PennArt
60 Years in the Making!
THE ARTIST
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I currently live in Tucker, GA. I graduated from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH, earned a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Harvard University in Psychology and Social Relations. My doctorate degree is in Clinical Psychology and I am currently an independent consultant in the area of leadership development. I am also an ever-emerging artist.
I am primarily self-developed as an artist. However, I benefited from exposure to works at the Cleveland Art Museum while in elementary school, being challenged by my art teacher at WRA, and challenging an art professor at Harvard. My style was developed over the years by studying the works of others and being encouraged by Biblical scriptures to use the gifts God has given us to serve others, and by music and dance. My early drawings were pencil. Though my preferred instrument of choice is a black medium point Bic ball point pen, my wife and daughter have encouraged me to “add a pop of color” to everything! Consequently, you will see that some of my recent works include a hint of color, and some are full color using either ink or acrylic paint.
I draw mainly from photographs and look to infuse those images with my own sense of energy, intensity, and sensitivity. Because there is a level of subtlety and incompleteness to most of the drawings, you should find them drawing you into them. In a few of them there are hidden images. The words you see with many of the images are intended to share what the drawing or paintings mean to me. More important, is what they mean to you.
THE ART
I think of drawing as a metaphor for life. I see something and/or imagine something in my head or heart or in the world around me. I try to appreciate it or them by focusing in on a detail and also by simply allowing it, them, to unfold. I have an idea when I start a drawing and that leads me to a point or place to start…I take it in…I put it down…I take it in again and again….in life am I seeing what is really there?
Drawing at its core is eye hand coordination, are you capturing what you are seeing? Drawing with ink makes mistakes more obvious. What do I do with the mistake? I work it into the drawing. Even if you cannot see it. I can. Usually…
Each one should use whatever gift he or she has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10, NIV
THE CATALOG
This catalogue is intended to answer many of the questions you might have. It lists the names of the pieces shown in this exhibit. Included is a brief description of what the image means to me. Also included is information about the original, any available prints, whether they are available framed or unframed, and their prices. Some of the prints are made with a common digital copying process. Most of them are produced as giclee prints which provides a higher professional standard level of detail and resolution.
Descriptions
Though I have added some of my thoughts about the images, I encourage you to just absorb them and allow yourself to respond to the image. If you walked through the gallery without even the title of the image, what would you name each picture? If you allowed my naming of the image to influence you, what do you see of what I saw? What do you see that I was not aware of? When you add my descriptions, do you get a better sense of the image? Do you also get a better sense of me?
Overall, what do they draw out of you?
Notations
Asterisk – Print or original is not available on site and would be ordered
Original - Actual image drawn or painted directly on the paper or canvas
Prints – Reproductions of the original image onto standard quality lower weight drawing paper
Giclee – High resolution reproduction of the original image onto high quality paper
NA – Not available because artist wants to retain original image or last print
NS – Total number of reproductions and either the handwritten artist signature or a PennArt embossed imprint
SOLD – No longer available
Framed – Wood or metal frame, matted images, with glass that may be standard or museum quality
Unframed – Image without a frame and available in a protective tube, a plastic sleeve, a sleeve with board, or shrink wrapped on cardboard
IMAGES
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Honestly
I was asked to draw pictures of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when I was 10 years old. I vaguely recall hearing that Lincoln had freed the slaves and that contributed to his profile being memorialized on the penny. I captured it as best as I could using crayon on what looks like mimeograph paper. Both drawings have survived the past 60 years. Lincoln’s is on display here. Since then, I have learned about Juneteenth and gained an appreciation of the complexity of Lincoln’s decisions. When I saw a photo in the National Portrait Museum capturing the wear and tear of his presidency, I was moved to redo what I saw in elementary school. In addition to crayon, I added pencil and ink pen. More importantly, I added a Black voice and a White voice speaking in his ear, I wanted to capture Honest Abe, honestly
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil, Crayon/Framed $1,500
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
2. Frederick Douglass
Douglass delivered the commencement address in 1854 for Western Reserve College. He spoke about the humanity of the Negro. Before I knew that, I was already inspired by his words which included “Those who profess to favor freedom yet deprecate the use of agitation…want the oceans without the mighty roar of its waters!” I connected to what I thought was his fiery rhetoric. The commencement address, learning that he was considered the most photographed person of his era, the debates he had with Sojourner Truth, and his life in general, made me appreciate the internal challenge with which he must have struggled: to be himself and to representative of others in the face of so many who vehemently believed he and others like him were less.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Canvas Board/Framed $2,500
