Raven Harper:

Did you ever know that Shana and I never knew each other? 

A social worker told me I had a sister and I said, “No, I don’t.”

God knows where I was at. 

We grew up in foster care. In junior high, we reconnected when we were both placed in a home in San Francisco. Unfortunately, they were unkind and unsafe. It was hard to live like that. It’s hard to live that kind of life. It’s quite complicated. Eventually Social Services broke up the home and we were moved to Napa, and then to the Richmond area. 

When you come to NIAD, it clears your mind and then you focus on your work more than focusing on the outside world. I think my sister’s work is totally different from mine. I think my work is different than everybody else’s. I come to the studio with one idea and then it changes. It’s fun, but you have to be able to focus and do one thing at a time. When Shana is in the studio, she puts her mind into her art. She goes directly to the source. She doesn’t lose concentration.

Shana Harper:

My sister is wonderful. She’s a kind and loving person. Spending time with her makes me happy and strengthens our sisterhood. I love seeing her happy. She’s kind of like a sister-mom. When I grew up she did my hair, helped me get dressed for school, took me to the park, and even saved me from swallowing a quarter. I’m just glad we stuck with each other until now. 

We didn’t always get along. We spent some years apart but when we both came to work at NIAD, our relationship grew deeper and stronger. Without my sister I don’t know what I would do. She’s my world. I am happy that we have a show together and I know it will be amazing and exciting. 

Being an artist for me – being at NIAD, is wonderful. I get to choose what I work on. I get to show people. I get to see my sister’s work – she’s very talented like I am. She works in the tradition of African American Art. My artwork looks like DNA, which is pretty cool.

Karen and Fran DiDomenicis are the generous sponsors of the Sisters Shall Be exhibition, adding their support to this remarkable showcase of two beloved NIAD artists.