Malian Woman with Blue Shawl

My latest artwork, a color pencil of a Dogon woman from Mali, West Africa. It is the first time that I tried out my new set of 24 Polychomos color pencils.

Having just finished pounding millet, it feels good to sit down. Although such work is quite physical, I am grateful that the Lord has provided us with a harvest, despite the sparse rainfall this year. In addition to that task, I also managed to make several clay pots this morning. I’m pleased to say that my young daughter is coming along quite nicely with her pottery skills. I enjoy teaching the young women the Dogon songs as we pound away under the baobab tree. Tonight we will be singing hymns as we dance around the fire in our village of Nombouri. I always look forward to gatherings with fellow Christians in my village. How blessed I am; How great Thou art!

Tweet

Djiguibambo Village, Dogon area

Having just scanned some photos I took in Mali prior to owning a digital camera, I thought I'd share some. Above is a scene from the Djiguibambo Village in the Dogon region of Mali, West Africa. While living in Mali, I traveled to "Pays Dogon" twice. During each trip, we visited different areas and villages. Here we see some granaries and homes within the village, along with the prominent baobab tree. 

Tweet

Beaded Dogon Woman (Oil)

I love this time of year! It’s cooler, the harvest is in, and there are plenty of opportunities for celebration. For our women’s dance today, I decided to wear all the jewelry I have – the European beads brought down through the Sahara Trade Route, bronze ones made here in Mali, and a strand of shiny plastic ones my husband bought when he went to the capital. All the women of our village gathered together, moving around in a circle as we sang call & responses, blew plastic whistles, and trilled our tongues. Indeed, the period after the rainy season is my favorite time of year. There is much joy, song, and laughter!

Artwork available for sale. 
Blank greeting cards can be purchased at Zazzle

Tweet