"Sadie's Home", 2021. Acrylic paint, vellum, graphite, iridescent cellophane, decorative paper, photo, etching, rice pearls, thyme, lemons, sage, bonnet, felt, ginger snaps bag, sugar, earring, acetate, magnet, grits, jiffy cornbread box, and magic on self-constructed canvas scroll, 72"x 84" x 4". Original acquired and owned by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

“Have you ever met Sadie? (don't you know we love you, sweet Sadie?)... If there's a heaven up above I know she's teaching angels how to love!”  Depicting Black ritual and truth on a scroll, Hope & Faith tell a story. “Sadie’s Home” is a mixed media collage, a scene created with repurposed personal items (Hope’s bonnet, Faith’s earring, etc.), paper, fabric, photo, sugar, acrylic, Thyme, love, magic, and more! This piece serves as a testament to Black resilience, truth, and the embodiment of a textured living. Growing up, the twins' late mother always made sure to put food on the table despite her disability. The title of the piece is inspired by her favorite song “Sadie” by The Spinners.

"My Grandma's Garden", 2023. Decorative paper, acetate, acrylic paint, graphite, glitter, charcoal, jewelry, linoleum prints, handmade flower, marker, photos, wire, and magic on self-constructed canvas scroll, 70” x 72” x 4”

“My Grandma’s Garden” honors the matriarchs in Hope and Faith's family. The piece commemorates the twins' late grandmother and mother, and their aunt who serves as their oracle to share stories of how life was like for their family in the past. “My Grandma’s Garden” depicts a fresh garden filled with collard greens, tomatoes, and okra, much like how Hope and Faith's grandmother, Lou Ida, grew them and much more in her L-shaped garden in the backyard of her DC home. Lou Ida would feed her 11 kids and the block with the food she cooked. The scroll serves as a memory for the seeds Hope and Faith's grandmother sewed, and how traditions such as growing fresh produce, cooking, and serving the community continue to be important to the duo's lineage. 

"Master of Two Worlds", 2022. Window scene manifested with decorative paper, linoleum prints, denim, marker, color pencil, handmade flowers, wire, glitter, acrylic paint, charcoal, curtains, keys, and magic on self-constructed canvas scroll, 55” x 96” x 4"

Finding keys amongst the debris, Hope & Faith have surpassed deep into the unknown in order to find the light. Climbing mountains, weathering storms, and defeating obstacles in their path, the sisters have travelled dimensions and seen above and below. “Master of Two Worlds” lives as a milestone for our epic journey, depicting the tale of Hope & Faith and their return home with the elixir.

"Endgame: Fruit for the Labor", 2023. Decorative paper, acrylic paint, graphite, rocks, and colored pencil on self-constructed canvas scroll, 70” x 56” x 4”

Inspired by our brother and sister-in-law’s vision for their future home, and the legacy they are working to leave for their son. This piece started in South Carolina and traveled to Baltimore, honoring the process and intention of our family’s migration. The artwork features our young nephew's footprints walking along a yellow bridge, embracing the path that his parents have paved for him. 

"Solar Return at Driskell Park", 2023. Window scene manifested with decorative paper, marker, colored pencil, graphite, wire, glitter, acrylic paint, photo, popsicle sticks, blinds, keys, word search, cowrie shells, and magic on self-constructed canvas scroll, 48” x 65” x 4”

Commemorating ritual, memory, and transformative childhood experiences, “Solar Return at Driskell Park” honors the sacred space where Hope and Faith have celebrated many gatherings, ceremonies, and birthdays since birth. The collaged photos depicted were sourced from images taken at the park that was steps away from their childhood home, Top of the Park Apartments. They have witnessed many evolutions take place here, making pilgrimages every so often to remember the memories of their past lives and those that have passed on. With a name change from Magruder to David C. Driskell Community Park, a word search, hidden keys, and a sandbox, this piece embeds the magic of uncovering histories, seeking and finding, and honoring our predecessors. Celebrating life, spirit, and the protectors whose souls still celebrate with them, “Solar Return at Driskell Park” invites viewers to reflect on their own growth and transformations, and the sacredness of tradition, community, and celebration.

"Eno Ama's Legacy", 2022. Kente cloth, acrylic paint, handmade paper, jewelry, Ghanaian Cedis, color pencil, marker, feathers, fabric, and magic on self-constructed scroll. 60” x 72”x 4". Commissioned original piece in a private collection.