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150
3. Climax I
I saw this image in a magazine as an illustration for an article. I do not remember the article. I was impressed enough artistically that I wanted to hone my pencil skills hoping to approximate the talent represented by the original artist. I also thought it might be more “inspiring” for any one I invited to come to my room to see my etchings. It was far more effective than the paintings on black velvet that many of my classmates had hanging. The companion drawing Climax II came a little later,
Original/Pencil/Paper/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
4. Angel
This is one of my angels. Perhaps he watches over you too. Some look at him and say he looks like a fallen angel, humbled and repentant. I have fallen as well. Perhaps you have too. Yet, his wings still unfurl. Perhaps because of God’s grace and mercy. His strength and his humility shine through. I want to be both strong and weak in all that I do. I pray for strength and humility. God’s grace and His mercy give me strength and keep me humble.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Paper/Framed $2,500
Limited Edition/50/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $175
5. Angels Hear
It’s nice to know that angels are all around us, hardly visible, heard in whispers, felt by comforting reassurance, especially while we sleep. They stand by, watching over us. They lean closer to hear our thoughts and whisper sweet assurance. (Can you see the angel in the background watching over her?)
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Paper/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/250/NS/Print/Paper/Framed $450
Limited Edition/250/NS/Print/Paper/Unframed $150
6. Blessings
It’s nice to know that angels are all around us, hardly visible, heard in whispers, felt by comforting reassurance, especially while we sleep. They stand by, watching over us. They lean closer to hear our thoughts and whisper sweet assurance. (Can you see the angel in the background watching over her?)
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Paper/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/250/NS/Print/Paper/Framed $450
Limited Edition/250/NS/Print/Paper/Unframed $150
7. Press
What I remember most about our first dance was the anticipation of touch. How my extended hand hung momentarily still waiting for yours to accept my offer. Hands joined together, both leading and following, turning to you, anticipating where our bodies would touch, not feeling the beat of the music but savoring the heat of our hands. Eyes locked together, bodies finding connections, pressing chest to breast, our hips finding the beat, breathing you in, feeling our heat…My hand finding its place in the small of your back. Pressing you to me. Pressing me to you. Forgetting the music. Remembering you.
Original/Acrylic paint/Canvas/Unframed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Canvas/Stretched $375*
/Paper/Unframed $275
8. Reflections of Malcolm
I was introduced to Malcolm X during a summer working for Cleveland Pride. I never met him personally but my mentor, Larry Steele, a leader in the Black Nationalists, took his young soldiers to his house every day to lie on the floor and listen to recordings of Malcolm X’s speeches. The power of his words was palpable. His influence on me and others was immeasurable. His personal journey from Malcolm Little, to Chicago Red, to El Hajj Malik El Shabazz was reflective of the continuous growth on which we should all embark.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Canvas Board/Framed SOLD
Unlimited Edition/Prints/Paper/Framed SOLD
Unlimited Edition/Prints/Paper/Unframed $20
9. Together
Haiti has a proud history and continues to battle significant challenges. I pulled together some images of families and groups of people holding onto each other and finding ways to stay together in the face of persistent challenges. Young children appearing wise beyond their years. Older children assuming mature roles of caring for others. Men focused on holding families together and looking for ways to do more than survive
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/100/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $175
10. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman is most often pictured as The Conductor of the Underground Railroad or as The General for her service as a scout and cook in the Union Army. Despite the number of people she led north to more freedom, she lamented about all those she was not able to lead away. Her legacy includes establishing the Home for Aged and Indigent Negroes. It was a life-long battle for her. Here as she grew tired, she remained fiercely determined to make a difference. You can see in the background someone else picking up her sword.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Unframed $1,250
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Framed $525
Limited Edition/25/NS/ Giclee/Paper/Unframed $175
11. Finding Wings
As much as I can, I appreciate that for many women their lives include phases in which they feel caged, limited and unsafe. Still, they find ways to rise above those obstacles, finding their wings. Even as they reach higher and spread further, they may still have reasons to feel safe, not yet free.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $2,000
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150
12. Wind and Wolves
As Black Americans we should feel close to Native Americans. Many of us have Native American ancestors. We were torn from our land. Their land was torn from them. Equally religious, spiritual and communal people, we have been misunderstood and endangered. Yet we survive and grow strong. Wolves. Noble creatures. Survivors. Misunderstood. Endangered. Depending on themselves, their community. (Can you see two wolves in this picture?)
