2010 
12in x 12 in
 
Pandwe’s Artistic Connection to Geology and Nature 
Exploring the Depths of Earth Through Agates, Geodes, and Spirituality 
Pandwe’s profound appreciation for geology shines through in her body of work, where the interplay between earth’s natural wonders and artistic expression takes center stage. Her artistic engagement with geological formations such as geodes and agates reveals not only her technical prowess but also her deep spiritual and emotional connection to the environment. These stones, each holding a story millions of years in the making, serve as both inspiration and medium in her artistic journey. 
Geodes and agates, while sharing their origins in molten rock, diverge in structure and significance. Geodes are hollow, spherical rocks encased in a rough exterior, their interiors adorned with shimmering crystals. In contrast, agates are solid stones, often displaying intricate bands formed from successive layers of silica filling a cavity. Pandwe’s use of these formations transcends their physical properties, transforming them into symbols of resilience, transformation, and the layered complexity of identity and history. 
Her fascination with agates began during her transformative journey to Brazil in 2004, a trip that was pivotal in shaping her artistic and spiritual outlook. It was there, amidst the lush and vibrant landscapes, that she encountered agates for the first time. Drawn to their layered beauty, she purchased agate coasters as keepsakes, not yet realizing the profound role these stones would play in her work. Years later, after relocating to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Pandwe unearthed these coasters while unpacking. The rediscovery of these artifacts reignited her creative spark, prompting her to replicate their mesmerizing patterns on canvas using acrylic paints. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her art, where the interplay of texture, color, and geological form became a central theme. 
Pandwe’s work celebrates the relationship between humans and the environment, a theme deeply rooted in her exposure to Ifa spirituality during her travels. Ifa, a Yoruba religious tradition, emphasizes the reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all life. This perspective resonates throughout her artistic practice, where the color palettes and organic shapes she employs echo the spiritual and symbolic significance of the natural world. Her art becomes a bridge, linking ancient indigenous beliefs to contemporary audiences while highlighting the enduring relevance of these traditions. 
In her series featuring pieces like *Agate Slice I & II* (2010), Pandwe uses the rich banding and vibrant hues of agates to communicate layers of meaning, from the geological to the spiritual. Measuring 12 inches by 12 inches, these works, valued at $110,000 each, capture the essence of the earth’s beauty while inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to the natural environment. 
This thematic exploration continues in *The Grand Canyons Wave* (2022), a tribute to her husband and the foundation of their shared life. The piece, composed of quartz, canvas, and acrylic, symbolically captures their journey through the Grand Canyon, a trip that celebrated both their adventurous spirits and a personal milestone following their first successful IVF procedure. The swirling patterns in this work evoke the primordial soup of life, blending adventure and hope into a vivid tapestry of earth-toned colors and natural forms. 
Pandwe’s artistic voice is not only a celebration of geology but also a call to recognize the vital relationship between humanity and the environment. Her pieces, infused with the textures and colors of the earth, stand as enduring testaments to the beauty and resilience of nature and the profound narratives it holds. Agates, geodes, crystals, and minerals become more than mere materials in her hands—they are storytellers, spiritual guides, and bridges connecting the past, present, and future of human existence. Through her work, Pandwe invites us to see the world not only as it is but as it could be, if we honor and preserve the wonders it offers.