Seen and Heard : Luna Ruth Paesch : Lessie Randle and Viola Fletcher at 109

13" x 17", reduction woodcut

Artist Statement:

I am inspired by stories that I read or hear about. I read a lot. My family is another subject, friends and pets, too.  My current artwork is inspired by sea creatures, the ocean, and California wildlife, which reflects my interest in the natural world and its preservation.

When I learned about American History in High School the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 was not in the textbooks. Only recently this story kept popping up in newspapers. One article I read was about these two survivors of that time, still fighting for justice in the courts. They are now 110 and still working on their cause. Viola Fletcher even wrote a book about it recently: Don’t Let Them Bury My Story. Lessie Benningfield Randle sued for reparations, which was struck down last year. Together these centenarians are fighting to keep the memory alive and for justice to prevail.

Bio
SF Bay Area artist and educator Luna R Paesch studied Art and Sculpture at the University of Art (UdK) in West-Berlin.
After moving to the US, Luna studied Printmaking and Ceramics at Laney College, and taught Art and Ceramics in the Public Schools.
She is now a full time artist working in printmaking and stone sculpture.