Q'shaundra James
"Resting My Eyes" (2021)
Oil on canvas paper
Courtesy the artist.

I painted the time my grandfather, Quincy, fell asleep in the middle of a function. This image is one of many candid moments. Peering into an old photo is a form of time traveling. It’s a peek into a moment that can no longer be physically revisited, but re-experienced.

As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather. He was patient and indulged all my childish requests. Quincy would often moonlight as my doll and I loved combing his hair. By climbing the back part of the couch, I could reach my grandpa’s head. After gathering sections of gray hair with rubber bands, I would complete the look with colorful barrettes. He would often fall asleep during his hair appointments. That collapsed left hand meant my doll had fallen asleep. When I would accuse him of sleeping, Quincy would eventually reply: “I’m not sleeping, I’m resting my eyes.” I had forgotten about those moments. As I painted, I could recall how his hair felt like feathers sweeping between my fingers.