Own a piece of History - collect art by African Americans
- Yusef Crowder
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- About Me:
- Yusef Crowder was born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina where he attended Winchester Avenue High School and became heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In the late 50’s, Yusef joined the Black Guard under the leadership of Rob Williams (Negroes With Guns). Upon graduation, Yusef moved to New York City, found work, and continued his political involvement.
One day, on a visit to Prospect Park, he heard a sound that would change his life forever… the African drumming of his future teacher, Chief Bey. Yusef followed Chief Bey for two years, was instructed in lessons for a year and eventually sent on his way.
After moving to Boston, Yusef’s soulful drumming caught the ear of new converts. He began drumming for a variety of dance classes and eventually founded and directed the African Arts Ensemble (one of the premier African dance ensembles in the country) from 1974-1976.
The realization of a lifelong goal occurred with his journey to West Africa in 1976. He traveled to Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Ghana. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, Yusef found himself without financial resources. Wanting to remain self-supportive, he sought the advice of a tailor who asked, “What can you do?” In Boston, he had carved a drum and the tailor directed him to wood-carvers on the road to Abidjan. After a two-week apprenticeship, he carved and sold a bowl, exclaiming to himself, “wood is wonderful!” Nine years were spent in Ivory Coast where various pieces were crafted that have gone all over the world.
Upon his return to America in 1989, he found himself drumming again to survive. He drummed for eleven years with the Uhuru Dance Company and nine years with Barbara Sullivan’s African Dance Connection.
Yusef has opened the Wood Is Wonderful Gallery in Cascade Heights section of Atlanta, featuring one-of-a-kind hand carved art, authentic, African art and decorative accessories. The gallery also features the artwork of local emerging artists. His consummate love and passion for African culture and history are reflected admirably in his artwork.
- Are you an ArtIST or Collector?
- Woodcarver/African Drummer/Artisan
- What are you collecting?
- Come and visit the gallery!
- How can we contact you?
- Yusef Crowder
Wood Is Wonderful Gallery
2312 Benjamin E. Mays Drive
Atlanta, GA 30311
678 793-3250
Yusef Crowder's Photos
Yusef Crowder's Blog
Incorporating African Elements into Home or Office Decor
Celebrate African heritage and culture through home and office decor with African design and accent pieces. African masks and statues are traditional favorites. For innovation, try an Ahnk lamp (an Egyptian symbol of life) or “Akua’ba” lamp (fertility doll used by the Ashanti). Chests, tables, or various wall hangings with Adinkra symbols, make interesting and attractive conversation pieces. The Asante peoples of Ghana and the Ivory Coast use these symbols. A large collection of pictograms, they… Continue
Posted on March 21, 2008 at 12:30pm —
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Continued success.