An American Consciousness

I had the pleasure of meeting artist Robin Holder in December 09 at a reception hosted by painter Lilian Burwell at her home and beach studio in Highland Beach, MD. Holder's mid-career retrospective "An American Consciousness" was on exhibition at the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. After the reception, artists and friends carpooled to the Center to view the work on its last day. Upon arriving, I was struck immediately by Holders "Warrior Women Wizards" series (one of eight series exhibited) and pondered each peice, wondering how she was able to technically execute each one. The stencil monotypes, linoleum prints with stencils, and photo silkscreened stencil monotypes were strikingly bold, layered and textured and had such marvelous energy. I purchased the beautiful full-color 107 page catalog and hungrily read each page that night. Her work demonstrates such mastery of her artistic domain and commands respect and awe.

connecting with lifelong friend

Gail Shaw and I were in a art collective back in the day when I was at Howard University as an art student. We called the group Saba and we exhibited all over the D.C. metro area. There were 7 of us, all printmakers. Kabuya Pam Bowens, Gail Shaw, Mark Montgomery, Calvin Reid, Kamala Subramanian and the late Aden Hachman. This summer I ran into Gail who I hadn't seen in decades. She's still active making art in New York City.