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SHARON LEE MINOR

Literary, Multidisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Art, Multimedia, Performance, Performance Art, Prose, Visual / Media

“I make “things”. I began under the tutelage of my great-grandmother, Hattie Mae Rucker, and my grandmother, Hattie Mae Williams. That is where I first became enamored with cloths, and sewing. That is where I learned to be patient with materials…and with people.

I find it valuable to counterbalance the pragmatic drawing that is traditionally taught in western art schools, with traditional techniques taught in Asia, particularly China and Japan, that are influenced by ancient symbols and practices found within Africa. Symbolism is very important throughout my artwork, especially ancient and traditional ones found within African and Native American cultures.


About the Artist

Sharon Lee Minor (a.k.a. Sharon Minor King, Ph.D.) synthesizes Art and Anthropology in her visual art and performances. She has been widely exhibited throughout the U.S., Canada, and Ghana, West Africa. Local exhibitions include juried/member showings sponsored by the Olney Arts Association, and the annual international exhibition at the Strathmore Mansion sponsored by the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society.   Sharon has received several awards and grants, including an Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (MD) Artist/Scholar Grant (FY22).  She also received the prestigious GRUMBACHER medallion for Painting. Her current research includes the development/production of quality art experiences online that engage senior citizens, and early childhood audiences. Her packet, "The Art of Healing Through The Arts" describes the workshops and classes she has developed for organizations. Sharon continues to expand her artistic skills by  increasing her skills in audio and video production. She is a graduate of George Washington University (Corcoran School of Art) in Painting (B.A.); Wright State University in Textiles (M.Ed); Howard University in Biblical Studies with an emphasis on the Arts (M.Div.); and The Ohio State University in Art & Anthropology (Ph.D.). YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg57FYS42VRWRapD0DvXTBg  Website:     https://www.octaghanahouse2020.com  

SHARON LEE MINOR website OCTAGHANAHOUSE2020.COM SHARON LEE MINOR website PAINTINGS BY SHARON LEE MINOR SHARON LEE MINOR website AUNTIE AFRIKA YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Artist's Statement

   I like people in my work, whether identifiable or merely gestures. Reflecting my own cultural nuances as an African American, also adds another level of communicating with folks who know what I am “saying” because they have “been there” for generations. My family has always “made things”, whether for profit, or simply as familial exchanges. Growing up with memories of life within a four-generation household has been one of the greatest inheritances I could have ever received. It provided me with a sense of assurance that enables me to extend warmth to those who may or may not be able to relate culturally, but can relate as human beings. My work is to make the unfamiliar more than merely tolerated, but celebrated!

Featured Work

Photos

This is a MONOPRINT based on the last words of George Floyd... a call out to his Mother. I was making a series of monoprints at the time. This print seemed to be a response to his last utterances. There are a few other versions, but each print is different.
As a Tribute to the late Mrs. Bernice Hammond Jackson, Founder of the Northeast Academy of Dance, the painting depicts the diverse emotions within the dance industry, especially when Misty Copeland becomes a Prima Ballerina. This painting is a "collector's" piece, primarily for an institution that is interested in historical documentation, particularly in the areas of Dance, and/or Black History.
This is one of my latest challenges, learning Japanese Nihonga technique in making and applying paints I make from powdered minerals. This one is on canvas with powdered white bronze, and glimmer of Chinese pure gold ink. The process is both meditative and therapeutic. Throughout this global Pandemic, I have been even more intrigued with the values of natural and spiritual elements as I continue exploring "Afro-Asian" aesthetics, and creating my "Afro-Asian Visual Vocabulary" throughout my process of making.
This painting is a part of a series I am doing from thousands of photos I inherited from my Mother. The scene depicts a moment on the beach at Longview Beach Club, in southern Maryland, a privately-owned property exclusively for/by African-Americans. I spent most of my summers there enjoying the many events, from regattas to crab and clam bakes. This miniature painting is inspired by a photo depicting my mom, aunt, and a family friend "posing". As a part of the first Desegregation generation in the U.S., my series focuses on my childhood and family memories. The painting was exhibited at the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society exhibition at the Strathmore Mansion (Rockville, MD).
As a Fiber Artist, this painting visualizes a limerick taught to me by my Great Grandmother: "Courtin is sweet but oh how bitta To court a girl and then not getta"! I also learned from her how to make rugs (the plaited hair) from stockings, and from my Grandmother hand-making ruffles and beads. The indigo fabric is from travels to West Africa. This piece was originally exhibited in my one-woman showing in Ohio during my doctoral studies. Since then, it has been shown throughout the U.S. and Canada (see resume).