“Eno Ama’s Legacy” immortalizes the success of a matriarch whose legacy began in Ghana at the age of 13. The self-made matriarch, proud and respected for her accomplishments sits on her porch, satisfied with the fortune she worked hard for. She owned a family estate and summer home, protected by mango and coconut trees and field animals, all of which she started with just a few dollars. Her great-granddaughter rests in the vast fields, picking a mango, soon to be following in her footsteps. Collaged elements of kente cloth, textured paper, and staples of Ghana are featured in the work. The piece is sealed with gye nyame, an adinkra symbol meaning “except for God”.  “Eno Ama’s Legacy” emphasizes the importance of honoring ancestors who have paved the way for future generations to thrive. 

"Hand of God", 2022. Acrylic paint and magic portal on self-constructed canvas scroll, 48” x 48” x 4"

Channeling creation, the Mother, and spirit, Hope and Faith create a portal.

"Remember the Path", 2021. Acrylic, magic, handmade collard greens, crow, grass, cowrie shells, and found feather on self-constructed canvas scroll, 36" x 60" x 4". 
 

Tuning into their spiritual practice, Hope and Faith channel the energies of rebirth and remembrance. “Remember the Path” is a magical scene, featuring a wise, all-knowing collard green tree, channeled through their heritage. The fantastical display honors healing with the energies of the chakras and a crow soaring over illuminative grass, symbolizing the twins’ transformation and the journey towards healing and cohesion with spirit. Their water flows with cowrie shells along the currentsea. This piece chronicles the elements that guide Hope and Faith’s being, with roots deep in collard greens and resilience. Commemorating the daunting ascension of Mount Fuji, they pay homage to the sacred ritual they experienced six years ago to spread their late mother’s ashes at its peak. This piece chronicles the milestones and transformations that they’ve achieved through great perseverance.

"for our sisters", 2021. Halftone screen print on acetate scroll, glass molded DOO GRO ® hair oil bottle, glass hair coils, cowrie shells, personal hair materials, 48" x 24" x 8"

“for our sisters” speaks to the importance of togetherness amidst the fragility of our experiences and emphasizes black hair care rituals encouraging black women sisterhood. The installation features black hair care products with some made of glass. This is aligned with an acetate scroll formatted as a photo reel with screen prints of us as children, highlighting the importance of sisterhood and togetherness. It serves as a memory of our own evolution since throughout a childhood filled with tribulations, all we had was each other. The reel features the quote "There is beauty in decay as we grow and heal from what can feel hopeless to discover our past does not control us, that there is always light." 

"THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE", 2021. Short documentary film, 3:33 min runtime

"HOMECOMING", 2021. Autofiction short film, 5:00 min runtime.

After being displaced during the pandemic, Hope & Faith were fortunate enough to establish their own home in the same apartment complex that they lived in as children. Forced to come home, and meet their origin point of where their lives began, the pandemic shifted into a fruitful homecoming. The twins were able to search old storage units and, with their findings of family photo albums, investigate the space that they formerly and currently inhabit. Hope & Faith relived experiences once reunited with family, leaving voicemails for their late mother.

"An Autobiography", 2016. Stop motion autobiography, 3:55 runtime

A stop motion animation created by Hope and Faith chronicles the story of how they got to where they are today and how their mother helped them realize that they shouldn't be stopped by obstacles in their tracks. The video shows how they've had to overcome said obstacles and how they made us assume the roles of leaders within their household regarding their academics, jobs, and tending to their disabled mother at just 7 years old.

Holding Space with Hope & Faith, 2023

Public art activation at the historical Lexington Market during Baltimore City’s August 2023 Bromo Arts District art walk and the BMA’s reopening at the Market. We led a community drop-in with all ages, encouraging participants to contribute to this living scroll with guiding prompts; “What is Baltimore to you? How do you hold space in your community? and How do you hold space for others?” Participants shared space with friends, left messages, and collaborated to create this piece that still lives in the space. This communal artwork holds space for connection, collaboration, and the magic in creation. We had around 50 participants of all ages contribute to this public art project.

Freeing Families: Intergenerational Healing Through Art, 2023

One of four free community events for the exhibition, WATCH YOUR STEP, this family art workshop was inspired by the piece “My Grandma’s Garden.” Bridging the gap between conceptual art and community workshops, we created a space for families to honor their loved ones. Families were invited to bring copies of their family photos and loved ones, newsprints, letters, etc. to create a collage together. We worked through the stories of our ancestors, highlighting the lives of those who came before us while reflecting on the process of watching our steps with our loved ones. We provided all materials and participants could take home 2 pieces of art.