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/250/NS/Prints/Paper/Unframed $75
13. Eagle
The eagle is considered by many to be the strongest and bravest of birds. The eagle and its feathers serve as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. There is a spirit in its feathers, and in the care and effort taken to capture it in a headdress. Considered a gift of protection and empowerment, and perhaps an expectation of when and where to convey wisdom. The feathers are fashioned into the headdress. Look closely to see and feel the spirit of the eagle.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/25NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
14. Mother Child
I was pulled into this drawing. Mother and child, wrapped together. It seems like a natural connection that could last forever. What close relationship came naturally to you. How did you work to make it even stronger? (This is one of the images in “I Give to You”)
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $2,500
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
15. Roots
I discovered reggae and Bob Marley in college. The pulsating power and passion of his music was obvious. The message in the music, in the man, in the people did not hit me on the dance floor. It came as I understood the connections among people of color, how our roots were shared, how far they were spread, how important it is to be grounded in our past, and how they provide an anchor for what we face and how we can make a difference. (I remember spending more time on his hair than I intended. Something seemed missing so I stopped thinking about the locks as hair and just focused on every strand. When I stepped back, they struck me as roots of a tree! That is what I was missing – roots.)
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,250
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $50*
16. Sax
I often come back to images with saxophones. There is something sexy about them. In this one the saxophonist seems to have lost his right hand on the saxophone but is still making music. Lean into your passion and enjoy what comes out of it.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Ink/Paper/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/10/NS/Print/Paper CLOSED
17. Service
It felt accurate to call this "Service". It did not feel accurate to call it "Submissive". Is there something about the humility of seeing and meeting the needs of others that does not require giving away yourself?
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $750
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $50*
18. Legacy
My mother’s pastor spent his life in the pulpit. He also had a regular job. They had one of those long-standing building funds and actually used it to purchase a new to them church. I remember how they really expected visitors to stand and speak, and to have brought their own Bible. What he did seemed simple and small in some ways, yet the impact he had went beyond him as I sure he intended. When he had his Homecoming, his son picked up the torch. Father then son. His hands are drawn to hint at how much and how many he touched. His hands are folded to suggest he hopes to hear “well done”. His head is turned to see his son stepping into place.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,250
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $125*
19. Protection
Embedded in my world are anchors of protection, rooted in confidence within my grasp. Safely wrapped in the fabric of my creation I dare to peer out, even dare to ask. What stands between me and outside dangers? What lies hidden in the folds that surround me?
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed SOLD
Limited edition prints/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Framed $150
Limited edition prints/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Unframed $50
20. Red Dancer
The original painting of the same name, is now part of an art collection for a member of Delta Sigma Theta. The first version of this painting was boring. I allowed myself to just go with the energy of music and dance to re-imagined it. The result is the more dynamic image you now see.
Original/Acrylic/Canvas/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Framed $450
Limited Edition/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Unframed $125
21. Mirage
I painted a picture of Victoria Waterfalls. It was stunning! I probably would have called it “Waters”. The blues however were overwhelming and the colors did not fit our more subtle home color palette. I redid it using shades of gold, brown and other earth tones and called it “Gold Rush”. It worked when it was in my mother’s family room because the Queen has bolder tastes! When she moved and had less wall space, I reclaimed the painting and re-visioned it as Mirage. There is blue underneath the surface. There is gold as well. It deserves enough wall space to be fully appreciated. Does it move you?
