Artist bio

My name is Lavonia Garrett. I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am the mother of two sons, ages 15 and 11. I have been employed with Charlotte Mecklenburg School system since 1995. I discovered my love for the arts while working with school age children. I love to be daring in my art and think outside the box. In fact, what box?

Title

"The Shield"

Artist Statement

"The Shield" Is a piece that goes with "Ephe and Her Shield. The shield is actually made from a hubcap that was paper mached. I used plastic bags to give the hubcap more girth. A cardboard tube (the sword) was attached and then stuffed into a coffee can(the helmet). Newspaper was used to help balance the shield and the sword. Plaster of Paris strips and fabric were used to cover these two parts. The entire piece was heavily painted with antique copper paint, sapphire blue, Minwax Honey Wood Stain 272 and then sealed with MinWax Clear Polyurethane. Once the helmet was dry I wrapped copper, silver, gold wire around it. Voila! The Shield, the sword and the helmet creates a nice table for Ephe. I love functional art that and the conversations they create.

How it fits into contest

The shield, the sword and the helmet are assembled together in preparation for spiritual warfare.This battle is not with flesh and blood, but the evil spirit that dwells within them, as well as within ourselves. Spiritual warfare is a continuous battle that we often face in our lives.

Credits

Heather Harbison, Gwen Garrett, Wandra Garrett, Mikhail Baldwin, Keiran Garrett, Tonisha Deberry, Tianna LeGardye, Mandy Norman, Jennifer Anderson for inspiration and encouragement.
Robert Locke for financial support and encouragement
John Carothers, photographer and support
Corey Summers for technical support
I thank all of you for believing in me, Love you all.
Special thanks to Hobby Lobby, Goodwill, and Home Depot I frequent these stores often in my pursuit to create Ephe and her Shield

How to Purchase this Artwork

Type of work: a unique original
Purchase price: $50

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