All of my pieces are handcrafted with recycled materials. As a recycled artist, I feel that it is my job to make sure that we waste nothing, I apply that same logic with my daily life. Everything good or bad can be recycled and new beauty can come from it. Adelar (the warrior) is made from newspaper, bamboo sticks, acorns, and hand-dyed paper. Aasemah (the angel) is made from Newspaper as well, natural raw wood, seashells, assorted stones, and hand-rolled paper.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. I believe that a lot of people will take that section of the scripture and see it from the viewpoint of a big strong man coming down upon our foes, which is one way to see it. I see it differently with regard to the pieces I have created. The full armor of God, protects us from this dark world let me explain. I created Adelar and Aasemah as a dynamic duo one for you to physically see the armor of God as it is in the scripture and the other to feel it within your being. Adelar (the samurai) whose name means warrior. He represents every positive and protective male that I have encountered. They shielded me from the dangers of this life both physically and spiritually and without them, I would not be here physically. They fought battles I knew nothing about on my behalf, all to keep me safe while I prayed for guidance and direction.
Aasemah (the angel) whose name means guardian angel continually brought manna to feed our hungered souls and she uses her wings to shield us from harm. Her armor was not visible like Adelars is, but her spirit is what I strive to embody every day of my life. The Belt of Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, her feet where the shells lay are a gospel of peace the shield which is represented by the food she carries provides our faith. Her helmet of salvation the knowledge she carried under her headwrap, the sword of the spirit represented by the bowl the food is carried in, innocent enough but if given forcefully can produce a mighty blow and if taken away can starve many. While daily suiting up in the Armor of God can feel a bit abstract, implementation daily with prayer and thanksgiving can sustain us all. Keeping us alert and praying for all the Lord’s people. We are ambassadors in chains bound to one another in love.

Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure

This is the original artwork done by me.