STRANGE SIGHTINGS!, 2023. Styrofoam, foam board, acrylic paint, marker, glitter, wire, cowrie shells, transparent iridescent PVC sheets, and acrylic glass clear domes. Temporary installation at Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave) BUS sculpture April 20- June 7, 2023

 “STRANGE SIGHTINGS!” is the story of aliens Lavender and Indigo traveling to Earth to party with the creatures of this planet. In the spirit of the Marquee Ball’s theme, Creature Feature, and its out-of-this-world experience, this installation was created to resonate with Creative Alliance’s fantastical fundraising event. “STRANGE SIGHTINGS” consists of cosmic entities such as planets, aliens flying UFOs, and a bright star emitting iridescent rays. The colorful and shiny display stands out at night so visitors can use the installation as a backdrop for their photos at any time of the day. This temporary project was installed on April 20th (for the Marquee Ball on April 22, 2023).

Environmental Art Project: Family Leaf Paintings, 2023

Family art workshop we led while teaching at UMBC Reaching Together Summer Camp at Lakeland Elementary/Middle School in Cherry Hill.

We led participants out to the front of the school and garden to pick leaves for a collaborative piece to make with their families. This workshop was focused on bringing the community in on the arts that students make in school, making the way for an immersive experience in art, education, and collaboration. We brought awareness to the nature around the school, encouraging students and participants to appreciate their surroundings while making art with their loved ones and community members. 40 youth, elders, and in between in attendance.

"THE SOULS OF OUR FEET," 2023-24

Intentional meditation space manifested by Hope & Faith and community collaborators Soul and Lovey (Sistars of the Galaxy). We created this mural to have an elevated reflection space on the second floor of WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition. The mural space serves as a public installation space where the community can go to reflect, read, and meditate.

"THE SOULS OF OUR FEET," 2023-24

Intentional meditation space manifested by Hope & Faith and community collaborators Soul and Lovey (Sistars of the Galaxy). We created this mural to have an elevated reflection space on the second floor of WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition. The mural space serves as a public installation space where the community can go to reflect, read, and meditate.

"THE SOULS OF OUR FEET," 2023-24

Intentional meditation space manifested by Hope & Faith and community collaborators Soul and Lovey (Sistars of the Galaxy). We created this mural to have an elevated reflection space on the second floor of WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition. The mural space serves as a public installation space where the community can go to reflect, read, and meditate.

PLANT A SEED, Interactive installation with raised garden box with laminated collard leaves, acrylic paint, shredded recycled paper, and markers, 2023-24. 48.5" x 24.4" x 30"

Close-up of interactive installation. Participants were encouraged to leave messages for the community to "plant seeds," writing them on our signature collard green cut-outs. Sowing words of wisdom, these collard leaves were to be given back to the community at the final event of the exhibition, WATCH YOUR STEP |The Family Function: Closing Celebration and Family Dinner.

Integrating Interests, Baltimore Clayworks' Self M.A.D.E. (Merging Arts, Direction, and Education) Program, 2022

Mentoring at-risk youth ages 11-17, we created lesson plans and projects encouraging students to connect personal stories and histories to art and how to use it as a space for storytelling. The image shows glazed projects of the students from the Evening Reporting Center before first firing. They incorporated slab technique, coil, and pinch to create their projects. Students also learned to use newspaper as a base to create round or spherical pieces (i.e. basketball on the second shelf and wristwatch on the bottom shelf).

WATCH YOUR STEP: Healing Through Our Histories | Virtual Discussion 

Healing Through Our Histories Resource List Community Document - Feel free to add!

Healing Through Our Histories, facilitated by Christina Marsh, artist, wellness coach, and Director of Community Arts and Engagement at Baltimore Clayworks.

Voice + Poem by FAITH

Sounds + Video by Arthur Fitzhugh III

WATCH YOUR STEP: Opening Celebration

Saturday, November 11th, 2023 6:00pm-9:00pm. Video by Niajea Randolph

Step into a transformative journey with WATCH YOUR STEP, an exhibition and community programming of events featuring the vibrant works of twin artists Hope & Faith McCorkle. Opening Celebration with a musical performance by multi-dimensional singer-songwriter MovaKween. 

Image of the first floor of the WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition at School 33 Art Center.

Image of the first floor of the WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition at School 33 Art Center.

Image of the first floor of the WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition at School 33 Art Center.

Image of the first floor of the WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition at School 33 Art Center. "PLANT A SEED" (2023) is depicted on the left. "THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE" (2021) film is projected on the right. 

