Rosa (UR Majesty) 48x36in
It’s amazing to me I started my Rosa 5 years ago. And yet a few days ago, I brought her back in the studio. She has gone through so many transitions and I have to think during stirring times she is on my easel as much as a healing to myself than anything.
Rosa Parks is the epitome of calm, resolve, courage, rebellion and faith to me.
In my iterations of creating this piece, I have collaged newspaper accounts of racism & xenophobia and a typewritten interview of Rosa after her arrest—her sharing of the determination that kept her seated that fateful December day inspired this painting/an homage to her resolve. And while many of the collaged inclusions are now obscured by paint, they are the foundation of the work. Still visible are nods to her seamstress roots including a circa 1950s sewing needle package appropriately inscribed “sharp points,” vintage sewing patterns and newspaper clippings.
In this round of refinement, I included Rosa’s arrest number 7053 and crowns. The words” UR Majesty are emblazoned on the side of the canvas…because I see Rosa as American royalty and as majesty personified. Your majesty. You’re majesty.
Sitting on her well-worn, every-person throne, surrounded by metal bars with total determination.
In these times of knee-buckling fright and uncertainty, envisioning this demure, gentle woman committing a brave act of civil disobedience sure to ignite the rage of many, offers me inspiration…yes, we can do hard things. Things will change…we will be different…we grow from moments like these. Namaste.
