The Crystal Ladies
For the Juneteenth Freedom Fest in 2022, I had the honor of being selected to paint a live mural. I made the decision to introduce "The Crystal Ladies" to the world. These figures stand tall and proud, representing my personal collection of crystals, symbolizing qualities such as protection, wisdom, clarity, and guidance.
Each Crystal Lady serves as a visual embodiment of a strong, resilient, proud, and fearless African American woman. My intention was to celebrate the qualities and inner strength that define these remarkable women while also paying homage to the rich cultural heritage they represent. Inspired by the women of the South Ndebele tribe in Africa, I incorporated the concept of elongated necks into the Crystal Ladies' design. In South Ndebele culture, neck rings traditionally symbolize wealth and status. However, I reimagined this tradition, infusing it with deeper meaning. For my Crystal Ladies, the elongated necks symbolize a wealth of self-awareness, understanding, and love. They represent the innate strength and personal growth that comes from embracing one's true self.
