In "Tears," I visually convey the enduring grief of African Americans, representing their loss of African heritage and culture. Through block and Sintra relief printing, I evoke their historic struggle, honoring their resilience and acknowledging the strength born from their tears.

"I AM Me 2" is a woodblock print created by Sarah Matthews to overcome body dysmorphia. Sarah dislikes pictures and videos of herself and often avoids mirrors. She decided to create a series of self-portraits as a form of therapy. "I AM Me 2" is her second attempt and the largest self-portrait she has produced. The work was an effort to push herself beyond what she believed she could achieve. As Sarah carved each part of her face, she learned to love herself and her features, affirming her beauty. Now, she can look into the gaze of her self-portrait without judgment or self-pity, feeling empowered by the accomplishment.

Woodblock print, self-portrait

55” H x 32” W x 1.5” D

artist signing of the woodblock print

Block-printed flag book

9.25” H x 6” W, closed

This flag book celebrates Stacey Abrams’ exceptional leadership during Georgia’s 2020 election. Abram’s fearless pursuit of justice, fair representation, and voter engagement led to the historic voter turnout that reshaped the political landscape. “Stacey!” is a powerful tribute to Abrams’ unwavering commitment to democracy and a call to action for positive change.

Block Print

24” H x 36” W

2013

Beloved is an altered book comprised of the following books:

I Will Not Forget You: Frida Kahlo & Nicholas Murray by Salomon Grimberg

Wallpaper: The Ultimate Guide by Charlotte Abrahams

Select pages were letterpressed with polymer plates using wallpaper images and handwritten letters from Frida Kahlo.

Block print

24” H x 36” W

Offset Printed Flag Book

6.25” H x 12” W

My grandmother, Mary Ruth Bowens, was the daughter of sharecroppers from Mullins, South Carolina. Her formal education ended in 8th grade because she went to work with her parents, cropping tobacco and picking cotton. Despite that, my grandmother was an accomplished poet. When I was in my 20s, my grandmother would send me her handwritten poems for me to edit and send to the copyright office. Using polymer, I was able to print my grandmother’s handwriting on the Vandercook 4T Letterpress at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, MD, in 2023.

14” H x 11” W

Block Print

21” H x 14.5” W

Woodblock Print

52” H x 29” W

X Factor is a poignant woodblock print that encapsulates the collective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, intertwining it with the profound impact of the Black Lives Matter movement. Through meticulous detail and evocative imagery, the artwork reflects the emotional complexities of this challenging time, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and call for social change. The faces of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor serve as haunting reminders, igniting a sense of urgency for a more equitable and compassionate world.

"Outrage" is a flag book created in response to Roe v. Wade's overturning, channeling collective anger against government control of women's bodies. Its unfolding pages reveal a letterpressed message, "My uterus is none of your business," alongside images of uteri.

Woodblock Print

30” H x 42” W

"Just Another Wall" is a thought-provoking woodblock print that explores the profound impact of walls on history. Inspired by the 2019 U.S. Presidential campaign's border wall proposal, it prompts reflection on historical walls and their lasting effects on communities. The artist's personal connection to their parents' experiences during the Jim Crow era underscores the influence of barriers on opportunities, like swimming in public pools. The print powerfully testifies to how walls, physical or symbolic, have shaped societies and invites viewers to contemplate their far-reaching consequences throughout history.

Block Print / Letterpress Collage

36” H x 27” W

"Black Children Matter" is a vivid block-printed collage crafted to protest the tragic killings of unarmed black children by police. The artwork showcases colorful prints and letterpress techniques, symbolizing the diversity and resilience of black communities. Through its impactful design, it calls for justice, empathy, and change in society, urging us to protect and value the lives of these young individuals.

Woodblock Print

29” H x 53” W

"Glass Ceiling" is a woodblock print inspired by the Jim Crow era's "Separate but Equal" stance, highlighting the false notion of equality. It also addresses gender pay disparities in the fine art world today. The dents and scrapes around the right fountain symbolize the ongoing struggle for true equality. The artwork urges viewers to confront historical and contemporary injustices in society.

I AM Sarah Matthews exhibit at Blackrock Center for the Arts in 2023

Block Print

12” H x 24” W

The Quondam Collection is an empowering series of prints created by Sarah Matthews, who transformed a hurtful Facebook comment from a student into a source of strength. Each print represents a blend of visual art and emotional expression, challenging the notion of disposable creativity and inspiring viewers to find solace through artistic endeavors.

Block Print

24” x 24”

The Quondam Collection is a series of prints created by an artist who transformed a hurtful Facebook comment from a student into a source of strength. Each print represents a blend of visual art and emotional expression, challenging the notion of disposable creativity and inspiring viewers to find solace through artistic endeavors.

I AM Sarah Matthews exhibit at Blackrock Center for the Arts in 2023