I have created nothing really beautiful, really lasting, but if I can inspire one of these youngsters to develop the talent I know they possess, then my monument will be in their work.
~Augusta Savage
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| Giphy Source |
How many people have you met that left you awestruck?
Just hearing their voice and conversing with them opened up your worldview to wide you were left speechless. When researching Black Female artists, I found Augusta Savage, and I have nothing more to say.
Aww, I can’t resist. I spent all week researching Black Female Artists, because of my fascination with empowered women who’ve paved the way for me, and all future generations. You see, Augusta Savage is the woman who began the push for Black artists to be the ones to incorporate African culture and tradition into their works. Her sculptures have the heart and soul of a woman who has been both ostracized and recognized for her talents from a young age. I relate to her and am greatly inspired by her, and I hope you will be too.
Before this week, I thought I’d never heard the name Augusta Savage, but, I was wrong. I simply didn’t remember her. Through remembrance our predecessors live on, and when reading articles and researching individual pieces, I saw a photo of The Harp. I Suddenly, I knew her again. The Harp is a beautiful work of art that portrays the ancient instrument through a choir of black women, ending with a black man. The art world looked down on Black artists and felt they had nothing to contribute. Even though many artists were inspired by traditional African styles (as well as many non-European cultures), African-American artists were less-than solely because of the color of their skin.
Stop and rest your mind for one moment. Imagine the most beautiful painting, the Mona Lisa or Starry Night. A work of art, praised for its originality, its ability to portray the world in a way seen through the eyes of a genius. What race do you assume the artist is? What gender? Would you like the piece any less if you discovered the creator of such a magnificent piece was a woman? If they were Black? How about a Black woman?
I could go into great detail about race relations, segregation, denied opportunities et cetera, but this isn’t a research paper. This is as common knowledge. In a society where citizens are systematically treated as second-class citizens through public and private policies (as well as social situations) due to their race, the correlation is clear. However, her talents were realized and acknowledged by wonderful people who wanted to help her reach her full potential, despite the social climate of the time. Her tenacity and faith in herself and her abilities helped her push through and do what she was always meant to do.
What if I never met Julia? What if my art teachers weren't all amazing women? (Yes, all of my art teachers have been women) I remember glazing tiles with my stepmom in her studio. I would be given clay to make my own creations and paper to draw on. I was surrounded by professionals who all believed in giving back to the community through CPAG (Chicago Public Art Group) and providing the resources needed for those who had none to let their creativity flow and make the world a more colorful place.The feeling of creating something on your own is amazing, and the feeling of that work being recognized by others gives the satisfaction of being accepted. I took metalsmithing one summer, and worked with ASM (After School Matters) once I was old enough. We spent the whole summer learning to design and cut tile, and our mosaics remain a part of the city’s walls. Like Augusta, I’ve been given many opportunities that were not available to those of similar backgrounds, and I am very grateful. From her experiences, and my own, I see how amazing and necessary it is for those who have (opportunities, privileges) to help those who do not.
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