In Her Hands The Story Of Sculptor Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage was an African American sculptor who made her mark in the art world during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. Despite facing numerous challenges and discrimination, she persevered and created some of the most iconic works of art of the time. Her life story is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity, and her legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers today.
Early Life and Education
Augusta Savage was born in Green Cove Springs, Florida, in 1892. She was one of fourteen children, and her parents were both former slaves. Despite their humble beginnings, they instilled a love of education and art in their children, and Augusta showed an early talent for sculpting. However, her family's poverty meant that she had to drop out of school at a young age to help support them.
Despite these obstacles, Augusta was determined to pursue her passion for art. She saved up money to attend a local college, but was denied admission because of her race. Undeterred, she moved to New York City in 1921 to study at the Cooper Union School of Art. However, she faced discrimination there as well, and was forced to leave after only one year due to financial difficulties.
The Harlem Renaissance
Despite these setbacks, Augusta Savage quickly became involved in the vibrant art and cultural scene of the Harlem Renaissance. She opened her own studio, the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts, where she taught and mentored other young artists. She also became part of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors, and was a founding member of the Harlem Artists Guild.
During this time, Augusta created some of her most famous works of art, including "The Harp," a sculpture that was inspired by the poetry of James Weldon Johnson and Langston Hughes. The sculpture was exhibited at the 1929 World's Fair in New York City, where it received widespread acclaim. However, despite its success, Augusta struggled to make a living as an artist, and often had to take on odd jobs to support herself and her family.
Later Life and Legacy
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Augusta Savage continued to create art throughout her life. She taught art at a number of institutions, including the Harlem Community Art Center, and was a mentor to many young artists who went on to achieve great success. However, Augusta's own art career never achieved the recognition or financial success that it deserved.
Augusta Savage passed away in 1962, but her legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers today. Her works of art can be found in museums and galleries around the country, and her life story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Augusta Savage was an extraordinary artist and individual who overcame numerous obstacles to make her mark in the art world. Her story is a reminder of the power of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity, and her legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world. By learning about Augusta's life and art, we can gain a greater appreciation for the contributions that African American artists have made to the world of art, and we can honor her memory by supporting and celebrating the work of artists of all backgrounds and cultures.