Project 2020

                                             almost done  I was so excited to start Fran's book. Everybody ahead of me really put a lot of energy into their work, and I wanted to do the same. Her book is so rich in detail, texture, and color. She told us to have fun with it, so I did. My goal was to create a textured landscape using cardboard, burlap, handmade, painted and printed papers for the ground. I focused on the poem by Amanda Gorman read at the 2021 inauguration "A Hill to Climb." Next, I will write an excerpt from the poem, "Somehow we've weathered and witnessed" which to me relates to Black peoples ongoing struggle in this country for our humanity in the midst of constant assault. I decided to use layers of acrylic paint for the sky, starting with a deep blue of night to the warm oranges and yellows of sunrise.            ...

          

I created more monotypes inspired by the prints I did for Julee's book. I cut out stencils from paper and sometimes acetate and place them on my gelatin plate, to mask off certain areas as I rolled ink on the plate. I ink up the plate multiple times to get a variety of tones and layers and finally, print the blackest black last, all using the Akua ink obtain more contrast.  Works in progress. Cutting stencils from acetate.             Printing in the night studio using stencils.                                                                          

I worked this evening on Julee's book. Her book concept was powerful and intriguing - entitled "We the Coffee." She urged us in the directions to make black and white images. She thoughtfully organized all the materials in her package that included card stock painted in a black design; three 8 x 8 in. white papers to choose from to create our designs on; extra sheets; and a bunch of beautiful handmade and textured papers to collage with if we wished. Julee designed a printed pamphlet for each artist with our name on it and one of her illustrations on the cover. Inside the printed pamphlet was the re-adapted coffee story that informed the theme of her book. I decided to make a print - a gelatin print using black Akua ink for her book. I loved the paper choices Julee provided, and chose a smooth paper with minimum tooth. It printed beautifully, allowing all the subtle layers of tones to show. I need to ask Julee the name of the paper. I created two other monotypes and texte...

Posted here are my final pages for Kamala's amazing book. Pam mailed the book to me in a large box since she was the last one that worked on it. Inside the packet were large white beautiful Handmade Deckle Edge Indian Cotton Watercolor paper and detailed instructions. I decided to make a collage using paste paper sheets and gelatin prints to create my image. Here you can see the profiled head cut from paste paper. I used gelatine prints on the the back - cut them up and collaged them to the surface. This is how it looks folded. The half page reveals only a piece of the  silhouetted head. When opened you see both. I loved working on the beautiful deckled sheets that Kamala provided. 

I decided after a lot of experimenting to make a collage of monotypes and paste paper for Kamala's book. I originally wanted to create an image relating to the Black Panthers that would have explored that organization and its roots in California and their presence in Chicago, but also reference the movie Black Panther and its huge impact on blacks in America and around the world. I thought with the recent death of  Chadwick Baseman it would be a significant phenomena to include in the year 2020. 

Wow! That was an invigorating meeting (our 3rd one). Thanks to all sister artists for participating on the Zoom call. The energy is definitely on! We talked a great deal about exhibits, realizing there are so many possibilities in the DC metro area alone, and talked about promotions, proposals, and grants, Oh My! Everybody is busy on their second book in the rotation. We will mail or exchange them on September 26, and then receive a new one to create our mighty works in! We are definitely on a roll! -Adjoa Here are some reactions from today's Project 2020 meeting from participating artists... "Each of you are an inspiring artist that makes me want to accomplish more." Pamela "Everytime I meet with you all it reminds me of the artistic gift of self expression that was God given." Gloria "We are building something big." Kamala "All I can say is just thank you." Michele "Thank you my sisters." Blessings Francine !! "It takes a Vil...

Artists Kamala Subramanian, Julee Dickerson Thompson, Pamela Harris Lawton, and Francine Haskins met in Highland Beach, MD, August 26 to share their books and ideas. Julee points to the four illustrations Kamala created for her book.  Only one illustration can be used.  Lilian watches as Francine shows Pamela her book. Kamala (left) looks at Adjoa's sculptural book that Francine unfolds. Francine has already started designing her page.  Francine and Pamela (on right) look at the illustration Aziza created for Adjoa's book.  

Lilian  Thomas Burwell (seated) and Francine Haskins Our Thursday, August 27 four Project 2020 artists, Kamala Subramanian, Julee Dickerson Thompson, Pamela Harris Lawton, and Francine Haskins met in Highland Beach, MD at the home of 93 year-old sculptor and painter Lilian Thomas Burwell. Lilian, along with her aunt Hilda Wilkinson Brown were recently celebrated in a documentary "Kindred Spirits" by filmmaker Cintia Cabib. The book exchange was wonderful and just the jolt of creative energy I needed,"Kamala exclaimed. She added, "I loved the 'show and tell' moments, and the ideas were flowing as we admired everyone's imaginative approaches to their book pages. Great lesson plan Aziza and Adjoa!!" Francine remarked, "It was a wonderful day and loved the interaction and meeting Pamela. We got to see four of the nine books. Very inspiring!" Afterwards, Kamala wrote, "We need to work this into a monthly thing! It was awesome. I would high...