The legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker once proclaimed that "music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." At NIAD no one truly lived music like Tammy Harper. Music was her driving force and muse, dominating her upbeat personality and the rhythm of her artwork. In the morning she would often arrive with magazine clippings of musicians she would pay homage to throughout the day. Sometimes these scraps were pinned to her clothes with pride or they were the basis of a new collage.
Harper worked five days a week crafting jewelry, assembling collages, painting and quilting. A few favorite musicians included Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Usher, whom she featured in a number of successful quilts. Although Harper was often distracted by the bustle of the studio and her self appointed job as NIAD's greeter, she still managed to execute a surprising amount of work. She easily picked up where she left off on a project with an air of simplicity and grace. Her mark-making was direct, her color choices were bright, and although her compositions appear simple, the combination of imagery yielded very intriguing results. While the bulk of her subject matter was representational, she did veer towards abstraction on occasion. Her final body of work, a series of drip paintings, received a large amount of praise.
In addition to making art, Harper also took part in NIAD's music class. Under the guidance of former faculty member Ramana Vieira, dance and karaoke sessions became an outlet for her wonderful dance moves and charismatic voice. At the end of the class she'd often swing and jive across the studio, inspiring the artists and staff around her who enjoyed her warm presence and friendly demeanor.
Johnnie Taylor
Watercolor & Colored Pencil on Paper
20 " x 15 "
$60
Untitled (1)
Acrylic on Canvas
12
" x 24 "
$125
Stevie Wonder
Watercolor & Colored Pencil on Paper
20 " x 15 "
$60
Untitled (2)
Watercolor & Colored Pencil on Paper
17 1/2 " x 23 "
$60
