Truth

About the Work

From the Artist

This piece was designed to be a visual poem that explores ideas of duality, positive, negative, hot and cold, all the opposing forces that compose the universe. This piece explores these issues through the human mind.

The image was imagined from a playing card. The figures represent two aspects of me. The road that separates the two sections of the art represents life and its levels of enlightenment, and opportunity. The symbol in the center is a medical symbol but here it represents healing and wholeness.

The spade makes reference to the Black experience—"SPADE".
_{—From Brandywine Workshop and Archives records}

I am interested in the spirit world, and how it interacts with science knowledge. At the time of creating this work, I was contemplating duality, about how these kinds of spiritual and scientific concepts are shown in the collective consciousness. I was looking in context of everyday existence, and exploring how duality impacts an individual's life. Looking at the playing card, I had been influenced by David Hammond’s work at that time I was very struck by how he used the spade. I started to experiment with the concept of Spade presence in the cultural language of community and black consciousness. I began utilizing it in my work to be create a conversation about dynamic spiritual questions and visual language as expressed to explore identity.
_{—Excerpted from interviews conducted by Drexel University students, supervised by Jen Katz-Buonincontro, PhD, 2021–2022}

My work has evolved into a multiplicity of visions, directions, and intuitive gestures. The paintings, installations, and sculptures I create are a product of recalled images of cumulative life experiences. Various forms of music, as well as the rhythm of people and places assist in the creating and molding of the character of my work.

I see my art and music as extensions of each other. I often use music as a model by incorporating its structure, rhythms, and dynamic elements into each piece; emerging into a new realm of experience.

Objects are also a very important part of the creation and aesthetic of my art. Found objects are a continuum of a narrative flowing through the work, becoming elements of a story intricately woven into a work of art, in order to create a new meaning and new context, in an attempt to display in the layers the images’ interrelationship of cosmic forces and every-day. This search for universality continues to drive and inform my work.

Aesthetics of the work involves many complex color combinations and rhythmic patterns inspired by geometric patterns found in nature. Rhythms and harmonies converge into a symphony of colors that work together to create a powerful visual experience.

It is my vision to create pieces that bring a since of intrigue, color, and excitement while addressing the physiological and historical concerns of everyday people.
_{—Adapted and excerpted from http://www.carljoewilliams.com/about/ , accessed 7-28-2021}