More than half a century after her family moved North to find a better life, artist Michele Wood returned to the South to see and experience the land where her ancestors lived, struggled, and thrived.
In Going Back Home, Michele presents a series of paintings inspired by this personal journey. Through her complex and richly patterned art, Michele places herself back in history, imagining her ancestors’ struggles to overcome hardship through family love and community.
Toyomi Igus is the author and editor of several books for children, including Two Mrs. Gibsons and the award-winning Going Back Home, her brilliant account of artist Michele Wood's personal journey to the South. The former Editor and Publications Director for UCLA's Center for African American Studies, she lives in Los Angeles, California.
Michele Wood is an illustrator, painter, aspiring filmmaker, colorist, clothing and jewelry designer, living in Atlanta, Georgia. She accomplished her Master in Divinity at Christian Theological Seminary, where she was the Artist in Residence 2015-2018. She was awarded the Young Church Women United Award 2016. Her first book, Going Back Home, was honored with an American Book Award Before Columbus Foundation. Wood’s second book, i see the rhythm received the Coretta Scott King Award in 1999 for Illustration.
Before Columbus Foundation
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)
