The Ascent of Ethiopia

This set took a long time for me, almost a month! I am so amazed at the outcome, and sometimes I still cannot believe the art that comes from hands. It truly feels like a blessing.

After making "Sowing" and "Looking Upward", I wanted to do one more piece. A woman artist this time, and I found the inspiring Lois Mailou Jones. I originally saw a different medium of hers, a textile design because she was initially a fashion and textile student. What really drew me to her was the fact that she realized in order to be considered an important artist, she had to become a painter. I absolutely love that! I consider art to be a truly important part of life, and I thought so even before I considered myself an artist, so I understand her completely. I want to bring recognition to nail art in spaces that overlook the beauty and creativity in the nail art world. Jones was heavily influenced by her travels in Africa, Haiti, and Europe. She also spent summers in Harlem during the 1920's, which also heavily influenced her work.

In "The Ascent of Ethiopia", Jones used Egyptian imagery to express the ideals of the Harlem Renaissance. From a majestic pharaoh, the figures move upward to a modern city in which 3 separate rings of art reside. It was when I was further researching Lois I came across The Ascent of Ethiopia, and I immediately knew it embodied perfectly the plight and progression of Black people and Black art.

I honestly feel as if sometimes Black people are still trying to shake the effects of slavery, and then Jim Crow, and now the unjust incarceration and systemic oppression of Black people. I love art that makes a statement, especially one that is uplifting and celebrating Black people. I am going to add my name to the list of great Black artists, and I will do that first, by sharing my art through the form of my nails. As always, thank you for coming on this journey with me! I love it here and I hope you do too! Mush Love, Renee <3

Every time I start a painting project like this I agonize over how I am going to fit it on this canvas. I must admit, it IS fun though, and I learned how to work with myself when creating these pieces. I pick a vantage point, a base element, and then I create the rest of the painting around it. In this case, I started with the buildings and the rings of art. By the time I finished that hand, the rest of the painting comes together. I had the idea to place the top of the pharaoh's crown at the bottom of the first hand, for continuity in the painting. After I put the nails on though, I realized I could NOT place my fingers on top of each other in the way I wanted to make the painting connect, but its the thought that counts! I don't know how many times I tell you guys I have no idea if I can do a painting until I try, and I love the results every. single. time. It does not hurt to try, because you might be recreating amazing art like me! Go forth and create! And as always, thank you for coming on this journey with me! Mush Love, Renee <3