From N.Y. to D.C.. 24x30. oil; 2009
ARTIST STATEMENT
Cheryl D. Edwards was born in Miami Beach, Florida. She began her studies in art during 1990 in New York City in a class at the Art Student League taught by the late, Ernest Crichlow. She has been living in Washington, DC for the past 16 years. Cheryl has exhibited in many shows in the Washington, DC area.
Her interest in art stems from her fascination of the human body as a whole. Her medium is oil, ink and acrylics. After 15 years of painting nudes she has become fascinated with nature and how it relates to humanity. She says, '...the transfer of an image to canvas begins from the process of having the ability to capture the spirit of a person or object being observed. ...the person's soul shines through the process of capturing the light and dark areas. Art allows me to travel into all realms of possibility. As I look at my life, I have found that I have always chosen ART...' Please contact her for viewings.
Series - 2007
“The Return”
The return is about the enslavement of Senegalese people and how they preserved to survive that period of darkness in their history. The work of Cheryl Edwards begins from the beginning of the most abhorred period in Senegal with the “Door of No Return”; which is geographically located in Goree Island, Senegal. The action of perseverance is depicted in semi abstract spiritual pieces of work embodied with strong symbolism, which appeals to everyone on a universal plane. The series ends with every day scenes of what Senegal looks like in today’s society.
Series – 2008
“Ndebele People – Dolls Ritual/Play
This series sets forth the concept of the use of dolls by the Ndebele People of South Africa. Traditionally all over the world dolls are inevitably used for play and also used for performing rituals. The series consist of 19 artworks using a technique, which combines ink and water-soluble oils. The works depict a combination of the Ndebele people in South Africa in common everyday scenes, and the work demonstrates through creative visual the effect of the use of dolls for the purpose of performing rituals. Dolls have been historically used by the Ndebele People to enhance the possibility of marriage and childbirth. A more widespread usage is to employ a doll to assist in a healing ritual. Many of the dolls made by the Ndebele woman are representative of the traditional healers (Sangoma); they are notably recognized by their dress and always accompanied by a red blanket or cloth worn over their shoulders. This is symbolic of protection of one’s powers. This series opened for exhibit at the Wohlfarth Gallery in Washington, DC on October 17, 2008.
Series-2009
' New York City Water Towers'
This series depicts the simplicity and beauty of the water towers seen on the roof tops in New York city. The paintings are semi-abstract and captures the shapes and lines of the city incorporated with the balancing shapes of the water towers. The series consist of 20 paintings using the medium of ink and water soluble oils. This exhibit opened in December 2009 at the Sitar Center for the Arts,Cafritz Gallery located in Adams Morgan community in the Disrict of Columbia.
Cheryl-edwards.artistswebsites.com
cedwards@theexcelinstitute.org
