Rosalind Nzinga Vaughn-Nichol, a mixed media artist and papermaker based in Bear, Delaware, describes herself as a storyteller through her art. Her creative narratives are woven from textures, textiles, and handmade papers, each piece serving as a medium for her stories to unfold.
For over two decades, Rosalind’s primary focus has been on integrating vintage lace and textiles into handmade paper, which she utilizes in a variety of formats including mixed media collages, paintings, quilts, and installations. This passion for repurposing materials was inherited from her grandmother, Esther, who taught her the value of recycling everything—from garments to their individual threads—imbuing Rosalind’s work with a profound sense of history and sustainability.
Rosalind’s approach to art is deeply influenced by her appreciation for the earth and the belief, as echoed by Axel Vervoordt, that everything needed to create art already exists in nature. Through her work, she aims to respect the planet by repurposing existing materials rather than contributing to the ongoing production of new ones.
Her artworks are primarily abstract, offering lyrical and spiritual narratives that invite viewers to interpret them in their own way. While her pieces often include iconography or textiles from the African diaspora, reflecting her American and Africana roots, they are intentionally left vague to allow space for personal interpretation and connection. Rosalind’s art is not just a reflection of her heritage but a bridge to broader conversations about identity, history, and sustainability.
Here’s a slide show of her work:
