SLEEPING IN THE FIRE
The Black Artist in America
a forthcoming book
by Elizabeth de Souza
The Black Artist in America
a forthcoming book
by Elizabeth de Souza
“Sleeping in the Fire" is a work of creative nonfiction that uses the life of McCleary Bunch Washington, late father of the author, to illumine stories about African-American artists of the past and present. It does this by exploring the link between artistic genius, culture, and mental health, and also by highlighting the relevance of these artists’ stories to some of the most pressing concerns of our time. The overarching project is envisioned as a book, a traveling art exhibition, and a short film documentary.
This project is the culmination of almost a decade's worth of research, interviews, and experiences. It is no coincidence that the core issues it explores are now both fueling and confounding our national dialogue about race and social justice.
Many people believe that the power of artistic expression is a guiding force helping to propel us out of an era that glorifies crass materialism--and the violence and confusion it engenders-- into a new epoch of cooperation and harmony. As Alice Walker has said, “Art is the mirror, perhaps the only one, in which we can see our true collective face. We must honor its sacred function. We must let art help us.”
"Pearls," Transparent Collage by Bunch Washington