Bessie Harvey

Artist Bessie Harvey of Alcoa, Tennessee added glass, paint and fabric to driftwood to create an external realization of her inner vision. Mrs. Harvey drew from the spiritual harmony and dignity in the tribulations of her African ancestry. The mother of 11 children, her work often reflected everyday experiences in the life of an African-American woman. These driftwood figures represent seven days of woman's work. Sunday she goes to church carrying her bible. Monday she does the wash, Tuesday she irons the clothes, Wednesday she delivers the ironed clothes to the customers house, Thursday she cleans house, Friday she cooks, and Saturday she goes shopping.