Their Eyes Were Watching God

Doesn't this picture of author
Zora Neale Hurston
 just say "I'm happy to be me,
forget everything else"

My latest book adventure has led me back to a classic, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I was first introduced to this novel in high school  and then again in the tv movie. What I connected with most in the book was the character Janie, played by Halle Berry in the movie. Janie did not hold herself back from finding happiness. She was ready to leave everything behind in order to find her truth and happiness. So for my latest art endeavor I am bringing Janie to life.

Picture of me with other artists to be featured in the Ritz art
exhibition.

I will be exhibiting work at the Ritz Theater and La Villa Museum in the "Through Our Eyes" exhibit at the beginning of the year. For this exhibit I am creating a triptych or diptych of Janie from the novel. The visuals and face model I am using is from the young actress Yara Shahidi from ABC's "Blackish". There will be a painting on canvas and a clay sculpture of the joy and pain Janie experienced. Janie is a black woman living in Florida during the 1920's or 30's. She married young, was emotionally abused and yet still searched for true love. She had hardships and true happiness.

Their Eyes Were Watching God  was originally published in 1937 but is still relevant today due to the issues it highlights. As a contemporary black woman/girl we are facing the some of the same things Janie did: colorism, sexism, identity and people just hating on you for doing "unconventional" things. Following your truth is something we should all do. The dialect and tone of the character are authentic. In reverence to that courage follow along as I paint and sculpt works of art depicting Janie for the Ritz art exhibit. Read this book! I recommend it for ages 16+ .