Today, I want to talk about one of my pieces, “Angel Sister.” It’s a painting that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope sharing some of its story will resonate with you.
“Angel Sister” is a 36×24 inch oil painting. It depicts a nude Black woman, an angel with expansive black wings. The style is very rough and textured, with a lot of built-up oil paint. There’s also an engraving in one of the wings—a crown, and if you look closely, you can faintly see the letters “BLM” for Black Lives Matter.
For me, this piece signifies tranquility and peace of mind. I see her as an all-knowing angel, a protector of young Black men, watching over us with a motherly love. She’s a guardian, a source of strength.
When I was creating this piece, I really wanted to get internal with the character. I wanted to capture her deep thought and sense of protection. Even though her eyes are closed, she is constantly watching over, constantly aware. It was important to me to convey that inner strength and unwavering watchfulness.
My favorite thing about “Angel Sister” is its boldness. Nothing is too blended or too refined. It feels very rough and organic. I love the way the paint builds up on itself, adding to the texture and raw emotion of the piece. It’s a true reflection of the feelings I poured into it.
