Ancestral Dance

Ancestral Dance is a rhythmic celebration of movement, community, and the enduring spirit of the African diaspora. Part of the Queens of the Diaspora series within the Threads of Identity collection, this work captures a group of figures in a moment of collective joy. Embroidered on a crisp white canvas, the minimalist black stick-figure aesthetic emphasizes the fluid motion and energy of the dance, stripping away the superfluous to focus on the soul of the celebration.

Each figure is adorned with a traditional head wrap, meticulously embellished with glass beads. These hand-applied accents catch the light with every shift in perspective, mirroring the vibrancy and sparkle of the dancers' spirit. The stark contrast between the black thread and the white surface creates a bold, modern graphic quality, while the intricate beadwork grounds the piece in a rich, artisanal tradition.

Created by fiber artist Janice Dennis of J’s Creative Designs, this mixed-media work combines precision machine embroidery with meticulous hand embellishment. Each finished piece is artist-executed, resulting in organic variation and surface depth.

This design, within the series, may be revisited by the artist through reinterpretation, incorporating different materials, colorways, or embellishments. While an underlying composition may reappear, each finished work remains a distinct, artist-finished piece. Limited edition formats, when offered, are strictly honored as stated.

Details

• Framed Dimensions: 11" x 14"

• Medium: Machine embroidery with hand-applied mixed-media embellishments

• Surface: White canvas

• Series: Queens of the Diaspora

• Embellishments: Glass beads

• Frame: Black

• Format: One-of-a-kind original

• Signature & Certificate of Authenticity included

Framing & Display

This artwork is framed and ready for display. The classic black frame has been selected to accentuate the minimalist palette of the piece while preserving the dimensional integrity of the hand-applied glass beads. Hanging hardware is included.

• Frame Dimensions: 11" x 14"

• Artwork Dimensions: 8" x 10"

• Frame style and finish may vary slightly based on availability and the needs of the individual artwork.

Shipping Information (Framed Artwork)

This artwork ships fully framed and carefully packaged to protect both the frame and the embellished surface. Due to the size and fragility of framed mixed-media works, additional shipping costs may apply. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout and reflect secure, protective handling.

Care Instructions

To preserve the beauty and integrity of this mixed-media artwork:

• Display indoors only, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity

• Avoid exposure to heat sources or moisture

• Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; do not use cleaning solutions

• Do not press on the glass or frame, as embellishments are dimensional and artist-applied