Rayfield’s Chamber

My work delves into the themes of loss, memory, and healing through preservation. It was inspired by the sudden passing of my father, which left me without the chance to say goodbye. To cope, I started rebuilding the family archive using materials I discovered in my childhood home and second-hand stores. I worked with materials that have a rich history and explored the stages of awakening and letting go, reflecting on lives that were cut short. To honor my father’s memory, I created an assemblage called “Rayfield” using wood, mortar, and an array of encrusting materials. I infused them with newfound preciousness, drawing from African American traditions of memory jugs. This practice has helped me process grief, transforming pain into enduring artifacts. Through this remembrance ritual, I seek solace and reconciliation, forging a path toward healing and renewal amidst the dissolution of family ties.

Photos: Courtesy Virginia Harold