Richardine Bartee
I
t’s good to know that a post-Hurricane Harvey, Houston, TX is doing well. By way of an interview with my former college professor, Thedra Cullar-Ledford, who is a contemporary artist and a painter, I learned about the tireless groundwork and humanitarian efforts by the people of Houston, and other states. She and her family were among the angels who helped to feed homeless residence, etc.
From August until November last year, “Lady Part Follies” hung at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston. You can watch videos from that exhibit through this link. She has an extensive amount of experience in the art world.
When she isn’t helping others, she works in her home studio. Before being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Thedra’s work included dolls of multiple ethnicities, paintings under another moniker, and other relative objects. A statement from her website states that her artwork is “a mash-up of social activism, conceptualism, storytelling and autobiography.” As an onlooker, I can agree with the following. In recent times, she still paints dolls—just on human bodies now.
I’ve launched an audio interview series called, “UNCUT” where I get to ask creative individuals questions about love, work, and the good in their respective communities. Stream my interview with one of Houston’s quirkiest artists, Thedra Cullar-Ledford.
Well-known for her advocacy for breast cancer, the bright-haired survivor touched on an estranged relationship with her father and a forthcoming art residency in Vermont. As a married woman, she shared sound relationship advice and talked about falling in love.
Mrs Cullar-Ledford has two art shows (Ivy Gallery in New York City and AMP Gallery in Provincetown, Massachusetts) coming up in 2019. GRUNGECAKE is looking forward to supporting her when the time is right. The artist has items for sale on her website. Personally, I’ve received a pillowcase, the book, and the light grey boob shirt. Lastly, if you’re in the Houston area (Independent Heights) and want to book an Airbnb in a vintage airstream, you can. Learn more about the Cullar-Ledfords business here, too.
Finally, she nominated a fellow artist named Kayci Wheatley in Austin, Texas. Her favourite author is Tom Robbins. She recommends the book, “Jitterbug Perfume.” Her favourite lyrics come from “Pageant Material” by Kacey Musgraves and “Backwoods Barbie” by Dolly Parton.
