Malachite Vase
Kelanda Dickerson
2022 installation
2nd Floor - Olmsted Gallery
The Inspiration
This large decorative tazza, or wide shallow dish, is covered in thin sheets of opaque green malachite with molded gilt bronze trim. It rests on a separate circular malachite tabletop plate. The pair were made in Russia, which had become famous for producing malachite objects. Larz Anderson purchased these pieces in St. Petersburg in 1910.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: For this piece, I wanted to embody all of the many things the color green represents. Green is universally associated with nature, but also symbolizes growth, renewal, and wealth. Flowers in particular can represent these same exact things.
THE DESIGNER
Kelanda Dickerson
Kelanda Dickerson
Kelanda Dickerson (Kiki) is a self-taught, independent florist who is interested in pushing the boundaries of who and what a florist can be by inspiring a freeform approach to floral artistry.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Trene Forbes
Trene’ Forbes is an award-winning expert photographer, mentor, speaker, educator, and full-time entrepreneur. As the founder and lead photographer of Trene’ Forbes Photography, she’s leveraged her expertise in photography and education. A native of Baltimore, Maryland- Trene’ is a graduate of Baltimore City Community College, University of Baltimore, and University of Phoenix, where she earned a master’s degree in Business Management.
Before becoming a professional photographer and entrepreneur, Trene’s career path as an Executive Assistant for over 25 years in the health field led her to Howard County Public School system where she worked for Student Services. Her love for working with students encouraged her to join The Continental Societies, Inc. The non-profit organization focuses on health, education, employment, recreation, arts and humanities.
As a committed worker and always willing to serve the community Trene’ is an active member of 1st. Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church, Munaluchi Bride, The Continental Society, and The National Society of Black Wedding Professionals. Her volunteer work is extensive, which includes volunteering for Baltimore City Urban Debate League for elementary and middle school students. She assisted with the Alpha Kappa Alpha in the playground initiative for Howard County Public Schools. Her ongoing services includes assisting and volunteering for the bookbag initiative, feeding the homeless, assisting with the Colgate Dental van ensuring children are provided with healthy eating initiatives.
Trene’s love for photography and her clients has landed her images in Essence, Munaluchi, The Knot, Washingtonian, Rangefinder, and The New York Times, just to name a few.
She is married with three children and five grandchildren.
