Harriet Series.
An antique chair was reupholstered in leather to honor Harriet Tubman. Under the chair is a compass rose pointing north. Historically on maps for seamen it represents travel on boat. A halo-like chandelier hangs low above Tubman's head to acknowledge a pseudo sainthood. A canopy represents nocturnal travel.
While learning about the style of chairs that Jessica implemented in her drawings, she became intrigued by the nomenclature given to various styles of furniture, such as “Louis XV.” The names given to these objects were ways of pay homage to people of significance. Jessica reupholstered a replica of a French provincial ladies’ slipper chair in leather and titled it “Harriet”, to reflect the connection between the material and the narrative. This piece serves as documentation of her process.
Harriet.
Year: 2012
Medium: Silver leafing & silver pencil on paper/wood panel.
Size: 6 in. x 4 in.
While learning about the style of chairs that I have implemented in my drawings, I became intrigued by the nomenclature given to various styles of furniture, such as “Louis XV.” The names given to these objects were ways of pay homage to people of significance. I reupholstered a replica of a French provincial ladies’ slipper chair in leather and titled it “Harriet”, to reflect the connection between the material and the narrative. This piece serves as documentation of my process.
Ancestry.
Year: 2012.
Medium: Silver & leafing silver pencil on paper/wood panel.
Size: 36 in. x 24 in.
Based on recurring physical and psychological interactions with ancestors from the past. In "Ancestry" relatives take several forms in both literal (through their actual presence) and subconscious manifestations (through memories and dreams of them).
Conversation.
Year: 2012
Medium: Silver leafing & silver pencil on paper/wood panel.
Size: 36 in. x 24 in.
In “Conversation”, the ancestor/descendant and speaker/listener dynamics are suggested by the placement of the chairs and the chairs’ positioning- they were placed so that they would face and confront the viewer.
Her Children.
Year: 2009
Medium: Installation with found framed art.
Size: Varied dimensions.
Harriet Tubman played an maternal role to the lives of others. The children in these found framed art peices pay homage to her service and sacrafices.
The High Chairs.
Year: 2013.
Medium: Installation.
Size: Varied Dimensions.
This installation is based on living room furniture found in the parlor of American homes. Often off-limits the living room was primarily utilized during special events. With the chairs wrapped in plastic for protection, the furniture was not used for casual use. Additionally, children were not allowed to sit on the living room furniture. The legs in "The High Chairs" were made 8-feet tall in order to allow ancestors to sit above successors.
The High Chairs (Installation Draft).
A draft of the High Chairs installation. Created in Google Sketchup.
The High Chairs (Installation Draft).
A draft of the High Chairs installation. Created in Google Sketchup.
High Chair (Outdoor Installation).
High Chair (Outdoor Installation).