Affirm Black Women Portrait Series: Coretta Scott King
“Contempt for poverty is violence” - Coretta Scott King
Yesterday we honored the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Today I want to honor a woman who deserves a day of recognition all her own - Coretta Scott King.
She was an accomplished singer and committed activist for social justice and peace. Coretta Scott King was a force - a leader. From an early age she said, “I knew I had something to contribute to the world.”
Coretta and Martin’s activism converged. When they married, she had the command “obey” removed from the wedding vows. When pressured by family members to flee to safety with their ten-week-old baby after the King’s house was bombed, Coretta refused. During the Montgomery bus boycott she, “came to understand that I was not a breakable crystal figurine. I found I became stronger in a crisis.”
When told by men to step aside and let them lead after her husband’s assassination - Coretta refused. She declared, “I am not a ceremonial symbol, I am an activist.”
Prints of this portrait are available here. Ten percent of proceeds are donated to Women With a Vision, a New Orleans social justice non-profit created by and for women of color.
Excited to announce a collaboration with the Portland Stamp Company to create a series of limited edition artist stamps!
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” - Amanda Gorman
Going epic for this next portrait. At 36” x 48” it’ll be my largest portrait painting to date.
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” - Amanda Gorman
Sneak peek at a new portrait. This will be painted in acrylic on a smooth gessoed wood panel. Acrylic is still a relatively new medium for me and it feels like turning my brain inside out.
“We cannot afford to be tired or cynical. The cost is too great to let someone else write our story or erase our progress.” - Stacey Abrams
I’m more comfortable behind the brush or camera rather than the subject but my good friend, fellow artist, and remote coworker Alex Kujawa challenged me to post an #ArtVSartist.
Introducing the Phenomenal Black Women Memory Matching Game! Your favorite portraits and inspirational quotes are now an interactive educational card game.
“…I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the words engraved on the front of the Supreme Court building— ‘Equal Justice Under Law’—are a reality and not just an ideal.” — Ketanji Brown Jackson