet delightful way.

Jasmine Hill currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Brother Malcolm Hopson, Angelo

Acrylic on canvas

Statuesque One Hopson, Angelo

Acrylic on canvas

When I was a child, I struggled heavily with low self-esteem. My lack of confidence stemmed from society’s portrayal of peoples of the African Diaspora. But more than that, it was my education that was most detrimental to how I saw myself. But through Malcolm’s teachings I learned to love myself, my people, and the rich culture that Indigenous peoples come from. Instead of looking at my brothers as criminals, I looked at them as architects and builders of civilization. Instead of looking at Black women as welfare queens, I looked at them as Mothers of civilization and the backbone of everything whole and pure. I have Malcolm X to thank for being the springboard which took me from a complete state of ignorance to a complete knowledge of self. He preached the doctrine of Black Love, and for his courage I am forever indebted to him.

Angelo Hopson currently lives in Dayton, Ohio

Oftentimes the world takes for granted the extraordinary physical features bestowed upon the Black woman, or rather the indigenous woman. I painted her during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. I felt it was an important time to depict not only the beauty of our women, but also the pain, the struggle, and the longevity of our women. That is what Statuesque One represents. In order to move the culture forward we must love all aspects of the Black woman, not just the beauty and aesthetically pleasing aspects of Black women. Reference for this piece came from the women of the OvaHimba people who live in Northern Namibia on the other side of the Kunene River in Southern Angola.

Angelo Hopson Currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.

Love Our Women 1

Howard, Morris

Oil on canvas

Love Our Women 2

Howard, Morris

Oil on canvas

I’ve noticed over the past few years an increased violence against Black women here in the Dayton area. I ran across a Dayton Daily News opinion column from October 4, 2020, written by Shannon Isom, president and CEO of YWCA of Dayton. In the article, Miss Isom points out that “domestic violence is the No. 1 health issue for Black women, and Black women are 2.7 times more likely to die due to domestic violence than our white counterparts.” It is our responsibility as a community to protect and nurture our women. Black Women’s Lives have to Matter to All of Us.

Morris Howard currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.

I’ve noticed over the past few years an increased violence against Black women here in the Dayton area. I ran across a Dayton Daily News opinion column from October 4, 2020, written by Shannon Isom, president and CEO of YWCA of Dayton. In the article, Miss Isom points out that “domestic violence is the No. 1 health issue for Black women, and Black women are 2.7 times more likely to die due to domestic violence than our white counterparts.” It is our responsibility as a community to protect and nurture our women. Black Women’s Lives have to Matter to All of Us.

Morris Howard currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.

Love Our Women 3

Howard, Morris

Oil on canvas

Cindy Johnson, Myrya

Fiber, mixed media

Love Our Women 3 is the latest addition to this series on Black Women. This painting culminates in love (Black Love) fully and unconditionally. The first two are part of an award winning exhibit entitled, Black Life As Subject Matter II. The exhibit won the Ohio Museum Association’s “Best Exhibit of 2021” at The Springfield Museum of Art. I’m very happy that they are now a part of Art of Soul!. Morris Howard currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.

Cindy is me as a little girl telling her story of key moments in her life by the embellishments on her face and head. Her open heart represents the love she had for herself at age seven with her skinny long legs and long feet and dark skin in her beautiful new dress and her black and white shoes. She is loving how good she feels in her beautiful Black skin.

Myrya Johnson currently lives in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

Africa: Mother of Us All Jones, Jimi

Oil on canvas

I Affirm Myself Jones, Joyce Morrow

Gourds, fiber, mixed media

My child. I bore you. I birthed you. I raised you. I loved you. I set you free. Yet, you will always be mine.

My diaspora. I bore you. I birthed you. I raised you. I loved you. I set you free. Yet, you will always be mine.

Jimi Jones currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Black love starts with affirming self, first. My gourd sculpture features a female with arms posed to hug herself. You can almost feel the “dance” of emotion as she embodies the affirmations on her shirt and upper skirt. Part of a new series of gourd art dolls created in 2022.

Joyce Morrow Jones currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

My Love Blossomed With Motherhood

Jones, Joyce Morrow

Mixed media

It’s something about motherhood as a rite of passage that opens a woman’s heart and spirit to bond with her child during pregnancy. In this depiction, my character has sprouted a voluptuous floral crown emanating from a forever love that offers her a special glow. Part of my art doll series, “I Blossomed” in which each character has a floral aura sprouting from their crown to indicate the many seeds planted on their journey depicting their transformational blossoming as a woman.

