AMETHYST

I created Amethyst in the lead-up to the release of Black Panther. There was an excitement and sense of pride around seeing powerful Black characters represented in a way that felt different, and it inspired me to imagine a spiritual warrior of my own, someone I could personally connect with.

And so, Amethyst was born.

I imagined him as a powerful spiritual protector, named after the amethyst crystal and the qualities of protection, calm and spiritual awareness that are often associated with it.

At the centre of his chest sits an amethyst stone, which I imagined as the source of his power. It absorbs and clears negative energy, while his third eye allows him to sense when something is out of balance and help restore a feeling of calm.

In the world I created for him, Amethyst protects against negative influences, stress and the things that can pull us away from ourselves. But his power has another side too. The same energy that can protect and restore can become incredibly powerful when faced with something that threatens him.

What I love about Amethyst is that I allowed myself to completely use my imagination. I wasn't just creating a sculpture, I was creating a character, his powers and the world he existed in.

I also added glow in the dark elements to the piece, so when the lights go down, another side of him is revealed.

There is something fitting about a protector whose power becomes even more visible in the dark.

Year: 2018

Size: 193.04 x 60.96cm

Medium: Thread and 24ct Gold Leaf on Fibre Glass

Technique: Thread Blending and Thread Suturing