Art Inspired By the Motherland...and Mom

As I walked up the pathway that led to the front door of artist Kanika Marshall’s Elk Grove residence, a sense of calm came over me. I couldn’t point to anything specific that triggered the feeling, but I had the impression I was about to enter the home of a unique person whose spirit was peaceful and welcoming.

I recently came across Marshall’s website and learned she is one of Elk Grove’s most noted artists who creates sculptures based on African art. What I didn’t know was she’s turned her home into a personal gallery.

As Marshall ushered me in, wearing a black-and-white poncho and traditional African jewelry, I was immediately surrounded by colorful sculptures made out of clay, authentic African fabrics and recycled metal with the lighting shining on them just right. 

The wall facing me was completely covered with clay masks Marshall had made--some of which had spent time in galleries around Sacramento County.

I asked Marshall how she began creating these beautiful, mixed-media sculptures.

“My mother was an artist,” she said. “So we always had pens, pencils, felt pens and watercolors. We didn’t have much money, but we did have that.”

A member of local non-profit Elk Grove Artists, Marshall created her business, Kanika African Sculptures, in 1993. Her art revolves around three basic themes: Africa, women and the environment.

“You will notice in a lot of my pieces that there’s a lot of focus on women and the earth,” Marshall said. “Earth tones, shells, beads, a lot of texture and even actual plants are in my art. I really focus on the 'mother' and 'earth' aspects.”

Marshall also draws inspiration from her mother’s strength in the face of a difficult battle with breast cancer. Mary Marshall passed away in 2007.

“She ate right, she did right, but she still got breast cancer,” Marshall said. “But she kept up this great attitude. She was a ‘can-do’ person no matter what. All of her kids--there are three of us--are the same way.”

Her mother’s experience prompted Marshall to start creating breast-cancer survivor art sculptures, dedicated to women who are struggling with the disease.

One such sculpture, “Contemplating Old Wounds” portrays a woman who manages to convey elegance despite missing a breast.

“I just wanted to get across to these women that just because you have this very horrible disease, that doesn’t make you less beautiful,” said Marshall.

An Elk Grove resident since 1994, the Cleveland native and mother of two sons mentioned Elk Grove’s school system and diverse population as being key factors in her relocation. She also recognized the growing artist community here.

“We have lots of events and just letting folks know we’re out here is crucial,” she said.