?UESTIONS: Ed Brown

Enchanting, atmospheric and embodied with metaphors, Ed Brown's masterful creations honour the ancestors. Each skilfully crafted face is hauntingly beautiful.

Can you share with us why you use the human face in your Art?

I’ve always been more inspired by human anatomy and faces lend themselves to be more interesting for forming leather, what I do. Eventually I’ll work my way towards including the torsos as well but for now I’m concentrating on faces as they have more features and detail to sculpt.

What parts of African Ancestry do you wish to portray and why?

I’m more interested in the tribal element of African art for its vast artistic possibilities. The face painting, jewelry and antique weaponry are things I like to incorporate as my own individual style. I’m currently modeling my sculptures after the Yoruba Orishas which are African deities and gods. They personify strong African imaginary and traits.

Powerfully captivating, what emotions do you wish to evoke?

I would like to promote an appreciation for African art and the detail and craftsmanship I put in. Most importantly any emotion that the viewer has is a good one, rather if they like it or not. As long as it is a strong feeling that is felt.

Your work has an eternal preservation, what message would you like your art to leave?

African art has a strong cultural presence with many talented artists. I’d like my art to depict an artist who's creativity contributes with something original.

All images by and courtesy of Ed Brown

Facebook: Ed Brown

Instagram: ed.brown.66

REW!ND: What's Happening!!

A nostalgic comedy, What's Happening!! is a rare and honest American sitcom that focuses on the real experiences of 1970's Black America.

Based in Watts, Los Angeles it follows the lives of Roger "Raj" Thomas, Dwayne Nelson, and Freddy "Rerun" Stubbs. Co-starring Roger's younger sister Dee and Shirley Wilson, a waitress at Rob's Place.

The show captures the warmth and positive reflection of the Black community in the 1970s. Each character is loveable and stand alone. A true classic, please take some to time to watch and see for yourself!

C*LTURE: Gladys Knight & The Pips

Aged 8, Gladys Knight began singing with her siblings, calling themselves 'The Pips'. With amazing harmonies and inspired dance routines the group began opening for R&B legends in the 1950s, such as Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.

The Pips joined forces with Motown and released 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine' which later became a huge hit for Marvin Gaye. This cross over from rhythm and blues to the pop charts catapulted the group.

Leaving Motown in 1973 for Buddah Records, they were now known as Gladys Knight & the Pips. Songs such as "I've Got to Use My Imagination," "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" and the Grammy Award-winning No. 1 hit "Midnight Train to Georgia" increased their popularity.

Written and produced by Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight & the Pips recorded Claudine. A soundtrack album for the 1974 film Claudine, starring James Earl Jones and Diahann Carroll.

In the late 80s, Gladys Knight left the Pips to launch a solo career. The group was together for over 3 decades, becoming one of America's most successful soul vocal groups.