The Ori, The Connector
Celestial bodies pulse and release their aches
In their alignment they remember the earliest lullaby
The incantations that crackle amongst dreamscapes
Oils on illustration board. 9 x 12 inches.
Featured in Musem of Anthropology at UBC’s group exhibition, Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots.
Ikenga
Protector of the Sands of time
We look to you for strength and clarity
Fill us with the wisdom of our ancestorss
Oils and acrylic on panel. 8 x 10 inches.
Oya
The empress of wind and sky
Oya adorns herself in tempests
And greets souls at the gateway
Acrylics on board. 9 x 12.
Obatala
Obatala the grandfather of peace and creation,
fans his breath and wisdom into humankind
Acrylics on board. 8 x 10 inches.
Oshun
Oshun, Goddess of the River, Spinner of Gold, and Sewer of the body.
You cut your own flesh to nourish us with your beauty.
Pour onto us the sweet waters of fertility.
Acrylics on board. 5 x 7 inches.
Ekwensu
Ekwensu, god of chaos and change
We blame you for trickery and evil
But you are the companion at the crossroads
You test our will and shatter the mask that clouds our vision
Acrylic & mixed media on board. 5 x 7 inches.
Amadioha
Amadioha, keeper of lightning and thunder.
You are the axe that splits the sky.
Bring to us the horn of justice
Acrylics on board. 5 x 7 inches.
Children of the Harvest (Yam & Kola Nut)
You close your eyes before winter’s slumber
You are the offering to your ancestors
You are the sustenance to your progeny
Acrylic on board. 5 x 7 inches.
Scales
If you are “the dragon breathing fire”
Why does your skin prickle with flame?
Why do your scales bubble with blame?
Acrylics on board. 5 x 7 inches.
Mami Wata
You twist and coil in and out of sleep
Your dreams pulse with the crashing waves
You are the siren, the alarm of the waters
Acrylics on watercolor paper. 11 x 14 inches.
Oya’s Gate
The empress of wind and sky
Oya adorns herself in tempests
And greets souls at the gateway
Acrylic and acryla gouache on wooden panel. 18 x 24 inches.
Heartwood
You close your eyes before winter’s slumber
You are the offering to your ancestors
You are the sustenance to your progeny
Oils on board. 16 x 24 inches.
Ribbons
You dream of a home to return to
A motherland that you desperately try to remember
But does she remember you?
You whisper prayers in foreign tongues
Wrapping yourself in their consonants and breaks
Cocooning in their ribbons, soot, and soil
You build a new home within yourself
But does she remember you?
Oils on board. 10 x 13 inches.