It always seems impossible until it's done.
-Nelson Mandela
Artist Statement
A person’s internal reality often differs from external perceptions. Whether it's how a woman should dress or how a man shouldn't cry, society tends to unwittingly project its outdated beliefs and negative stereotypes on individuals. The effects this behavior has on said individuals can oftentimes go unnoticed. Whether it’s because we try to hide that vulnerability or if it’s simply overlooked; these feelings need to be acknowledged.
My work focuses on this battle, which is not only significant to the general population, but specifically within the black community. We are often seen as strong or aggressive, and rarely accepted in our vulnerable state without being seen as combative individuals. As someone with personal experiences of this behavior, I think it is critical to bring light to the fact that we also have deeper issues, whether mental or emotional, to deal with internally. My work questions the idea of being broken and properly reassembling oneself for healthy healing.
I use painting, ceramics, and a mixed media approach to create suggestive and somewhat graphic imagery such as deteriorating limbs or surgically modified body parts to support this idea. I use surgical stitching and body modification along with mirror imaging, or reflection, of African American subjects to illustrate this message. By using these techniques I intend to not only grab the viewer’s attention, but also make them question their initial thoughts of my work. This prompts the audience to explore my work while gathering a deeper understanding of the feelings that influenced my pieces. Ultimately, my goal is to influence my audience to acknowledge the hidden internal battles we have as individuals head on. Having open conversations about them, despite how difficult they may be, is essential in healing and flourishing within ourselves and society.
A person’s internal reality often differs from external perceptions. Whether it's how a woman should dress or how a man shouldn't cry, society tends to unwittingly project its outdated beliefs and negative stereotypes on individuals. The effects this behavior has on said individuals can oftentimes go unnoticed. Whether it’s because we try to hide that vulnerability or if it’s simply overlooked; these feelings need to be acknowledged.
My work focuses on this battle, which is not only significant to the general population, but specifically within the black community. We are often seen as strong or aggressive, and rarely accepted in our vulnerable state without being seen as combative individuals. As someone with personal experiences of this behavior, I think it is critical to bring light to the fact that we also have deeper issues, whether mental or emotional, to deal with internally. My work questions the idea of being broken and properly reassembling oneself for healthy healing.
I use painting, ceramics, and a mixed media approach to create suggestive and somewhat graphic imagery such as deteriorating limbs or surgically modified body parts to support this idea. I use surgical stitching and body modification along with mirror imaging, or reflection, of African American subjects to illustrate this message. By using these techniques I intend to not only grab the viewer’s attention, but also make them question their initial thoughts of my work. This prompts the audience to explore my work while gathering a deeper understanding of the feelings that influenced my pieces. Ultimately, my goal is to influence my audience to acknowledge the hidden internal battles we have as individuals head on. Having open conversations about them, despite how difficult they may be, is essential in healing and flourishing within ourselves and society.