1999-2000 Retrospective - Fiber Arts
Nelijah Cox, "Creative Visualization" (28)	Nelijah Cox, a native of Florida, served in the US Army from 1979 to 1986. Cox learned the art of needlepoint from Anthony Williams and Gayle Harrison, her colleagues at the Manhattan VA Medical Center. Fascinated by the interplay of color, she credits this prismatic medium with freeing her self expressive and communicative skills from many of the limitations imposed on them by her mental disabilities. For Cox needlepoint is a challenge -- an opportunity to elevate a subject which has little meaning and give it life and energy. Needlepoint allows her to create a powerful narrative using colors, pictures, symbols and various stitches. "While going through a period of darkness, struggling to cope with life and my illness, I realized that I needed to come into the light," she says. "In my mind's eye, I kept seeing colors. Colors actually strengthen and inspire, and at that time I needed a lot of strength and inspiration."
Anthony Williams, "DiopGhana" (29)	Anthony Williams became interested in art as a young boy in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Williams then served in the Air Force from 1973 - 1978. While a patient at the Manhattan VA Medical Center in 1991, he first began feeling that art was a serious part of his life. He called his initial works "Earth Art," combinations of acrylic paints and other substances like rock, glass, or crushed brick. Williams continued his artwork after he was discharged from the hospital and explored many media including ceramics, creative writing, and acrylic painting. In 1994, Williams was introduced to the art of needlepoint by fellow VA/ VSA arts program participant Gayle Harrison, which he says is his favorite medium. Anthony says, "I find needlepoint to be very relaxing.... I enjoy a lot of colors and with needlepoint I am able to explore a variety of color schemes." All of his patterns are original. Williams is an expressive poet as well as a visual artist. The following excerpt from one of his poems, entitled "Needle Point," eloquently expresses his feelings about the medium:
Anthony Williams, "SudaaRoyal" (30)	"With my needle I tunnel toward blue sunsets and passionate greenery echoing my heritage; this newfound beauty spawns hope. My soul paints the colors that my brush cannot."