Interactive installation with raised garden box with laminated collard leaves, acrylic paint, shredded recycled paper, and markers, 2023. 48.5" x 24.4" x 30"

Interactive installation. Participants were encouraged to leave messages for the community to "plant seeds," writing them on our signature collard green cut-outs. Sowing words of wisdom, these collard leaves were to be given back to the community at the final event of the exhibition, WATCH YOUR STEP |The Family Function: Closing Celebration and Family Dinner.

"THE SOULS OF OUR FEET," 2023-24

Intentional meditation space manifested by Hope & Faith and community collaborators Soul and Lovey (Sistars of the Galaxy). We created this mural to have an elevated reflection space on the second floor of WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition. The mural space serves as a public installation space where the community can go to reflect, read, and meditate.

Image of the second floor of the WATCH YOUR STEP exhibition at School 33 Art Center.

WATCH YOUR STEP: The Family Function | Closing Celebration and Family Dinner

Saturday, January 13th, 2024 6:00pm-9:00pm. Video by Niajea Randolph

Closing celebration of “WATCH YOUR STEP” exhibition and community dinner at School 33 Art Center. Featuring soul food catering by Hope & Faith, vegan desserts by LemonTopia, frequencies by DJ Afr0delic, and a surprise performance by Prince Mac!

OUR SKIN, OUR LOGO. exhibition entrance featuring hanging braids, a vinyl cross, and a red carpet running through the walkway.

Braids hanging over the exhibition entrance with vinyl that reads "PLEASE, DON'T TOUCH."

Exhibition aerial view showing the gallery divided into four "rooms" creating a cross.

‘FOR OUR SISTERS’ features aspects of Black femininity and hair. Classified with an image of two sets of twins, the room unpacks womanhood, Black hair and hair care, and resilience in reclaiming the representation of the Black woman. A few Black hair styles are portrayed in braids, locs, an updo, and a fro. We are questioned frequently about our hair, have to witness non-POC wearing braids and other protective styles, and face racist remarks while attending a PWI. This room allows viewers to get a glimpse of our experience with Black hair by witnessing the long and arduous braiding process through, the fragility of our kinks depicted as glass, and a few products utilized to maintain our hair. Channeling our experiences with the help of Audre Lorde granted us ultimate acceptance and “the transformation of silence into language and action.”

'FOR OUR SISTERS' walkway view showing the vinyl outside and partial view of artwork inside the room.

‘FOR OUR MINDS’ discusses our mental states, permitting a therapeutic catharsis for our depression. This room explores how our art-making channels our emotions, by showing overwhelming feelings of grief and sorrow from the loss of our mother. We address this by documenting our extreme ability to feel and our inability to regulate these emotions after her death. With being hospitalized and being seen by therapists and psychiatrists, we tackle the complicated notions related to mental health in the black community in our work. Besides being prescribed various medications, we are able to find solace in art-making, reading, and writing, portrayed by the cover photo to this room. ‘FOR OUR MINDS’ gives viewers insight into the multi-facets of mental health and care, recognizing our own trials, tribulations, and overall struggles with our minds.

Alternate view showing the inside of 'FOR OUR MINDS' room, the red carpet, and outside of 'FOR OUR ANGEL ABOVE'.

View of ceramic arm "Wendy" (2019) installed with our mother's obituary memory book in the 'FOR OUR ANGEL ABOVE' room.

‘FOR OUR ANGEL ABOVE’ approaches the death of our mother. With a picture of the McCorkle’s, this room explores acceptance in our grieving process with the creation of pieces dedicated to her. Reflecting on her condition and disability, we are able to recall the sacrifices our mother made for us to live that eventually took her own life. Focusing on her ubiquitous presence, the pieces in this room define what we do with the guidance of our angel above. Executed through ceramics, mirror, and painting, we pay homage to our mother and continue telling her story alongside ours. As a “great soul,” she is still with us spiritually although she has left our reality. Our mother continuously encourages us to “be and be better.”

'FOR OUR SOULS’ details our experiences growing up that fed into who we are today. Our souls were fueled with experiences and soul food that has cultivated our tongue and mind. Depicted in the image that leads the room, cooking and catering food has been installed in us since we were seven years old. Because our mother was disabled, we were taught at a young age to cook for her, ourselves, and our family. This expanded further into other creative outlets, such as art, that we began in middle school. Our souls are derived in creativity and putting all the effort we have into what we do. ‘FOR OUR SOULS’ comments on our faith and upbringing, the absence of a male role model, and details our story of how we got to where we are, and what influenced this path.