Samella Lewis Relief Prints

         Samella Lewis (USA, b. 1924) may not be a household name, but she has been a towering figure in studying, collecting, promoting, and educating about African American art for over half a century.  But of course I’m looking at her not in her role as collector, scholar, teacher, or advocate, but in her role as an artist herself.  I have for you today four of her relief block prints.  The first is my favorite, and was made in 2005 when Lewis was already more than 80 years old.  I hope I’m still making block prints at 80!  I love everything about this piece, from the expression in the person’s eyes to the textures of the gouge marks that create the shading.

        Second is a group of children playing, and this one is more abstract, with the children formed from very plain, geometric shapes.  There is no shading in the human figures, being pure, stark black and white, but there is a bit of texture in the background.  I never tire of the motif of people holding hands in a circle, and apparently the world never stops needing the reminder that we should all be joining together in one dance.

        I think this third, even more abstract piece is quite unusual for Lewis, whose work almost always features human figures.  Even with the abstract shapes, however, Lewis is seeing people, and titled this piece “Family.”  I think the pattern of shapes is pleasing, and I especially like the way the shape on the left evokes a hand making a gesture of support or blessing.

        Finally, another recent piece that’s very dramatic.  Unlike today’s other pieces, this one has Expressionist vibes.  It represents a “Prophet,” and although this prophet is clearly male, it’s not a stretch to call Lewis a prophet herself.  She said, “Art is not a luxury as many people think - it is a necessity.  

It documents history - it helps educate people and stores knowledge for generations to come.”

[Pictures: I See You, linocut by Samella Lewis, 2005 (Image from Hearne Fine Art);

Child’s Game, relief block print by Samella Lewis, 1968 (Image from Scripps College);

Family, linocut by Samella Lewis, 1967 (Image from Hammer Museum, UCLA);

Prophet, woodcut by Lewis, 2006 (Image from Hearne Fine Art).]