My work has always focused on people, but the elements used which have become my trademark…large eyes, thick lips and broad noses serve to counteract the images of Little Black Sambo that were thrust at me as a young kid via picture books. As an adult artist, when the collage work began and portraits started to surface from my drawing table, my thoughts instantly returned to the stereotypical images of black folks from my youth in the early 1960’s. Embracing the very elements that so many of my race seemingly hated to be portrayed with…large eyes, broad noses and thick lips, which were often painted red, I set out intent on incorporating them as a part of my art.  Presently, these very same elements are used within the context of my work in order to show the beauty of my people.” Copyright © 2011 Art By WEPA. All rights reserved.