artWORK

After completing my undergraduate studies, I found myself on a quest to discover my authentic artistic voice. The medium of paint, once my primary means of expression, no longer sufficed in conveying the complexities of my identity as a BIPOC woman. The brush, like any tool, carried with it a profound historical weight, and my brown skin brought its own layered history. As a brown-skinned woman wielding a brush, it often felt as though I was expected to speak for an entire collective, which, while important, eclipsed my individual narrative.

This realization prompted me to turn to mediums closer to my own experiences and memories—fabric and hair weave. Looking back on the creative artifacts of my past, I am flooded with memories of countless hours spent sitting together, weaving and braiding hair. Even my father was not exempt from this task, and his skill with the hot comb was unmatched. My mom, on the other hand, was notorious for the occasional ear-burning mishap. My grandmother's home remains a vivid tapestry of chenille comforters, mod dresses, and a riot of patterns, patterns, patterns.

These tactile and sensory experiences have become the heart of my creative journey. Through fabric and hair weave, I aim to convey not just the beauty but also the rich history, memory, and unique cultural expressions that have shaped my life. This shift allows me to speak from my own individual perspective, one deeply rooted in my past, and the intricate patterns of my personal heritage.