STATEMENT

Crandall’s work is focused on identity and what creates the blueprint of personality. It is an exploration of selfhood through art.

Pearl Girl Series Statement:

“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”

-Malcolm X

 As a black woman there are often times that we are pigeon holed into certain stereotypes and molds of what we should be and if we do not fit those molds we are othered. This work explores who I am as a woman and embracing a skin that I was born into. I want to show the sheer beauty of our varied skin tones. I think about how aspects of our culture and bodies are accepted on everyone except on someone who looks like me. I continue to think about hairstyles and fashion and  how people of color are entertainment as long as it doesn't offend. My skin is often made political but this is not one of those conversations. I want to try and create work that allows me to be seen as who I truly am. A black woman. The Pearl Girl Series is based on this theme and inspired by a song called Brown-skin Girl by Beyoncé. I feel as though this song successfully celebrates what I want to convey. I'm trying to capture that lost and unseen magic.  This work continues journey of my own exploration.