Dreaming In Real Time
Dreams And Reality: The Long Journey Back Home
Leaving Africa for good was never in the plan. Having traveled to Nigeria in 1980 on the wings of what surely must have been one of God’s angels temporarily on loan to me, my wife and I spent seven years living and working at Ahmadu Bellow University in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was one of the most enlightening periods of my life. As an artist, it was a seven year teachable moment. As a Black man, it was the most uplifting time of my life. Walking on the paths of the ancestors put an addictive bounce in my strive that living the passed thirty odd years in the United States has never come close to extinguishing. Our life was Africa and we relished every minute of it.
Unfortunately, life, fate, chance, or whatever term suits your fancy, necessitated our returned to the United States in 1987 where my roots were replanted in the depleted soil of my birth place until the present. During that period I lost a mother, a sister, uncles, aunts, many friends and my wife, the most beloved influence in my life.
My wife died in 2004, leaving me with two daughters that I was yet to understand who they were then and would become in the future. Looking back, I realize that she left me a road map on how to deal with two wonderful daughters. Loving them truly saved my life time and time again. The thought of leaving them has quite often help me to survive the many challenges that has threatened my physical self numerous times in the past. The power of my love for them has strengthened my resolve to fight just one more day. It has been 16 years of challenges and I am still here counting.
Dreams:
Almost 2 Years ago, I was diagnosed with lung cancer and would be scheduled for surgery. I was lucky enough to have my eldest daughter home who had been working in China for the previous three years and had just returned home to give birth to her third boy. I believe firmly that having her home was the blessing that ensured my survival. My youngest played the same role when I had the triple bypass surgery.
Due to the pandemic and China’s policies, she decided not to return to China. As it turned out, she was offered employment in The Gambia, the home of her husband.
Reality:
After a short thirty day visit in 2019, I began to plan my trip to The Gambia. The result of all the planning is a beautifully designed three story building that will house a storefront on the ground floor, a three bedroom apartment on the second that will be rental ready for incoming traveler, and a full artist live work studio space on the top floor that is to be used part-time by yours truly. I will probably occupy it for six to eight months per year. The remaining time will be reserved for artist wishing to research The Gambian culture and lifestyle artistically, physically or spiritually. The building is located right in the middle of a striving Gambian community. Artist will be in a position to dine, socialize, and interact with Gambians right in their own compound on any level that is appropriate and respectful. Below are some of the images that I have been privileged to observe. As you scan through them, remember that modern technology only play a small role here. Simply put, old fashion hard work and the skills of experienced trained artisan is the driving force in every one of these photographs.