Original/Acrylic Paint/Canvas/Stretched $3,500
22. Strength
She talked about the secret garden as a core of strength in every woman. Something to embrace and nourish. Something both foundational and inspirational. A mix of power and passion…Whether others understand it or support it is not as important as you being willing to take it as high as you can, trusting your strength.
I recently collaborated with The Secret Garden Pole Fitness Exercise Boutique to present “Strength”: a demonstration of imagined moves and moving images. The PennArt pieces completed or in process as part of this collaboration are Strength, Foundation, Sweat, Arms, Shoulders, and Climb.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150
23. Imagine
I serve on the board of Drawchange. Established in 2009, Drawchange is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to aid global change by supplying the world’s children with empowering art experiences. Together we can provide the programs that allow them to effectively visualize a better life for themselves. Drawchange’s primary programs provide art lessons to unhoused children in Atlanta and other parts of the world.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Unframed $50
24. Unfolding
Several colleagues, women, self-identified as Persons of Color, furthered and deepened my awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by women around the world. This is the first of three images that emerged for me. I understand that progress is unfolding slowly in Saudi Arabia. It is still important to understand how the history of being unseen, then mostly covered, impacts wanting to be seen as a full person, Saudi and female.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $750
Limited Edition/40/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $75
25. Seen
The second of three images evolved from listening and seeing. I know now the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. I know now the importance of making sure women, Indigenous women, those living, missing, and those murdered, are seen.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $750
Limited Edition/40/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $75
26. Covered
The third image in this series of women was drawn out of somber reminders of how women have been used as targets for several reasons. What cover could the women in Nigeria targeted by Boko Haram have found to be safe?
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/40/NS/Giclee/Paper/Framed $100
Limited Edition/40/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $75
27. Stop
I danced in college and graduate school. I was at my best when the music, words, and movements all came together. I learned how our bodies could tell a story. I needed to feel that story and was never able to consistently count to get my moves “right”. I could “feel” the movements. This image made me feel the energy and passion of getting to the point of saying “stop!” I could make a story about what led up to this image. For me it captured an emotion more than a thought. (There is the hint of a figure on the ground behind him. Is she pushing him? Is he protecting her? When do you recently recall “feeling” compelled to yell “stop!”?)
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $350
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $50
28. Taken
I offer myself to you. Leading with my heart. You are always in my thoughts. My movements are meant to connect with yours
Always within your reach. Kiss me. And take me higher.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $350
Limited Edition/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Unframed $50
29. Shiva
Shiva is the traditional Judaism seven-day mourning period for first degree relatives, The recent passing of Ms. Ellie, the mother of one of my best friends, and a graceful inspiration for my art work, moved me to capture this image. Take time to quietly remember someone who left a lasting impression on you.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed SOLD
Limited Edition/25/NS/Prints/Paper/Unframed $50
30. Handson
Drawing hands can be a technical challenge. I used to avoid them, realizing that I was missing opportunities to convey a richness of emotions. Whenever I get stuck drawing something, like hands, I stop thinking and just focus on seeing what is in fornt o me, If I can absorb it, without even naming it, it becomes a matter of patience moving from eyes, through heart, hands, and onto paper.
These are the hands of me and my grandson. My hand on his. His hand in mine. Do not think about what it means. Just absorb it.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
31. Undercover
I awoke early one day and focused on my wife beside me. This image came to mind, followed by words like these:
I lay my hand on her thigh. She lay hers on mine. I felt the touch of layers above and below the sheets.
I savored what lay undercover.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
32. Mutual
Another early day in bed. Another image. More words that came to mind:
Remember our first time. And how it felt like it could be our last. Remember our last time. And how it reminded us of our first. Imagine our next time. And how soon it could be. Just like many before. And so much more.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
33. Release
Later in one of the early days’ sequences, I allowed my thoughts to wander further. Maybe we both had similar thoughts. More words trying to capture more of the feelings.
