Janiece Brown Clarke With Gratitude

By Brandon Clarke & NeFesha Ruth

During my conversation with Brandon Clarke, he spoke so proudly of the influence that his grandmother had on him, that it inspired me to honor her in this section, “With Gratitude”. I have been deeply influenced and inspired by the Black culture that raised me. I know that I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and desire to continue to honor and acknowledge them in all that I do. Black Folk Art will always give thanks for those that came before us and made a way out of no way for us to have the opportunities that we have today. So, here are some of Brandon’s word on his Grandmother who paved the road for him to become the artist and father that he is today:

“As far as art she never took an art lesson. She received her piano lessons by drawing charts and diagrams for a neighbor who was a teacher. This teacher taught her how to play the piano. She always wanted to work with archeologists and draw the skeletal remains as they were brought in.

She never wanted to sell her paintings as others had told her. She chose to give them away and have it as a visual diary to pass down to generations

When she paints or sketches people it’s usually based upon her childhood friends, neighbors or situations she experienced growing up in the segregated south.” –Brandon

Clarke

This magazine issue is dedicated to the artist and mother, Janiece Brown Clarke, born December 27, 1920. With gratitude, we honor you.