Black Art- One of My Many Passions!

Before I became an independent art consultant with Ethnic Expressions, I had little, to no familiarity with black artists. I live in NYC, have been to Harlem and there are knock-offs everywhere. I did visit a black art gallery in Mount Vernon where I first began my career as a Court officer. I recall liking what I saw, but found the pieces to be very expensive-a hobby of collecting black art wasn't in my near future-so I thought. When I was promoted to Sgt. in another city in New York State-my going away gift from everyone in Mount Vernon City Court was a piece of black art- "Beulah's Baby" by Primose McPherson Paschal!
Thank You-Mount Vernon City Court-I miss all of you!

Now, I have familiarized myself with the wonderful stylings of various black artists thanks to Ethnic Expressions and I pride myself on being able to recognize their work.
If I had to think back to how I became most familiar with black art, or the beginnings of my deep abiding love for black art before becoming an art consultant. It would have to be though the medium of television. The most prominent show to depict beautiful images of positive black art that comes to mind is-The Cosby Show!
One of the things I loved most about The Cosby Show besides the positive potrayal of US as a people....The artwork....It was everywhere! It changed every season I think except one or two pieces in the foyer leading to the stairs.

Varnette P. Honeywood, I don't believe, would be as famous as she is if it weren't for The Cosby Show. She then went on to illustrate Cosby's children series "Little Bill" whose main character was strongly influenced by Mr. Cosby's son; Ennis Cosby, who was tragically taken from his family, & the world in his prime. My children own all of books in "The Little Bill" series and my 4 year old son loves to watch it on Noggin-"Hello friend!"
"The Funeral Procession" by Ellis Wilson is probably one of the most famously recognized works of black art because of The Cosby Show. An entire episode was dedicated to how much was paid for the painting. Everyone can own The Funeral Procession-it's an open edition-get it before Mr. Wilson changes his mind and takes it out of circulation-it's a wonderful conversation piece!
I thanked The Cosby Show then, and I'm grateful for it now- for being responsible for the highest amount of black college graduates during it's airing time. I know the profound effect it had on me & I so appreciate the re-runs, so my teenage daughter can see and appreciate US and her potential.

Artist Alonzo Adams is the creator of two of my favorite black urban love art pieces- Afterglow-whew it's a hot number followed closely by The Kiss-bedroom adornments for sure! These two paintings are why i joined Ethnic expressions, these two limited editions were SOLD OUT and I vowed to never let another piece of art that moves me get away again. I needed to keep abreast of the most popular, moving black art pieces. What better way than to be in the know and in control of the flow as an art consultant, not to mention the discounts :0) I had to purchase these two pictures outside of Ethnic Expressions and spent over $500 of the EE asking price. Ethnic Expressions is definitely priced better than most art galleries and supports independent black business owners-ME, if you care to live your dreams-possibly YOU, and of course has a personal relationship with each artist represented in our vast catalogs. I love Alonzo Adams work and looking forward to collecting more of his pieces..no matter the cost-Thank God for Ethnic Expressions!

Now you know I can't have WAK's picture on this site without giving him his props! Not just for being, young, gifted and black-but for his commitment to his craft-awesome talent-keep growing and doing your thing-Kevin A. Williams!(WAK are his initials backward) Did you see his work commissioned by Bernie Mac (REST IN PEACE-This world is less funny w/o U) for Oprah Winfrey's 50th Birthday- WOW! "Annointed Gift" is a beautiful depiction of Oprah through Mr. William's eyes!

Remember the 70's television situation comedy "Good Times."- the beautiful artwork the character JJ created. JJ of course was not the real artist-the man with the gifted hands was the late great Mr. Ernie Barnes! Barnes is best known for his painting, "Sugar Shack," that appeared on the cover of Marvin Gaye's album "I Want You" and it was shown during the closing credits of the "Good Times".

An artist with a vaguely similar style-a former graffiti artist and down with the Sugar Hill Gang back in the day- Mr.Frank Morrison. Morrison's exaggeration and lengthening of limbs make his work stand out from other artists. You can look at a picture and tell-that's a Morrison. I love his Sports depictions, as well as his love for us Sistas- to Morrison we are Proud Divas, Queens & Mi Amor-Thanks for the Love.

I could go on and on-stay tuned for further updates on those who keep our vision burned so brightly before us by capturing moments and events and making them special, priceless...Artists-Life,Celebrate, Black-Black Artists!

God bless yall!

Here's a link to the Ethnic Expressions Catalog-
Behold, Enjoy& Be inspired:
http://www.ethnicexpressions.net/catalog/index.php