Grow together and share. Grow apart as well. Take time to dance now and then. And time to lie still just to feel
Remember your firsts. And savor your lasts. Hold on. Grab again. Ask for more.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150*
34. Hausa
Where are you from? I claim my Black American heritage knowing that is only a partial answer. Reaching as far back as the written records can reveal, there are stories I recall from my maternal grandmother that there was Native American blood in the mix. I assumed my paternal grandmother was white because of her complexion and that she was named Blanche. I have encountered people who insisted I could have been born in the Dominican Republic. Others were convinced there was a hint of Jamaican in me. My DNA tests indicate Nigerian. I am proud to recognize all my ingredients and hope each one has made an important and distinctive contribution to who I am. This image captures some of that mix. Look and see me. Look close and see that part that is Nigerian. I chose the Hausa people as a reference because of their distinctive headwraps, they are one of the largest tribes in Nigeria, and they expand beyond the country. Enjoy covering first one half of the face, then the other, then allowing your view of it to reintegrate both sides.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil, Acrylic Stick/Framed $1,750
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $150
35. Unprisoned
He was imprisoned for 28 years. He was innocent. He is not alone. His name is Lamar Johnson. The number of people incarcerated like him is frightening. There are facts to move us, and faces to move us more. His unfortunately, is just one of them.
I placed strips of tape on the paper when I started drawing to represent prison bars. I drew on top of the tape because I wanted to see him without the prison bars blocking my view. When I removed them, I was reminded that he missed many htings in those 28 years and there will always be reminders of how the bars shaped and influenced him.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $2,500
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $250
36. Safe
Sometimes you take time to hold yourself. Reminding you of the comfort and safety you can find just within our self.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $200
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $50
37. Hand me
There are benefits to keeping your hands to yourself.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Pencil/Framed $200
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Paper/Unframed $50
38. Sassy
The hat. The sax. This is one of four images to capture "The Art of Jazz". The four originals are available as a set. Prints framed or unframed are available individually.
Original/Ink and pencil/Canvas/Stretched $800/Set
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Framed $75
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Unframed $50
39. Sultry
The hair. The guitar. The shoulder. This is one of four images to capture "The Art of Jazz". The four originals are available as a set. Prints framed or unframed are available individually.
Original/Ink and pencil/Canvas/Stretched $800/Set
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Framed $75
Limited Edition/25/NS/Giclee/Unframed $50
40. Horn for Her
I like jazz. I like jazz vocalists more. If I could play an instrument, I would certainly be thinking about how the sounds I made were connecting to the woman I was imagining.
41. Foundation
This image was created as part of the Strength series and finished during the collaborative exhibition of images and movements along with dancers from The Secret Garden Pole Fitness Boutique, July 15th, 2023. It captures a male dancer in flight relying on the foundation of strength provided by his female partner.
Original/Ballpoint Pen, Pencil, Acrylic Sticks/Unframed $750
Limited Edition /NS/25/Giclee/Unframed $125
42. Hoops
This is another image in the Strength series. This one captures a female aerial dancer showing the strength needed to go through 'hoops' that come your way.
43. Sweat
Included in the Strength series, this image captures the sweat equity that goes into building one's strength. Yes, sweat is gold!
43. Saxcalling
The image "Sax" is now closed having sold the original and the 10 planned limited edition prints. Keeping with same theme of capturing the passion of the saxophone and the hint of images that come with the music, the original "Saxcalling" is now available along with 25 limited edition prints.
Original/Ball Point Pen, Acrylic Ink/Paper/Framed $500
Limited Edition/25/NS/Print/Paper $100
41. Fingering
The caress of the keys
Original/Ball point pen, pencil/paper $1250
Limited Edition/NS/25/Giclee/Unframed $150
42. Heartstrings
The touch of the cello
$1250
$150
43. Stripped
Down to the basics
$1250
$150
words
01. I Give to You
I Give to You is an artistic journal with images and words drawing out reflections from you. Take time here to page through the one on display. Gift yourself or others with one. Invite friends or gather your book clubs for a one-of-kind art show that draws out moving discussions and reflections.
Signed Softbound Copies $25
02. What You See
What You See will be the second volume of artistic journals with images and words drawing out reflections from you. The images will represent pieces that draw a range of reactions. They are stirred more by what the viewer sees in them than what I intended them to see. What does one person miss that another one sees? What causes one person to see anger, and another to see confidence? (Expected to be available December 2023)
Methods of payment
Cash - CashApp - Square - Venmo
AVAILABILITY
Key Note Presentations - Drawing Out the Best in YOU
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470.567.1771