The ancestors are no strangers to smoke. Across African and Native traditions, smoke from burning herbs like cedar or sage cleanses spaces, preparing them for spiritual practices. Indigenous cultures honor our innate capacity to communicate with ancestors—whether through dreams or rituals, smoke guiding our intentions.

Lawrence Terry, born in St. Louis in 1952, brings that smoke—literally. As a child in a military family, his uprooted life found solace in drawing. From Louisville to New York City’s School of Visual Arts, his fascination with fire became pivotal. For Terry, fire is both ancient and alive—an elemental communion. His artistic process mirrors tribal ceremonies, channeling both control and surrender.

Inspired by Noguchi’s reverence for nature, Zen minimalism, and Aboriginal Dreamtime, Terry’s work, like “Dancing With The Ancestors,” connects us to the universal flow of energy. Acrylic, copper, smoke—these aren’t just materials; they are vessels of memory, grounding us in the wisdom of ancestors while sparking fresh visions in today’s world. Through Terry’s journey—from Brooklyn to Harlem—his art is a bridge, helping us walk between worlds.

"Dancing With The Ancestors" by Lawrence Terry

More Works By Mr. Lawrence Terry