Rooted In Me Digital Booklet

Yolanda Ward Solo Exhibition

“ROOTED IN ME”

Visual Storytelling of moments in my life as told through my All-Paper Collage process.

“We all stand/walk in the footsteps of the moments on our path.... these are some of mine”.

“IF IT WASN’T FOR YOU” 7 FT X 5.5 FT ALL PAPER COLLAGE ON CANVAS

“Rooted in Me” is my first solo art show since I started exhibiting in 1996. Each piece is created entirely with paper, not paint, and conveys glimpses into my life’s journey and growth as a visual artist.

In preparation for this exhibition, each work seemed to tell me exactly how to translate my memories into collage. I hope this show touches you with, not only my memories, but also with your own journey.

“We all stand/walk in the footsteps of the moments on our path.... these are some of mine”.

This series was created to represent the Tignon Law, the rule that banned black women from displaying their hair.

It also tells the story of how we black women use our creativity and resilience to transform and celebrate our “crown.”

The first article that was written about my work featured this series.

“Girl With Fabric Scarf” 48” X 60” All Paper Canvas

“Mommie’s Garden” 48” X 60” All Paper Canvas

As a child I was always watching.

Curiosity and my determination to see the story behind everything I encountered, lead me to my own conclusions of what I observed. I believe my mother had a hard life, the one thing that brought her joy was her garden. It was beautiful.

She called it communing with nature. I wish I could have given her more time in her garden.

“IF I ONLY KNEW” 48” X 60” All Paper Canvas

The sky was the first artwork I created as a teenager; it was shown on the nightly news... if I only knew... it was leading me here. The bottom of the work is from my series “Three Sister Mourning”.

My mother died unexpectedly.

We had plans to get ice cream the next day. If I only knew... she would pass away that night.

Two moments that mark my journey.

“Saving Grace” 36” X 48” All Paper Canvas

During my breast cancer journey, halfway through my radiation treatments, the Lord My GOD showed up. HE showed me, the little girl me from the family photo thats in my hallway, skipping on this path with HIM holding my right hand.

I knew in that moment I would be okay.

The Best and the one of the worst moments in my life... I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It is rooted in me forever. I am so Blessed.

My life now is about working at listening, seeing, and being, so when I’m awakened right before dawn, I get up, look around and make note of the moment. On this particular night, right before dawn, as I looked out my bedroom window, this is what I saw, and I heard...

“Joy Comes In The Morning”.

It’s imprinted in my Spirit.

“Joy Comes In The Morning” 36” X 48” All Paper Canvas

“The White Vase” 36” X 48” All Paper Canvas

The White Vase Series is a metaphor for my breast cancer journey.

Being filled and surrounded by so many things… good and bad.

Through the darkness there is always light.

You can’t have one without the other. The winds may blow… and they did… Still I stand, maybe a little altered, but still I stand.

Everywhere I turned, there it was and so was GOD. I am the vase, and the light is the LORD MY GOD!!!

“How Deep The Sin” 48” X 60” All Paper Canvas

The Clotilda was the last known slave ship to bring captives to the U.S. It was burned and scuttled to hide the evidence. This immoral act is not just in our past, it continues to bare witness to the injustices of the present time. It’s darkness keeps light from entering.

But if one can survive, then one can ask for forgiveness.

“Migration Of Another Kind”

This series was selected for my first showing at Woodmere Art Museum’s Annual Juried Show in 2022. The theme was Migration. For me, when I think of the Great Migration, there is a heaviness with the hope of something unknown. Being courageous is moving forward despite your fear... I feel like I’m migrating through every step of my journey.

48” X 60” All Paper Canvas

This is my first piece in which I incorporate thread into my work, using handmade paper threads, stitched into the canvas, row by row.

Experimenting is in my blood... can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

“My King Adorned” 24” X 36” All Paper Canvas

Cover Art “If It Wasn’t For You” is my visual representation of The Middle Passage, as well as how I feel blessed and saved every day. I feel the Ancestors are holding me up today and everyday... their spirit is in me and helping me to keep moving forward.

Website: yolandawardart.com Instagram: yolandawardart Facebook: yolandawardart