GAIL'S UP-DATE ON THE RE-MAKE OF HER BOOK


This is a follow-up on the remake of my book that was lost in the mail early on in the project.      
At Pyramid Atlantic Printmaking Workshop, I had fun revisiting and solidifying my knowledge of this process. I am using a letterpress machine to print out the statement that flows throughout my
book. The statement: The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes in the air... represents resilience,
which is directly connected to the survival of African Americans in America against all odds.

 

Back to the drawing board! Here I am re-constructing the box that will house my book.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the same papers and fabrics that was used previously, so It
will look a bit different from the original one. Actually, it only took one day to build the
 structure and another day to embellish. Below are the different materials and fabrics used
 along with the letterpress statement that will be attached to the back of each contribution. 
The new cover and container for my book is now complete, new and improved!



This is my contribution to my own book, which also had to be re-created. Now I am all caught up. 
Unfortunately, Gloria's contribution to my book was also lost and will have to be duplicated as well.
This has been yet another testament to our resilience.


My Introductory image starts with a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar, entitled "We wear the
Mask". The transparent image superimposed over the poem is a gel medium print from a 
series of mask drawings. The poem spoke to me because I truly believe that the mask my 
ancestors had to wear here in America just to survive racism was a defense mechanism, 
which became a survival tactic.  The mask left one with just enough pride and dignity to
circumvent the humiliation and degradation that had to be endured on a daily basis. It also
served as a vehicle of hope in order to get through the present, so that one day the future
might be better.






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