Ancient Wisdom

Public commission for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Pineville branch location. Digital collage and photography, archival print on stretched canvas with floater frame, 101" x 65", 2024.

More details below. Click on image to enlarge.

Project overview: Ancient Wisdom is a vibrant tapestry of abundance and interconnectedness. Standing tall an African American woman, her hair in Bantu knots and figure wrapped in mud cloth, symbolizes ancestral roots from which humankind originated. Turquoise, carnelian, yellow tourmaline, gold coins, and pearls—both black and white—paint a picture of wealth, wisdom, and harmony. The colorful fruits throughout symbolize prosperity and the nourishing aspects of life.

Bees, with their intricate community-building skills, highlight the value of collective effort and unity. White doves flutter peacefully, embodying serenity and the gentle touch of love. Sea shells, with their graceful curves, point to the beauty of the divine feminine.

Ancient Egyptian lotus pillars rise majestically, embodying the support structures for higher learning and wisdom. Gold spheres gleam as emblems of knowledge, while the honeycomb patterns across the woman’s chest reflect sunlight, radiating warmth and enlightenment.

The Carolina Wren, a symbol of home and community, ties all these elements together, reminding us of the comfort and strength found within our own circles.