Videos

  • THE STATUE THAT WALKED THE WATER

    See more information about THE STATUE THAT WALKED THE WATER
    This is TRUE STORY...a children-friendly imaginative version of a true story about a statue at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum (SSSM) that became its symbolic logo. . Miraculously, the statue had been seen in Ghana, West Africa, 1995 at different times by both the storyteller (Sharon Lee Minor), and Dr. Winston A. Anderson, Founder of SSSM, . But they did not know each other, and just by coincidence this authentic history would become an intriguing "bridge-builder" between two nations and multiple cultures.

    This project is based on research done by Artist/Scholar Sharon Lee Minor King, Ph.D. and funded by the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland.
    Medium: VIDEO
    Year: 2020
    Details: 3 MINUTES

  • NATIVE AMERICAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT 1

    See more information about NATIVE AMERICAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT 1
    As a Tribute to the Native American culture groups throughout Maryland, I did this very brief visual "Intro" to honour INDIGENOUS DAY, October 10, 2022. I also donor my Great Grandmother Hattie Mae Elizabeth....Rucker who is said to be partially Ojibwe (Cherokee). We who stand on the shoulders of so many....may we wear moccasins instead of stilettos. Ase to the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County MD, for continued support as I explore the multiple visual ways towards UBUNTU..."I am because WE are"!!!
    Medium: VIDEO
    Year: 2022
    Details: 1 minutes 28 seconds

Music/Audio

  • MY REALITY AS A MAKER

    See more information about MY REALITY AS A MAKER
    This track is from my CD "Auntie Afrika . It is also the soundtrack for my video, "Heritage Boxes My Reality" (https://youtu.be/ySher9Kgoc8). The video shows examples of my Heritage Boxes, and students from college level classes. Heritage.

    Originally, the lyrics were a part of my dissertation for the first doctoral degree given by The Ohio State University that combined Art and Anthropology (Art Education). The CD was published in 2011. I self-taught the use of the GarageBand software and created all the music and voices digitally. The photo depicts my showing elementary level art students how I did it. After class they returned and wanted to know more details.
    Medium: CD
    Year: 2011
    Details: 6 minutes 50 seconds

Written Works

Booking

Booking Price: < $500

Contact three months in advance:
Prof.k.2013@gmail.com
or
301-775-0071 (text/mobile)

Materials and technology needed for participants in classes and/or workshops are listed in the Packet, THE ART OF HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS: "Heritage Boxes and Other Goodies". Sponsoring organisations are encouraged to review the Packet and customise and collaborate prior to the actual event. The packet is available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZQac13BP4PNkoN6-sRe05fdZ6am58goy/ed…

ALL CLASSES and WORKSHOPS are VIRTUAL. Handouts will be provided, and an evaluation sheet will be provided for feedback. Activities are interactive and encourage group participation. As indicated in the Packet, an adult/caretaker will be necessary for younger students and those needing assistance in classes where things are being made. Closed Caption will be available, and verbal descriptors are a part of the Instruction process.

In the spirit of Community Building, participants are strongly encouraged to turn on video cameras. There are no distance limitations. Pending scheduling requests, classes are usually 60-90 minutes, pending the age of participants.

Request for References may vary pending the inquiring organization.
PLEASE REVIEW RESUME & PACKET. Also, contact me at:
Prof.k.2013@gmail.com
301-775-0071 (text only)
Also
Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County
https://www.creativemoco.com
Suzan.Jenkins@creativemoco.com
(301) 565-3805
801 Ellsworth Dr
Silver Spring, MD 20910

LOOKING FORWARD....and STAY SAFE!