A heartfelt homage to Harlem and the vibrant souls, both young and old, who have etched their essence on my journey; when the Watermelon Man graced the uptown streets in his truck, bringing treasures from the South, and Easter blossomed with new hats and crisp dresses. A Harlem I cherished, one that helped shape the artist I have become.
The Stoop
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I learned life lessons on that stoop, I cried on that stoop and laughed hard on that stoop.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Pain & Joy
After a long career as an Art Director and experiencing numerous life changes, I came to the realization that it was time to convey some of my memories through painting. While certain memories may bring feelings of sadness, others certainly bring a smile to my face.
Nell’s
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Nell never met a belly she couldn’t fill.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Dusty Red
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The strange red balloon hung in the bathroom from a nail, I was forbidden to touch it. I never did. It seemed ominous.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
The Kitchen Series pays tribute to Black women and the love and heartbreak,that has always found it’s way into our kitchens.
In The Kitchen
Solitaire
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Bored on a Sunday evening, with a glass of sweet tea and a game of solitaire in front of her.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Wonder
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It was hard, the daily grind. Sometimes a full meal wasn’t in her.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Dax
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It was the intimacy of it all that I craved. I saw the grimaces, and occasional scorched skin, but I longed for the love in that hot comb.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
“My paintings are a tribute to my upbringing in Harlem. The early mornings filled with gospel music and the comforting smell of fish and grits bubbling on my grandmother’s stove provided me with a unique solace. Fond memories of Easter dresses and the braids that tugged at my tender scalpwarm my soul. These experiences have shaped who I am, and I cherish them deeply. My artwork reflects the complexity of my life—both soft and hard, translated into paint.”
If I Live To See Tomorrow
Johnny Pump
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Summertime brought a joy like no other: the fire hydrant! The sweltering NYC summer sun left us kids sticky and slightly irritated until a hero emerged with a wrench in hand. Cold water blasted out, and squealing children ran around, delighted by the refreshing relief. I can still feel the excitement in my bones.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Here Kitty Kitty
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She sat alone while the adults entertained themselves. Laughter and the sound of glasses clinking echoed from the room she wasn’t allowed to enter. Sitting with her doll, she felt the eyes of the cat clock watching her intently, like a reluctant babysitter.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Dusty Red Balloon
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The red balloon, covered in a thin layer of dust, hung from a nail in the bathroom. No one claimed it, and it would be years before I understood its purpose. Its ominous presence lingered there, nameless, with an intent that would eventually become obsolete.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
If I Live To See Tomorrow
Solitaire
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As the evening wore on, she finally found a moment to herself. She took out her deck of worn cards, which
usually helped distract her from the weight of her daily worries. But tonight, the cards no longer provided comfort. She laid her head on the table and cried, feeling the solitude envelop her. -
Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Rent Strike
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We played in the summer heat, our fingers sticky from treats bought at the corner store, blissfully unaware of the harsh realities of tenement living. We were just children residing in those pre-war buildings, ancient structures filled with rich history and traces of despair.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Loosie
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The prized Loosie cigarette was a sign that relief was near. When a pack couldn’t be afforded, just one cigarette was all that was needed. Nestled behind an ear or firmly poised in the hand was once a pure sign of cool.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
If I Live To See Tomorrow
Rucka
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Few places are a true fixture of Harlem like Rucker Park, where many came to see or be seen. Where no mercy could be found.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Hurts
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She concealed her pain behind the game face she showed the world. Inside was a broken little girl, who needed solace; until that comfort arrived, she wore her battle mask.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Skelly
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Waking up early to be the first on the court, we brought our skelly tops, which had been sanded down by the concrete for a smoother glide across the pavement. The game had been played in our neighborhoods long before we arrived. Each of us took pride in the tops we had transformed from milk bottles, packed tight with wax, clay, or gum; you truly earned your stripes on that court. Until the streetlights came on and our mothers called us home for dinner, we were reluctant to leave, but eager for the next day’s battle.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
If I Live To See Tomorrow
Underneath It All
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People hurry by, each carrying their own baggage, to the rattle and hum of steel monsters.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Ceelo
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The energy was palpable as the men crowded around a small set of plastic dice. Their shouts and cries with each roll were both fascinating and frightening for the two little girls perched high above them. It was hard to tell whether their exclamations were expressions of joy or anger; the noise transformed the dull evening into something electric. We sat quietly, hoping to remain unnoticed. This daily ritual captivated us; cigarettes hung loosely from their lips, and their curses filled the air.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Across 116th Street
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How many souls have scurried by? How many hearts broken or mended under these street lamps.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
The Dream Book.
The Dream Book.
I would kick and scream to have a few more hours
at Grandma’s house. Under a cloud of cigarette smoke she shared incredible stories of her life. Quite the character; she’d smile slyly while proclaiming a favorite saying of hers, “It’s a poor rat with only one hole.”
The Dream Book
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Any dream conveyed to Grandma would prompt a look in the Dreambook. The Dreambook assigned a number to the dream and that number would be played in the street lottery.
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Unframed.
On Bristol Board.
11X14
$150.
Commissions
Before starting a commissioned piece, I enjoy listening to the client's story. I want to understand what brings tears to their eyes and joy to their hearts when they reflect on their childhood, so that I can capture those emotions in my work.
Life can feel both long and short, and at times, it seems as if I've existed for an eternity. What once felt fragmented has gradually become more refined. There's always more polishing ahead. I’ve been lucky to discover love and raise two incredible sons. My hope is that my work brings a smile and a sweet memory.