The artwork of fabric artist Marie-Ella Williams of CAMACA Folk Designs has been chosen as one of the pieces in the juried art exhibition for the Moja Arts Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
This is no small feat for this Trinbagonian artist, whose piece, entitled Lily, was one of a select few for this exhibition. Moja Arts Festival, now in its 30th year, celebrates the art and culture of African American and Caribbean artists during October month.
Williams has said that she feels honoured and privileged to be part of this well-established art festival that boasts artists from throughout the United States. "It's an honour to represent the Caribbean diaspora through my artwork. I use my art to express the uniqueness of my culture and to keep the history and traditions of our forefathers alive through each customised piece," Williams said.
She was inspired to capture stories through fabric, based on her childhood stories which she heard from elders about Crapaud Smoke Yuh Pipe and Anansi. She is originally from Diego Martin.
Williams uses tropical flora, fauna and folk images as her inspiration, and each piece of art work is complemented with an original folk-story, a poem or recipe. Designs are created with an underlay of hand-coloured fabric which the artist hand-paints. Her product line includes all-occasion note cards, picture frames and decorative home furnishing and wall-hangings.
Williams recently participated in the Anansi International Festival with her story on Anansi de Pan Man. Her designs include pan man and banana lady note cards, toucan and breadfruit quilt wall hangings and banana leaves.
The name CAMACA comes from the Amerindian folk tale about the "Coomacka" tree which the original Carib people brought to the Caribbean islands to make the earth bright. Residing in Atlanta at present, Williams had an opportunity to exhibit alongside the famous Gees Bend Quilters in May this year at The Arts Clayton Gallery. She uses her art to spread Caribbean art and folk images to more cities around the globe.
About CAMACA Folk Designs:
CAMACA Folk Designs uses fabric art to capture images and tell stories of the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and cultures around the world. Each piece of artwork is complemented with an original folk-story, a poem or recipe. More information about Williams and her work can be found at www.camacafolkdesigns.com, or via e-mail at camacainfo@gmail.com
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