Artist's Statement
The central inspiration for my work comes from my interest
in Yoruba mythology (one of the most elaborate and complex
mythic worldviews) and philosophy. Yoruba mythology offers a
wide array of perspectives and is fully integrated, with a
variety of deities exercising control over specific offices
and domains of experience. I am particularly intrigued by
the fact that the same deity, Iya Mapoo, exercises
supervision over the affairs of both textile and clay.
Contemporary and traditional West African fabrics, the work
of Yoruba women potters, and the tradition of Western
minimalist art continue to influence my work. In my work, I
explore fabric design, surfaces and the element of form in
clay. I find process to be of the utmost importance. I try
to recreate in clay certain images and color schemes found
in textile patterns and designs. Fabric designs and tactile
surfaces are essential to the surfaces of my pieces, and I
make occasional references to narrative. My work embodies
the idea of both physical as well as spiritual containment.
It also seeks to juxtapose the concept of solidity of form
against its precariousness. To this end many of my pieces
are double-walled or full-bodied forms that are off center
or have a tilt.
Bio
Sheri Fafunwa-Ndibe, is an artist and educator. She was born
in Lagos, Nigeria. She received her B.A. in fine arts from
the University of Ife, Nigeria with a major in ceramics.
Sheri went on to receive her MFA from the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst in ceramics. She is the recipient
of a ten-month Fulbright Scholar Award 2001, for lecturing
and research at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Her
research topic, Aspects of Textile and Ceramic Forms with
Reference to Yoruba Art Traditions, was carried out in
southwestern Nigeria. As part of that research she produced
and exhibited a body of work. This well-publicized solo
exhibition, Intersection, was held at Nimbus Art, a
well-known gallery in Lagos Nigeria in August 2002. She has
participated in a variety of exhibitions and has been
invited to give a number of papers at professional
conferences, including the College Art Association (CAA) and
the Women Caucus for Art (WCA). Formerly the chair of the
Department of Art, she is Professor of Art at Central
Connecticut State University.
Web Site:
www.sherindibe.com
