Visual artist Sheila Fox, who works under the name Godiva Goddess, is bringing a full-spectrum perspective of Black excellence to the Kentucky Center — MeX Theater (501 W. Main St.). Her solo exhibition “Textured Heritage” will be on view Monday, May 5–Sunday, May 11. Godiva Goddess was gracious enough to talk with LEO about her creative inspiration, the healing effects of artmaking, and the resilience of her cultural heritage.
Tell us a little about your personal history — where you were born, where you grew up, and where you live and work now.
I was born in Mississippi and raised in Chicago, so I carry both Southern warmth and city resilience in me. Since 2007, I’ve been living in Louisville, and it’s here that I’ve really blossomed as an artist and as a woman.
What is your background as a visual artist?
I’m completely self-taught. I’ve been drawing since I was little. Art was always my safe place. I didn’t have formal training, but I’ve poured years into learning by doing, trusting my gut, and growing through every piece I create. Art has been my teacher, my healer, and my mirror.
What media do you prefer to work in? What is it about those materials that motivates you to use them in your artmaking?
I love mixed media. I use fabric, lace, clay, wire, jewelry, hot glue, and resin to bring my pieces to life. Texture plays a big part in my work. It helps me tell stories beyond paint. I especially love using resin because when I see my own reflection in the finish, it becomes a moment of self-reflection and healing.
I often give my work the illusion of stained glass to create a sense of timelessness, something that feels both sacred and lasting. My materials allow me to blend strength and softness, past and present, all in one piece.
How has your lived experience informed the work you will have on view for your “Textured Heritage” show?
“Textured Heritage” is deeply rooted in my personal journey — my culture, my passions, and the pride I carry as a Black woman. This show allowed me to tap into everything I love: natural hair, make-up, fashion, and especially vintage style.
The women in this collection wear powerful looks: Afros sculpted from steel wool, floral updos, and corsets with a steampunk flair. My love for vintage fashion shows up in the details, while the textures reflect both softness and strength.
I also wanted to honor the presence of Black men in this story. Using my background in welding, I created portraits on canvas that give the illusion of bronze and metal, representing strength, resilience, and legacy in a powerful, textured way. Every detail reflects a piece of my story and the beauty within our heritage.
Thinking about your personal story and the beauty of your heritage as a Black woman, what do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your art?
I hope people feel connected—to the work, to the stories, and maybe even to parts of themselves. I want them to pause and really see the richness in our culture, the strength in our beauty, and the pride in our presence.
For the little girls and women who look like me, I hope they leave knowing they are more than enough. That their hair, their skin, their style, their story—it’s all worthy of being celebrated. I want them to feel empowered, inspired, and reminded that they are walking art.
“Textured Heritage” opens Monday, May 5, at the Kentucky Center — MeX Theater (501 W Main St.) and will be on view until Sunday, May 11.
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This article appears in Apr 25 – May 8, 2025.