Distraction

J.W.’s Way

Knight, Evelyn

Fiber How do you honor someone who made a tremendous impact on the community without seeking the limelight for himself? J.W. Smith was heavily involved in church and civic activities, but he never bragged about his achievements. In addition to serving as a deacon, he led or supported numerous ministries at his church. Civically, he served on several community organizations to help improve the lives of countless neighbors! He exhibited Black Love daily. When he died in his sleep, his passing was also a genuine loss to the community!

The next year, the community he served faithfully honored his memory by renaming the street where he lived in the Bronx, NY. Mickle Avenue was renamed J.W. Smith Way at a block party that drew more than 500 in attendance. What a great way to honor his memory and his life’s contribution to society! What an awesome example of Black Love!

Ancestors of Ancient Places I

Maison, Knyame

Water-Mixable oil paint, traditional oil paint on canvas

This artwork illustrates how each person is made up of a long line of ancestors rather than believing we exist in isolation. Pointing fingers at each other’s varying Black complexions weaken and divide us.

Knyame Maison currently lives in Groveland, Illinois.

Throne

Maison, Knyame

Butternut and cypress wood, bronze, beads, velvet, eggshells

The Pride of African Americans is in this: family and community.

Knyame Maison currently lives in Groveland, Illinois.

Mom and Dad Moyé Mays, Veronica

Fiber

In August 2022, Mom and Dad celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss—good times, rough times, work, travel, sickness, health, cancer, healing, striving and thriving—as the song says: “through the storm, through the night, come what may, everything will be alright.”

Love Beats Meadows, Linda Mose

Fiber

Love Beats captures my adoration, appreciation, reverence, and celebration of the sounds of the African drums. My heart leaps with joy (surely it must be an ancestral calling) when I experience the language spoken by the drums of our motherland. I fall in love repeatedly each time I hear the music created by gifted drummers of African descent playing congas, bongos, djembes, and talking drums. I believe my hearing this unique love language is reminiscent of sounds emanating through the African diaspora and in my own proverbial backyard, is mighty! Yes, a mighty beat of Black Love.

Linda Mose Meadows currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Alpha Omega Prince, Steve

Nothing Like a Mother’s Love

Prillerman, Lynn

Mixed media

I believe the “ultimate love” is God’s Love for us. I chose to create a mother and child because that represents not only His unconditional love but also gives us an opportunity to experience our first loving relationship. A Black mother’s love is filled with wisdom, strength, and courage for her children. She will fight for her children and be their biggest fan. A good Black mother will tell you when you’re right and when you’re wrong. I could go on and on about what it means to be a Black mother, but hopefully you will see the joy in this mother’s face. When a Black mother loves unconditionally, you can soar, persevere, and accomplish whatever you set your mind to do. I am not only an artist, but I am blessed to be a Black mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother.

Linocut When I reflected upon the Nativity scene that we traditionally see during the Christmas season nestled in front yards and church lawns across the nation, the relationship between Mary and Jesus bubbled to the surface and I saw their lives reflected in every mother and every child that has entered a beautiful, perilous, awe–inspiring and uncertain world. The mother is adorned with a headdress that symbolizes the weight of the world on the mother’s mind as she nurtures, guides, feeds, protects, and trains her child how to navigate this sometimes treacherous world. The house bends, but does not break under the pressure of the world that tries to penetrate it, and it becomes one of our first sacred spaces on earth beyond the mother’s womb. The home sits amidst church facades, prison and border walls, rust and Bible belts afflicted by opioids, and “strange fruit hanging from poplar trees.” A trinity of telephone poles/ crosses reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice at Golgotha, place of the skull. Alpha and Omega means beginning and end, The Holy Spirit circulates in the center of the composition creates a hedge of protection for the mother and child. The great devourer serpentines around her waist seeking to kill and destroy the baby. The mother is emblazoned with the letters “AOG,” which is derived from the book of Ephesians 6:12, where Paul writes, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Paul encouraged his followers to put on the whole Armor of God. As we reflect upon Christ’s birth and subsequent sacrifice, may we also recognize the Christ in all of us. May we seek God’s protection over generations to come, and may we be the salt of the earth!

Steve Prince currently lives in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Seeing the Promise

Sifuentes, Jesse

Block print

The block print depicts a family unit. The central pillar of this unit is the mother, who is adorned with a quilt pattern, rooting her in cultural and ancestral foundations. The emphasis of the piece is on the mother’s strength, which reaches out to envelop her children in a loving and protective embrace. While rooted in traditional patterns, she is looking forward, suggesting an optimism for her and her children’s future.

Jesse Sifuentes currently lives in Houston, Texas.