A Piece of Working Art

 I enjoy painting. I use painting as a form of expressionism. Through painting, an expression of emotions and creative ideas pours out and brings me relaxation. That is why I was excited to research about about an African American female painter whom I can relate to and receive inspiration from. Faith Ringgold is an African American female painter, artist, author, and Civil Rights activist who is well-known for her narrative quilts. Early paintings from the 1960s from Ringgold focused on underlying racism happening daily. As she moves more in-depth with her work, she shifts from painting to fabric to somewhat separate from the association of painting with the Western/European traditions. Her quilts were designed to hint at how 20th-century social changes influenced African American experiences. Not only was Ringgold an exceptional artist and quilt-maker, but she is an author and former professor for the University of California, San Diego.

  

Coming to Jones Road #5: A Long and Lonely Night, 2000

My name is Yusraa. I am sure that I want to pursue being a strong and powerful African American woman like Faith and other African American women spoken of and not spoken of. I am shy, and it can be very difficult for me to speak up although I may want to. Everyday, I try to work on maintaining my character and bettering myself so that I may become successful, but overall joyful and happy. I know that this class will push me beyond what I'm used to and allow me to step out of my comfort zone some, but I am excited to educate myself and learn alongside great peers this semester.