I faced one of my biggest challenges this year when I was selected to participate in ReSOURCE, an exhibition in collaboration with the Terra Foundation, Northwestern University and the South Side Community Art Center ….We met for an intimate dinner and a conversation about repurposing materials to create art at the North Kenwood home of collector and photographer Patric McCoy …I have to admit, I was caught off guard by the recommendation but I have also learned that we have no idea what opportunities tomorrow will bring but the important thing is to stay prepared to be present and accept the tests as part of your growth. Along with my City of Gold series of collage work, I oftentimes find myself making art from recycled bicycle tires, reclaimed piece of plywood from art handing crates or even taking pieces of dried paint or salvaged paint brushes and finding ways to use them in a variety of creative ways. It’s no surprise, then, that I was selected by curators LaMar Gayles and Bethany Hill and commissioned to design a set of benches for the exhibition that focuses on the Black Chicagoan experience of repurposing found materials and literally turning trash into treasures of art collectibles.
photo of 6 month old Sol and I by artist Robert Johnson
In the beginning, I was energized at the idea of creating works that would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I made foam board down scaled mock-ups of my designs as well as drawings of potential concepts that looked very good on paper, but when it came to actually sourcing the materials and beginning the carpentry work, I hit a wall. None of my designs seemed achievable to translate from paper. So I did what I do best, GOT TO WORK! I found some old motorcycle tires and shipping palettes and came up with some ideas to use the tires as planters and the palettes as the seating area. After I completed the first bench, the remaining two went about as smoothly as I could have imagined if I were a seasoned carpenter. When the time came for the opening reception Saturday, September 14th, the benches were displayed proudly in the yard adjacent to the South Side Community Art Center. One of my City of Gold collages is also on display in the Cortor Gallery on the second floor. There are so many legendary artists in this exhibition, I am extremely humbled and grateful for the opportunity. Thanks also to Rebecca Zorach for her commitment to my artistic practice and for recognizing the dedication of my mentor Siddha Webber who I silently thank everyday for being an ancestor watching over my career path. The exhibit runs through the end of December 2024.
Green Bench created from repurposed materials
palette, motorcycle tire, plywood, fence posts, spray paint, linoleum block printed adinkra symbols
2024
Red Bench created from repurposed materials
palette, motorcycle tire, plywood, fence posts, spray paint, linoleum block printed adinkra symbols
2024
Yellow Bench created from repurposed materials
palette, motorcycle tires, plywood, fence posts, lumber, spray paint, linoleum block printed adinkra symbols
2024
Please visit the South Side Community Art Center! This is a registered historical landmark that so many legendary artists have called their home thanks in major part to Dr. Margaret Burroughs. Looking forward to visiting the new additions in 2026!