The Hairdresser, Tilly Willis, 2001
https://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/the-hairdresser-2001-oil-on-canvas,1048444/?s=TzmzO4AMwYAYpnHUGABNtrGWl9nvsOKSW0nxIfgdOHmeX3KthXmkJnApFjYTZRDZ
My heritage is a combination of African and American cultures. I am not one without the other. I was raised to embrace this, and acknowledge that to truly move forward as a woman of color, loving myself, my roots, and paying homage to my people is my responsibility. It may sound silly to those who are unaware, or uninclined to care, but part of my culture, especially as a woman is hair. Black women are known within our many cultures and sub-cultures, for our variety and versatility with our hair. It is unique to us, different, difficult, and daringly gorgeous all at once. Something that is very much part of our history is the act of braiding hair. African, as well as African American women traditionally wear braids, in part because it is best for our hair type. This is something true to my heritage, true to the women I come from.
By the Beach, Tilly Willis, 2007
https://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/by-the-beach-2007-oil-on-canvas,1049634/?s=TzmzO4AMwYAYpnHUGABNtrGWl9nvsOKSW0nxIfgdOHmeX3KthXmkJnApFjYTZRDZ
To think of culture and heritage as a series of moving parts, constantly moving and growing from one another, and with each passing generation, at the foundation, and heart of my heritage, is the black woman. We are the tastemakers for our daughters and sons, the composers to the symphony our blood listens and plays to, and the water that allows our family tree to continue to grow and thrive. The painting is one representation of the hard work and sacrifice we put into caring for our families. There are also three women shown, a portrayal of how when we put in work, whatever it is, we not only have the same goal, but we do it as a community. In black culture, this is just another word for family.
Lavender Jazz, Kaaria Mucherera, 2007
https://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/lavender-jazz-2007-oil-and-acrylic-on-canvas,1049678/?s=HSG2cDPE0vCab7wGpLojivCy2lxlA4cRhsS7LN8PXWmRwSF3pthXnyHzgW2UP
Music is in my blood. Every woman in my family can sing, and for generations it has been the tie that has kept us bound. My great, great grandmother has twelve children, and from those twelve children sprung many more children, who each travelled and made lives for themselves all over the world. Music has kept us close despite our distance, because it is through music that we reconnect every two years as a family. We celebrate our bloodline through song, through contact, food, and through stories of our family history. My family stands firm at over two hundred people, and we travel for our family reunions to accommodate everyone. Our music travels with us, because it is within us, and it is a staple of my family, and where we come from. Music is very much part of my heritage.
You chose some great image choices to reflect your personal cultural heritage, especially being African American. From the piece of the woman doing hair because that has been apart of the African American culture since the beginning of times because of the texture of our hair. Also the piece to express music because I feel like the African American culture started on spiritual soul and jazz music. Those are two image types that I was going for but yours are perfect.
You did well explaining your images and their importance to you. commenting on this particular post is a bit harder for me as I can really relate to much of it. But I did like the images you chose and definitely helps to understand a bit about you and your heritage
I like your pictures they are very powerful. I Like all the pictures you choose and how you explained them. Hope you have a great summer.
These pictures seem very meaningful to you as a person, in my opinion. I like how you described each one. I like how powerful and descriptive you make women out to be as well. This is just amazing!