Armillary Empowerment Spheres
Smith Park, Lewes, Delaware (2022)
Eastman Reading Garden, Downtown Cleveland Main Library, 2020-2021
Armillary spheres were early astronomical devices used to represent objects in the sky. Renaissance portraits of noblemen often featured an armillary sphere to suggest wisdom and learning. My sculptures subvert this renaissance tradition as they commemorate women whose social activism improved the lives of many, yet went under-recognized by history. This sculpture series honors women who have played pivotal roles in the city's democratic movement through political action, activism, and cultural contributions. Often working outside of organizations, Matriarchs shape and strengthened the community without public recognition or official titles. These strong women share celestial space with more recognized abolitionists. These moveable orbit rings represent an evolving narrative rather than a static historical record.