The Sculpture And Silence Of Edmonia Lewis

Edmonia Lewis, an influential African-American and Native American sculptor of the 19th century, had an extraordinary talent for capturing raw emotion and profound beauty in a world that was often silent to her experiences. Born in 1844 in Greenbush, New York, Lewis faced immense adversity and discrimination throughout her life, but she ultimately found solace and freedom in the art of sculpting.

The Early Years

As a child of mixed racial heritage, Lewis faced discrimination from both white and black communities. Her father was of Haitian and African-American descent, while her mother belonged to Chippewa Native American and African-American heritage. This complex cultural background shaped Lewis' worldview and eventually became an essential source of inspiration for her sculptures.

Discovering a Passion

In her early twenties, Lewis began attending Oberlin College, becoming the first woman of African-American and Native American descent to attend a higher education institution. It was during her time at Oberlin that she discovered her passion for art, specifically sculpting. Lewis excelled in her chosen craft, eventually catching the eye of prominent sculptors and art critics.

Stone Mirrors: The Sculpture and Silence of Edmonia Lewis

by Jeannine Atkins(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4064 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

FREE

An Artistic Journey Abroad

Yearning for more exposure and opportunities, Lewis embarked on a journey to Europe, where she studied under renowned sculptors and immersed herself in the vibrant art scene. Her work began to garner attention and acclaim, challenging the existing stereotypes and prejudices that limited the recognition of black artists at the time.

Masterpieces of Emotion

Edmonia Lewis's sculptures were characterized by their exquisite attention to detail and their ability to evoke intense emotions in viewers. One of her most famous works, "The Death of Cleopatra," displays a remarkable blend of realism and symbolism, capturing the tragic beauty and power of the Egyptian queen's demise.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite her undeniable talent, Edmonia Lewis faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career. The art world was dominated by white males, making it difficult for an African-American woman to secure prominent commissions and exhibitions. Nevertheless, Lewis persevered, creating notable sculptures such as "Forever Free" and "The Freedwoman on the Land of Her Own."

The Veil of Silence

As a black woman artist in the 19th century, Edmonia Lewis endured a great deal of silence surrounding her experiences and the issues she faced. Her contributions to the art world were often overlooked or overshadowed by the prevailing racism and sexism of the time. However, her brilliance and creativity were not extinguished, and her legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Edmonia Lewis's sculptures speak volumes even in the midst of a society that tried to silence her. Through her art, she challenged societal norms and broke barriers for future generations of black artists. Her legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of artistic expression. Edmonia Lewis will forever be remembered as a pioneer and a trailblazer who transformed the world of sculpture.

Stone Mirrors: The Sculpture and Silence of Edmonia Lewis

by Jeannine Atkins(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4064 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

FREE

From critically acclaimed author Jeannine Atkins comes a “memorable, poetic tale” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) about a half–Native American, half–African American sculptor working in the years following the Civil War.

A sculptor of historical figures starts with givens but creates her own vision. Edmonia Lewis was just such a sculptor, but she never spoke or wrote much about her past, and the stories that have come down through time are often vague or contradictory. Some facts are known: Edmonia was the daughter of an Ojibwe woman and an African Haitian man. She had the rare opportunity to study art at Oberlin, one of the first schools to admit women and people of color, but lost her place after being accused of poisoning and theft, despite being acquitted of both. She moved to Boston and eventually Italy, where she became a successful sculptor.

But the historical record is very thin. The open questions about Edmonia’s life seem ideally suited to verse, a form that is compatible with mysteries. Inspired by both the facts and the gaps in history, author Jeannine Atkins imagines her way into a vision of what might have been.