About the Artist
Sonia A. Williams
I am a world traveler, and veteran whose career includes work as a army helicopter pilot, dee-jay, electronics specialist, and a train conductor. I was born in London, England of Jamaican parents, and moved to the US during high school. All my experiences have given me an appreciation of people from diverse cultures, and the wonderful art they create, particularly the Afro-centric pieces. I create my shadow boxes to showcase the art in unique, respectful culturally connected ways.
About 20 years ago, I became more and more interested in African American and African Art and taught myself to mat and frame. Soon I was matting and framing prints for friends and family. A few years ago, I taught myself the art of creating a shadow box. Now I am incorporating shadow boxes, African fabrics, and other techniques to complement the beauty of the original artwork, such as wood carvings and figurines. With the generous encouragement of friends and customers, I am now able to bring you one-of-a-kind shadow boxes. These shadow boxes come with a certificate of authenticity. I hope you enjoy them and thank you for your interest.
Now this is what I do: create one-of-a-kind shadow boxes for masks, carvings and figurines. It gives me such pleasure to create art that people love.
Show Room
Shipping, handling, and insurance Included in the price.
Adama
$685.00Beautiful, handcrafted shadowbox in an 18 x 24 frame. The interior is designed in African fabric. The carving encased within is called “Adama”, which means “earth”. This is a young Senegalese woman who is a member of the Wolof people. She works the land and provides food for the family. The name “Adama” reflects the values and traditions of the Wolof people.
Jazz Duo
$410.00Beautiful, handcrafted Shadowbox in a 12 x 16 frame. The Interior is designed with music fabric. The figurines encased in the shadowbox are a jazz duo. Throughout the 1920’s, jazz seeped into nearly every aspect of American culture. Everything from fashion and poetry to the Civil Rights movement was touched by its influence. For example, the style of clothing changed to make it easier to dance to jazz tunes, with jazz poetry becoming an emerging genre in the era.
The Thinker
$155.00Beautiful, handcrafted Shadowbox in an 8 x 10 frame. The Interior is designed with a gorgeous African fabric. The carving encased in the shadowbox is called “The Thinker”, The pose is one of deep thought and contemplation, and the statue is often used as an image to represent philosophy.
Tamika
$155.00Beautiful, handcrafted Shadowbox in an 11 x 14 frame. The Interior is designed with African fabric. The canvas encased in the shadowbox is named “Tamika”, which means “child of great beauty”. This beauty depicts the black woman, who always walks in God’s light. She is bold enough, she is strong enough, she is smart enough. This is a lady who possesses grace and dignity. Never underestimate her.
Afryea
$215.00Beautiful, handcrafted shadowbox in an 8 x 10 frame. The interior is designed in a gorgeous African fabric. The figurine encased within is called “Afryea”, which means “the one who is born during delightful times”, in the Ghanaian language. She was born in a time of great prosperity, and her birth brought great joy.
Felistas
$425.00Beautiful, handcrafted shadowbox in a 16 x 20 frame. The Interior is designed with African fabric. Encased within the shadowbox is a figurine called “Felistas”, which means “happiness”. This is a young Kenyan woman who is happy and content with her life. She goes about her day-to-day duties with a smile on her face and a humble heart.
Elinah
$265.00Beautiful, handcrafted shadowbox in an 8 x 10 frame. The Interior is designed with African fabric. Encased within the shadowbox is a figurine called ‘Elinah”, which means “shining light”. This is a Kenyan beauty with a heart of gold.
Qualia 3
$225.00Beautiful, handcrafted Shadowbox in a 12 x 18 frame. The Interior is designed with African fabric. The mask encased in the shadowbox is named “Qualia 3“, which means “Beauty”, in the Hausa language of Nigeria. This mask was created by Nigerian artist Issaka Ibrahim. He says this mask denote a woman of exceptional charms.
Cohiba Cigar
$115.00Beautiful, handcrafted shadowbox in an 8 x 10 frame. The interior is designed in a gorgeous fabric. Encased within the shadowbox is a lighter, guillotine, and a Cohiba cigar from Cuba. Cohiba means tobacco in Taino, the native language of Cuba’s indigenous Arawak people before Spanish conquest. This is a cigar of high quality.