Bogolanfini Gray

Influenced by Pueblo, Navajo, Chinese and African art traditions, Kathleen uses an intricate process to create patterns in her work. A multiple step process, it involves mixing several graduated shades of two or more colors. To some of these forms she adds metallic inclusions or color with artist markers then stacks them into blocks followed by cutting, combining and recombining the pieces to create elaborate patterns. These blocks are then reduced, divided and combined again to create increasingly complex patterns that are assembled into a variety of earrings, brooches, and necklaces. Kathleen adds richness and texture by carving and applying gold, silver or copper leaf. Finally, each piece receives a surface finishing process of up to ten levels of ultra fine sanding grits that create a semi-gloss surface. Depending on size and complexity of design the development of each piece involves 8 to 30 hours of crafting.

Inspired by bobolanfini, mud cloth, designs from Mali, this neckpiece incorporates lime smooth glass chunk and seed beads with the crafted from clay "mud cloth" round and flat elements. The neckpiece is 17" around with a drop down extending 10" from the center. Matching earrings hang 2 1/2" long and have silver ear wires. Both feature cowrie shells.