Queen Bessie's Ascent (To The Midnight Skies Study) - Framed

Cyanotype, 3D paper cut, multi layered collage, handmade paper

Inspiration
Bessie Coleman was a pioneer of the skies. Born in a world marked by racial and gender limitations, she set her sights on the heavens, becoming the first African American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot's license. With unwavering determination, she overcame adversity, carving a path through the skies that would inspire generations to come.
A lightning rod for feminism and civil rights at the turn of the twentieth century, Bessie's courage, ambition, and unyielding spirit transformed her into an aviator and a symbol of hope and empowerment, reminding us that the sky is never the limit for those who dare to dream.
"Bessie Coleman: A Trailblazer Defying Gravity and Expectations"
In the annals of history, Bessie Coleman emerges as a beacon of feminism, challenging the conventions of her time and rewriting the skies with her indomitable spirit. As a pioneering aviator, she soared beyond the constraints of gender norms, shattering glass ceilings with every fearless flight. This feminist icon navigated the firmament not only to quench her own thirst for adventure but to quench the thirst for equality that countless women were longing for.
Bessie's journey was a symphony of empowerment, harmonizing the skies with the symposium of women's rights. With each heartbeat, she beat back against societal norms, showing that a woman's place was not just within four walls but within the limitless expanse of the sky. In a world yearning for change, she stepped into the cockpit, transforming it into a stage for her bold activism, teaching us that the skies, much like life's opportunities, are meant to be claimed by all.

From the cotton fields of Texas to the clouds above, Bessie's legacy as a feminist trailblazer soars eternally, reminding us that the winds of change are always at our backs, propelling us forward toward equality and uncharted horizons.
Inspired by stories of World War I pilots and the idea of flying fascinated her. Denied entry to aviation schools in the US: In the early 20th century, aviation schools in the United States did not accept women or persons of colour. Undeterred, Bessie decided to go abroad to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.
In 1920, she moved to France to attend flight school, becoming the first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn an international pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Nicknamed "Brave Bessie": Bessie earned the nickname "Brave Bessie" for her daring stunts and fearless approach to flying. She performed in airshows, thrilling audiences with her aerobatic skills.
An advocate for racial equality: Bessie Coleman faced racial discrimination throughout her life and career. She refused to participate in airshows that banned African American spectators and spoke out against segregation in the United States. Bessie dreamed of opening a flight school for women and people of colour, where she could teach others to fly. Tragically, she passed away before she could realize this dream.

Technique
Queen Bessie's Ascent (To The Midnight Skies) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, photographs and hand drawn illustrations of birds.
After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large-scale negative is contact printed onto the paper by exposure to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dried, the bird pieces are cut out and mounted onto the base print to create a multi-layered, 3-dimensional collaged cyanotype.

Signed by the Artist.

'Own Art' Option Available - Contact the gallery for further information.