I am an artist of the African diaspora. My art practice has been synonymous with the development of my identity as a Black woman and artist. My mother, an artist and arts educator, exposed me to the arts from a young age. At three years old, I have vivid memories of scribbling on everything I could. I would put on a purple terry cloth robe and a cat eye purple sunglasses when I  really wanted to focus on, what I assumed was, my next masterpiece. In reality it was tons of color scribbled on a piece of cardboard. As my mother says, I have always been “serious” about creating. 

My artwork, normally in conversation with my younger or current self,  often reminiscences on the whimsy and sense of possibility childhood provides. Limitation and limiting beliefs seems to be a commonality within adulthood. Limiting one’s beliefs about their own capabilities and value or the capabilities and value of others, blinds society to the actual interconnection they possess with nature, their environment, and others. Limiting beliefs of oneself and others, allows for the very racism and misogyny I aim to disarm in my artwork. 

Graphic and vibrant, my artwork utilizes multiple textile art techniques along with traditional art mediums such as painting and drawing. As a Black woman living in the United States, my ancestry is disjointed, and because of this, I do not have a clear understanding of my heritage. Considering textile art’s deep historical ties to the liberation of Black women in American society, I use my textile art practice to rectify the familiar loss in my life, and to honor my ancestors: those known, and unknown. Techniques such as crochet, quilting, and embroidery are often repetitive, and therefore serve as a meditation practice within my work. I am able to contemplate my life and surroundings while creating, thus creating a cyclical art making practice. 

My art making practice often begins with a singular life experience. For example, when I face adversity, I often respond by making. Most work originates from my sketchbook, and serves as a contemplation of my life.  I frequently plan my work through sketch and drawing. This allows for immediate iteration within my ideation.