Joyner's work was created from a huge black walnut three that has always been in his mother's back yard. The tree was aged, rotted in places and snake-infested. From this source the artist shaped a tribute to his own personal guardian.

Joyner has said of his work Whilst I Slept that it "is a praise piece thanking God for dispatching an angel that kept me safe over the rough roads that I traveled while in graduate school. Whilst I Slept addresses the concept of sleep on many levels--be it physical, mental, or spiritual."

The idea of guardian angels is a common one and comforting to many people.

Alexis Roosevelt Joyner lives in Elizabeth City, NC, where he is assistant professor of art at Elizabeth City State University. His master of fine arts degree is from Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA; hisbachelor's degree is from Virginia State University. His work has been exhibited in more than three dozen shows focused on African American art, and is represented in at least seven private collections.

Biographical information taken from Sculpture Garden III viewbook, 1995