factotem: (n.): An employee who does all kinds of work, often in the service of someone else.

Blactotem A series of drawings (in color pencil) about the conventional and unique work, jobs, experiences and situations employed by the folks in these drawings. I was inspired by the legacy of Black folk artists, genre painters, and modern masters who have explored similar subjects.

Publisher

Homage to John H. Johnson. I’m amazed at the accomplishments he achieved as a publisher of popular magazines… beginning in the 1940s. Ebony magazine was one of the favorites in the black community. From my earliest memories we had them around the house.

I delighted in the ‘kitsch and glamour' of the photography, and how they staged the covers and article photos to entice the reader.

Lawyer

One thing I think lawyers share in common, regardless of their differences, is they like to control the narrative.

Mathematician

Realtor / Broker

City Worker

Pastor

I watched the funeral service for John Lewis. A photo from the service caught my attention - such a sacred and modest setting and such a monumental person.

I grew up attending the A.M.E. church. To me, the majesty of the aging facade stands as a backdrop to his legacy and his true faith.

Player

This was inspired by memories of a guy who worked for my sister as a hairdresser in her salon many years ago. I visited her for a few weeks one summer. It became clear to me that ‘beautician’ was more of a side hustle - that being a player was his main gig. I’m sure his game was impressive!

Tennis Coach

Inspired by a tennis coach I often see in the park as I walk my dog. I admire how he carved out his place in the world of sports; not giving up what he loves to make a living.

Musician

I’m a fan of the Roman death masks from antiquity. To me, they were an honorable way to commemorate their icons.

Miles Davis was a legend - I tried to incorporate some aspect of that aesthetic in this drawing.

Customer Service Rep

…focusing on how uncomfortable the customer service work space can be, and how agitation can be in the air.

Grocer

Barista

…a bit of metamorphosis here, about the “Zen” of this particular kind of work.

Also, this could be a design for the ‘Barista of the Year’ awards trophy - if there was such a contest.

Bureaucrat

This is an allegorical drawing. I got to play with symbols related to office work: the file folder, calendar, boxy cubicle, parking lot, etc...I mostly wanted to highlight how, for lots of blacks, bureaucracies (like govt agencies) are a preferred work atmosphere - where equity and identity is protected. And that being different doesn’t impede opportunities for advancement.