Meet Antoinette Savage

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Antoinette Savage a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Antoinette, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, is more than just a trait; it’s a legacy from my mother, Florence Rogers Adams. At 85, soon to be 86 this September, she truly represents strength and perseverance. Her life story shows the power of steadfast determination and love.
In December 1965, my father was accidentally shot in the head and killed. At 24 years old, my mother became a widow with six young children ages 6, 5,3,2,1 and 4 months. Despite the tough road ahead, she faced it with determination. She used the little money left after my father’s funeral as a down payment on a house, where she still lives 59 years later.
In 1960’s, there weren’t many resources available to help single mothers. Despite this, my mother never relied on public assistance; the only help we got was from Social Security. She worked very hard to support us. After my father died, people told her she wouldn’t be able to manage on her own with six kids. Some even suggested she put us in foster care or up for adoption, but my mother refused to do that.
Watching my mother, I learned firsthand what true resilience means. It’s seen in the countless hours she worked, the sacrifices she made, and her unwavering belief that she could overcome anything. She taught me that resilience involves confronting challenges directly, persisting through difficulties without giving up, and drawing strength from love and our commitments.
My mother’s story isn’t just a part of my past; it’s the very foundation of who I am today. Her resilience runs deep within me, guiding me through my own trials and motivating me to keep going. Whenever I encounter obstacles, I reflect on her and the enduring strength she has passed on to me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My art, which I call “Ancestral Blessings inspirations from God, designed by the Ancestors,” is all about honoring my African American Ancestors—both my “Family Ancestors” and “Community Ancestors”. The time period that resonates most deeply with me spans from post-Reconstruction through the 1940s. This era holds a special place in my heart as I create my art, which I call “Ancestral Blessings inspirations from God, designed by the Ancestors. Before I create anything, I pray for guidance on which stories to tell through my art. Each piece I make is filled with love and inspired by messages from God and my Ancestors.
I call my sculptures “Slinkies.” They have long, graceful necks that symbolize royalty and grace. They don’t have faces, so I dress them in ways that show their personalities and movements. I love using repurposed/recycled materials, like my Ancestors who turned scraps into beautiful things.
What I love most about making art is the process itself—the stories and characters that come alive as I work. It feels like a conversation between me, my Ancestors, and the materials I use. Music, especially jazz and African music, is a big part of my creative process. It adds depth to the stories I tell through my sculptures.
Despite grappling with personal challenges such as bipolar disorder and surviving incest, my art stands as a testament to resilience and personal growth. Through my creative journey, I aim to honor both my “Family Ancestors” and “Community Ancestors,” celebrating their enduring legacies through the timeless language of art.
As a bithrday/graduation present to myself, I will be visiting Ghana in July. This upcoming trip is more than just a personal journey; it’s a profound exploration of my heritage and identity. I’m eagerly anticipating the Sankofa naming ceremony, where I’ll receive a traditional name from local chiefs and elders. This ceremony symbolizes a deep connection to my roots and a reclamation of cultural identity that I’ve longed to explore.
Visiting the Donkor Nsuo, known as “the slave river,” holds a solemn significance for me. Standing at this historical site, I expect to feel a profound connection to the struggles and resilience of my ancestors who were forcibly taken from their homeland. It’s a moment that will undoubtedly be emotional but essential for understanding my history.
At the Memorial Wall of Return, I look forward to adding my name alongside others who have found their roots in Africa. This act represents a personal acknowledgment of my heritage and a symbolic return to where it all began for my ancestors.
Exploring Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle, known as “slave castles,” is another aspect of my journey that I approach with both anticipation and reverence. These sites will provide a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the harsh realities faced by enslaved Africans while also honoring their strength and resilience.
Overall, I expect this journey to Ghana to be transformative. It’s not only about gaining a deeper understanding of history but also about finding clarity in my own identity and purpose. I hope to return with renewed determination, inspired by the stories of resilience and survival that have shaped my heritage. This trip is not just a milestone but a pivotal moment in my personal and artistic journey, preparing me for a future of unlimited possibilities.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to my heritage.
First and foremost, resilience has been my guiding light, a gift passed down from my mother. Witnessing her strength as she navigated life as a young widow with six children was incredibly formative. She faced adversity head-on and never wavered in her determination to provide for us. This resilience has empowered me to confront my own challenges, including managing bipolar disorder and overcoming personal traumas. Resilience is about more than enduring hardships; it’s about transforming pain into strength and using it as a foundation to build a better future.
Second, creativity has been my sanctuary and my voice. My art, inspired by my African American Ancestors, allows me to express profound stories and emotions that words often cannot capture. The process of creating art, from envisioning a piece to bringing it to life, is deeply therapeutic and empowering.
Finally, a deep connection to my heritage has grounded me and provided a rich source of inspiration. Understanding and embracing the history and struggles of my Ancestors from the post-Reconstruction era through the 1940s has infused my work with depth and meaning. This connection is not only a tribute to those who came before me but also a reminder of the strength and resilience that run through my veins. It is this heritage that fuels my passion and drives me to create art that resonates with others and preserves the stories of my Ancestors.
For those early in their journey, here is my advice on how to develop or improve these qualities and skills:
Cultivate Resilience: Life will inevitably throw challenges your way. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Build a support system of people who uplift and encourage you. Practice self-care and self-compassion, and always remember that your strength lies in your ability to rise after every fall.
Nurture Your Creativity: Allow yourself the freedom to explore and express your creativity in whatever form it takes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mediums and techniques. Surround yourself with inspiration, whether it’s through music, literature, nature, or other artists. Creativity thrives in an open and curious mind.
Connect with Your Heritage: Take the time to learn about your history and the stories of those who came before you. This connection can provide a sense of identity and purpose. It can also serve as a rich source of inspiration for your work. Honor your heritage by incorporating its essence into your creations, making your work a bridge between the past and the present.
By focusing on these areas, you can develop a strong foundation that will support you through life’s journey and enable you to create work that is meaningful and impactful.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Reflecting on the principle of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), my biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been both a deeply personal and profoundly rewarding journey. At the age of 64, I achieved a milestone that once seemed like a distant dream: on May 11, 2024, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Business Administration from Central State University. Balancing my studies with a full-time job was no small feat, but my determination, perseverance, and hard work made it possible.
This journey has been a powerful testament to self-determination. I set clear goals for myself, navigated through challenges, and never lost sight of my vision. Achieving academic excellence at this stage of my life has been incredibly fulfilling, proving that it’s never too late to pursue and achieve your dreams.
In addition to my academic success, I have also learned to blend my educational pursuits with my passion for art. This past year, I have discovered how to merge my business knowledge with my artistic talents, creating a unique path forward. With my degree, I am now poised to take my art career to new professional levels, bringing a newfound sense of purpose and direction to my work.
This journey has not just been about earning a degree; it’s been about redefining what’s possible for myself. By harnessing the power of Kujichagulia, I have demonstrated that age is no barrier to personal growth and success. I am excited to continue this path of self-determination, striving for excellence and embracing new challenges with confidence and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ancestralblessingsart.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTaLINaLs3Y

Image Credits

Tracy Allen-Turner Royalme Photography
Janet George
Debbie Jackson
Wanda Mays
Antoinette Savage