Danielle Haley Ebenholtz

Name:

Country where you live:

City where you live:

london

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dani.haley.e/

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-ebenholtz-9b721a176/

Statement :

‘A Sip From My Caribbean Cup’ 

I am Cuban, but I don’t know Cuba. I know everything about the U.S. Virgin Islands but I’m not a native. My journey from St. Thomas to Philadelphia, Philadelphia to London, London to New York and back has shown me many new environments and cultures, but somehow brought me closer to my original home. My mother’s side of the family, the Muñoz, has always been very Spanish and loud. However, my lack of Spanish speaking pushes me to investigate Cuban culture using the few things I already know. I believe a point of reconnection for me to understand my Cuban heritage starts with the Caribbean I already know – St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

‘A Sip From My Caribbean Cup’ is a new point of development from my previous work,Hurrica, An Irma Project (2019). Similar to past projects, here I am interested in celebrating the Virgin Islands and the power these small islands hold. This idea was recognized in this work as Flor Vine: a developed motif of a vibrant plant growing on a blue chipped wall. In retrospect, Flor Vine operates as a metaphor for the Islands’ strength through Hurricane Irma, resembling their resilience and ability to rebuild and blossom each time.

During a recent trip back home to the Virgin Islands, I captured many common moments and symbols that reflect the uniqueness of each island and overall, the culture. From the crystal clear ocean landscapes, to customized safaris (local taxis), decaying walls and flourishing plants, all the way to the rum selection at B-Line beach bar. As different as these subjects might seem, they all share a Caribbean commonality in their own way, which allowed me to explore and reconnect with what feels like my suppressed heritage.

As well as these scenes, the project equally focuses on the symbolism and importance of 19th century St.Thomian painter, Camille Pissarro and iconic Cuban Salsa artist, Celia Cruz. This project argues that such a harmonious pairing, allowed the birth to my cultural self. The introduction of these two artists (of very different times) act as a bridge between my home and my heritage, thus both similarities and differences of the two Caribbean islands become intertwined. Subjects such as Cruzan bottles (V.I. rum) and cafecito cups of Pilon (Cuban coffee) are introduced as a celebratory transmission. This seminal moment is reflected in the print, At A Bar, Camille Pissarro Pilon and Celia Cruz Cruzan.

ASFMCC Final Range

A Sip From My Caribbean Cup Final Range, is an imaginative showcase that portrays individuals within an ethereal world of Caribbean landscapes. The merge of digitalized garments onto bodies placed amongst real life scenery has allowed the non-existent to exist during a global pandemic. The landscape images were captured in the Virgin Islands during a trip in 2019, while the models are simply close friends that were photographed in London during lockdown 2020.

ASFMCC Final Range, Look 6

(ASFMCC) Look 6: Red Flor Vine guayabera shirt with Blue Flor Vine bucket hat. Red Flor Vine (final print sample): Red flock on lightweight crepe. Blue Flor Vine (final print sample): Dye sublimation and screen print on cotton satin. . . . A Sip From My Caribbean Cup Final Range, is an imaginative showcase that portrays individuals within an ethereal world of Caribbean landscapes. The merge of digitalized garments onto bodies placed amongst real life scenery has allowed the non-existent to exist during a global pandemic. The landscape images were captured in the Virgin Islands during a trip in 2019, while the models are simply close friends that were photographed in London during lockdown 2020.

ASFMCC Final Range, Look 4

(ASFMCC) Look 4: Blue Flor Vine cut off guayabera shirt dress with Cafecito scarf and Weathered Wall bag. Blue Flor Vine (final print sample): Dye sublimation and screen print on cotton satin. Cafecito (final print sample): Digital print on satin. Weathered Wall (final print sample): Digital print on cotton drill. . . . A Sip From My Caribbean Cup Final Range, is an imaginative showcase that portrays individuals within an ethereal world of Caribbean landscapes. The merge of digitalized garments onto bodies placed amongst real life scenery has allowed the non-existent to exist during a global pandemic. The landscape images were captured in the Virgin Islands during a trip in 2019, while the models are simply close friends that were photographed in London during lockdown 2020.

V.I. Poster Illustration

While paying homage to the V.I. artist, paintings by Camille Pissarro are explored and juxtaposed with an interpretation of today's islanders, reflecting the timeless beauty of V.I. culture. V.I. Poster illustration sums up the ideas above and can also be seen as Cruzan Rum advertisement. Collaged illustration 8 x 8 in

Work Credit:

In this work, painting by Camille Pissarro, A Creek in St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), 1856, is remastered.

At A Bar, Camille Pissarro Pilon and Celia Cruz Cruzan

Cuban poster art is explored with the idea of selling paradise thanks to the island's great resources and products, such as coffee and cigars. In the following illustrative print, Camille Pissarro and Celia Cruz are introduced to each other and exchange cultures with Cruzan Rum and Pilon Coffee, one sip at a time. Illustration 11.7 x 16.5 in