KINDRED CONNECTIONS ART STUDIO
|
KINDRED CONNECTIONS ART STUDIO
|
|
|
Janice Dickerson-Kindred, Artist The artist, a mid west native, received early art training at Marycrest, an all female college in Davenport, Iowa. However, having majored in math and applied science (B.A./M.S.), she began here federal career as a mathematician, then engineer at the Rock Island Arsenal. After twelve years, in 1980 Janice transferred to the Washington D.C. area with her two sons. She continues to work as a general engineer at the Army Materiel Command in Alexandria, Virginia. It was in the early 80's that she launched a rather extensive collection and study of traditional African art from Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this exposure she realized that certain African masks with plain and natural hues had limited appeal to the general public. In an effort to enhance this traditional art form to one more suitable for modern decor, Janice developed the idea of converting hand-carved African masks. She believed this project would provide an innovative mix of African art form and decorative art function. In Maryland, Janice, along with her husband Elliott, formed a venture called Kindred Connections and named the product line "Kindred Spirits". To their knowledge, this project is the first undertaking of its kind anywhere. This void is due to many factors. First, the general public believes that altering a cultural art object is taboo. But with a broad-based knowledge and appreciation of authentic African art, Janice is able to discern the artifact worth and feel confident she is enhancing, not diminishing the essence or "spirit" of the mask. Secondly, the transformation process requires a creative sense of design and basic knowledge of painting techniques, colors, textures, and other mediums. Thirdly, the process demands a series of painstaking steps, which include; selecting appropriate carvings, removing original applications, plus maintaining skillful and steady attention to detail. This new African-American art form has met with positive and encouraging public reaction. Upon seeing "Kindred Spirits" for the first time many people think the masks are ceramic or porcelain, when actually they are carved from wood. Each original transformation is initialed by the artist, titled, and comes with a certificate of authenticity - including personal artistic insights, and where possible, attribution to the African art style, custom, people and country. The "Kindred Spirits" masks and figures make unique and distinctive accents for the home and/or office. They can bring a lifetime of enjoyment and delight.
|
|
Send mail to kspirits@erols.com with questions or comments about
this web site.
|