Awakening, in terms of my art practice, has always been a word I would use to describe my journey thus far. As an African American, the discovery of self is a deep awakening. We as a population have to learn who we are as we go along, because it is not something that is always known, and in most cases kept hidden. The awakening of my sexuality, my gender and spirituality have been connected to what others have shown me in the world. These past two years have been a great awakening not only for African Americans, but for the larger community. The pandemic required everyone to slow down and examine what is really important to them. And the civil unrest had us delving further into what we as a society value. It awakened us all to what it truly means to be an American; the freedoms that belong to us all, and the examples of what makes us valuable as people. 

As an Artist, I believe in being the change in the community that I want to see. The voice that is given to you has to be heard. that most resonates with me is being. After kin, the community is what we are most connected to and identified with. Creating work that comes from the community is important to me because it is the voice of who we are collectively. I am a product of my community. Our community helps us identify and connect with our true selves.