Alison Stewart (2:52)

How did you get the idea for this piece?

Terence Cummings (2:56)

Well, back in the 60s, during the Civil rights movement, this was a vehicle for unifying one another during the struggle. So I had to just, I wanted to come up with a way of encapsulating how people from all demographics, ages came together at that time to fight for civil rights not for just for one group, but for this entire nation.

Alison Stewart (3:32)

And when you looked at the painting, when you Finished it. What did it mean to you?

Terence Cummings (3:38)

Well, you know, as I had, I think during our last discussion, I went through several rounds of concepts and sketches before I even approached going to the final. You know, as I mentioned before, I kind of start off with a black line charcoal drawing, and each color is layered on another layer, either mylar or tracing paper. And I spec the colors, laying one color on top of the other, forming new colors and bringing in textures and patterns. So in my process, I knew I had something good once I knew that I had finished the initial concept, the sketch, and then from there, what winds up happening is it winds up being licensed by other entities. And it's important for me to. And other artists to understand that. Well, I help with some of the students that I work with, I help them understand that art should exist beyond that creation. You should be able to make money from the piece that you've created.

Interviewer (4:54)

There's another piece in this show called Clarence. It depicts Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and he's walking with a ladder. Why did you feel moved to make this piece?

Terence Cummings (5:10)

Well, I wanted to. I wanted to highlight the hypocrisy, if that's the right word or term of it, that he. For me, Clarence used all the mechanisms of affirmative action to get where he was and the opportunities utilized to become a Supreme Court justice. And the fact that he is still only one African American male that's on that, on the justice in the justice seat, and yet he is. Was a motivating factor in rolling back affirmative faction.

Interviewer (6:05)

My guest is New Jersey based artist Terence Cummings. We're discussing his exhibit Art for Change, on view at the Art Council of Princeton through February 7th. There's a trip taken, the show of an enslaved person, an incarcerated person, and a deported person, all placed within the American flag. They actually, they make up the American flag. What do you hope viewers feel or see more feel about American history by looking at the images presented side by side?

Terence Cummings (6:38)

Yeah, this piece for me is a. Is a reminder of the experiences that marginalized groups have gone through. And it's just kind of put. Put things in perspective, even though that these are challenging times that we're going through now. I just wanted to remind my viewer that these experiences are experiences that we have already been through and can continue to go through and, and, and succeed.

Interviewer (7:13)

There's another one called Born American. Would you describe it for us?

Terence Cummings (7:18)

Yeah, I described this piece as a series of children of different shades wrapped in the American flag. And surprisingly enough, with this piece, I was surprised that I got some pushback from this.

Interviewer (7:36)

Really?

Terence Cummings (7:37)

Yeah. That kind of surprised me. The fact that that I wrapped a brown child in the flag was a kind of a hot topic in certain circles that I kind of welcomed. And my position is that. We should embrace the fact that we different groups and marginalized groups contributed greatly to this country and embrace the fact that we are all Americans.

Interviewer (8:21)

It's interesting. That leads me to a part of your description on your website where you write that the essence of your art is always revolves around our shared humanity. Why do you focus or why do you keep in your mind shared humanity when you're working?

Terence Cummings (8:48)

Well, mainly because that there are just so many forces that are trying to keep us separated. And it's important that we kind of remind ourselves that, you know, just like the piece that I had done stronger together is that we are more effective. And what makes this country great is the diversity of all of us working together for a common goal. That's always been the case in America.

Interviewer (9:20)

You mentioned earlier that you teach students. What do students want to know these days?

Terence Cummings (9:31)

Well, that's a good question. I get life's life's question. Life. Life questions the. But more importantly that how to. How to effectively convey their concepts in visual terms. I find that it is, I think, more challenging for young artists to execute conceptual work and put it on paper or canvas rather than coming up with images that they would draw, let's say, from a photograph. I mean, I think that drawing beautiful pictures is one. One phase of it, one phase of creating great work. But if you can combine the fact that you can draw a beautiful picture and execute a stunning concept, then you have the full package.

Interviewer (10:49)

The name of the show is Art for Change. It's on view at Art Council of Princeton through February 7th. My guest has been Terrence Cummings. Terrence, thank you so much for sharing some time with us.

Terence Cummings (11:01)

Thank you very much, Alice, for having me. It's been a pleasure.

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