I lived in NYC for six years and enjoyed every single moment of it. One of the things I admire so much about New York is that it is a place where you can literally create who you are. Individuality is embraced in Gotham. I've often joked that someone could walk down the street in a football jersey, a tutu, top hat and cowboy boots without causing one raised eyebrow. I also love the raw urban vibe that like the subway courses through the veins of the city. I'm going to NYC in April and can't wait to see what treasures I discover!!!
Happy To Be Nappy
Mary Turner
Artist: menobodyknows
My very first BIG job in NYC was at Time Warner. After a few months of working there I decided to loc my hair. One day an artist came through who had done some commissioned work for the VP I was working for. He told me I reminded him of a piece he had done that was based it on an incident in his life. He'd made fun of a little girl who had kinky hair and had called her names. Years later he realized the wrong he had done to this young girl's psyche by making her feel less than because her hair was not long, straight and flowing. He entitled the piece "Happy To Be Nappy". He came back a week later with the piece and a hand written note. I held on to it and years later got it framed. This piece hangs in my dining room.
Chea Warholized - 2007 S. Peter Campbell II
Graffiti is a shadow of what it once was, but still very much alive. Years ago I saw a picture of Diane von Furstenberg, the piece was done by Andy Warhol - I thought I want to do that!!! My good friend Pete Campbell did this treatment to one of my pictures and I absolutely adore it. It's so funky and edgy yet polished with the frame I chose. I think this piece is an accurate representation of me (well at least one part of me).
Foyer Péan Graffiti - 2012 S. Peter Campbell II
I recently got married and I wanted to get my husband a unique gift. He's Haitian/Jamaican/Cuban but raised in Brooklyn. I decided to revisit graffiti art. Pete Campbell once again worked his magic and the piece of above is the result. Done in French this 7x2 piece translates to: The Péan Homestead was established in 2012. LOVE!!!!
This framed Hérmes scarf is one of my favorite pieces of art. I've read about designers who get pillows made out of their Hérmes scarves - not me! The simple fact that I have one means I'm going to keep it in the best condition possible, hence framing it.
These pieces are from a series I have by Kadir Nelson. Kadir is a phenomenal DC born artist whose work is arresting. I was fortunate to purchase this series from a framer friend of mine. There are six pieces in total, here are two of my favorite.
Several years ago I went to the Art Of Elysium's offices in Los Angeles. Founded in 1997, AOE encourages actors, artists and musicians to volunteer their time and talents towards mentoring children who are battling serious medical conditions. While there I saw several copies of this piece on the floor. The bold pink color caught my eye as well at the checkerboard court jester look of it. As if the visuals weren't compelling enough, the story I was told behind the image almost took me out. This piece was done by a young Haitian boy who had been abandoned as a baby by his mother. He had been dumped in a trash can, lit on fire and left to die. Someone saw this happening, rescued him and he was later adopted by an American family. This trauma still haunted him and he was going through therapy many years later. This piece was created in his late teens. In spite of tragedy (and many may argue because of it), his artistry had amazing and arresting depth.
Untitled
Npeble - Uganda
Untitled
D. Walumsimbi - Uganda
Untitled
Uganda
In 2007 I traveled to Uganda on business. While there I met a family who were trying to get their child to the US for a life saving heart operation. Through the organization I was working for, I was able to arrange that operation. Rebecca (the mother) and Primrose (the child, 4 months old at the time) ended up come to Los Angeles and staying for 5 months with my father and stepmother. We developed a beautiful friendship/sistership over those months. She came back about a year or so later and stayed for about the same amount of time with my father and stepmother again. After she'd gotten home, she sent me a thank you package. These gorgeous original works were part of the bounty. We recently had them framed. I display these with pride. Primrose is now 7 years old and doing great.
The Ties That Bind
Ridley
This piece was a gift from my brother. My brother has an dope collection of art in his home. I tried to capture it but couldn't really get it. As I think back, other than my mother my brother has influenced my collecting of art. My mother's art was nice but a bit predictable while my brother is a bit more adventurous.
Museum Inspiration
When I lived in New York City, I worked at the Museum for African Art. Everyday was a visual adventure. My knowledge of African Art was so expansive by the time I left there.
Bamikele Headress - Cameroon
I first spied this Bamileke Feather Headress while working at MFAA. It is so regal and alive! This piece was etched in my memory. Years later (eleven to be exact) I was walking through Leimert Park Village and saw it hanging on a wall at Queen Aminah's Sister's Marketplace. I was so excited - and when I heard the price, elated! The community is good for a great deal. If you live near LA you MUST visit Leimert Park. There is a treasure trove of finds there. From clothing, to art, to books....you cannot lose.
Barbershop Sign - Ghana
There's a huge storage facility right across from Chelsea Piers that's a gem of a resource in NYC that not too many people know of. Everyday African vendors sell the most amazing authentic works of art for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. I was able to get quite a few things I fell in love with while working at the MFAA that I would never have been able to afford. I purchased this African barbershop piece there. It is authentic, organic and eclectic. It hangs in our bathroom.
Travels
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit local markets, artisan posts, etc. Invariably something catches my eye and finds it's way into my carry on luggage. The great thing about shopping for art/clothing/jewelry abroad is that you are not likely to find it anywhere else AND most times you can get it for way cheaper than you would here were you to find it.
Female form - South Africa 2002
I bought this form while visiting South Africa. It's iron so it's pretty hefty. I think it's sexy and powerful. You can't tell from the picture but it's got this gorgeous bronze color and this funky texture.
Gordita - Ecuador 2006
I bought the second piece at a flea market in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her heft does not bother her one bit. Her confidence is apparent. She hangs in our bathroom just above our tub.
Porcupine Quill Lampshade - South Africa 2002
This is a lampshade made of real porcupine quills. This was purchased in South Africa as well. The bases would have been to costly to ship so I just had them wrap up the shades and brought them in my carry on. Between this and the iron form my arms were done by the end of the trip.
***FRAMING***
If you haven't noticed, I believe in framing. NEVER underestimate the power of a great frame. The right frame will take your art to a whole other level. My go to guy in Los Angeles is Picture Frames by Rolando. He can be reached at: rollen17@yahoo.com or 323-228-9977. He loves what he does and it shows. Even better, he never gauges you on price.
Collecting and displaying art is the singular most powerful way to share: who you are, what moves you and your experiences with everyone who walks into your home. When buying art, trust your gut. Purchase that which is a reflection of the complexity and simplicity that make you, you!
