This installation is so compelling and gets me thinking… The whirring panels animating Pinaffo & Pluvinage’s cardboard installation are powered solely by sand!!!!
Watch below and rabbit hole of wonder here.
The Best Of Old School Soca mixed by DJ STYLEZ
I’m often asked what I’m listening to in the studio while I work. There’s nothing like the energy of classic soca tunes to elevate my artistic spirit.
Distant familiar tunes from yesteryears carry memories and stories, creating a nostalgic atmosphere in the studio. It’s like taking a trip down memory lane while I’m in the zone, allowing me to tap into a reservoir of emotions that enriches my creative process.
Next time you find me in the studio, you can bet these classic soca vibes will be echoing through the threads and colors. 🎵🎨
Why I Love Textiles…
I can’t help but marvel at the incredible role textiles play in carrying the torch of tradition. It’s like they have this magical ability to bridge gaps—be it cultural, temporal, or geographical. Textiles aren’t just fabrics; they’re storytellers, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of history, techniques, and artistry that breaks through boundaries.
Take a moment to appreciate the intricate patterns adorning traditional indigenous garments, the meaningful Ankara motifs gracing ceremonial textiles, or the subtle, timeless codes hidden within quilts. Each thread, each stitch, is a vessel carrying the essence of our heritage, traversing the vast canvas of human experience.
As these textiles unfold their stories, they become tangible links across time and diverse cultures. It’s a beautiful dance—threads weaving through the loom of different traditions, connecting the past to the present. And here’s the magic: they don’t just stop there. They effortlessly extend into the future, allowing traditions to intermingle and unfurl seamlessly.
So, let’s celebrate the enchanting journey of textiles—their ability to carry the weight of history, to stitch together cultures, and to create a fabric that binds us all. Every weave tells a story, and every pattern echoes the whispers of our shared heritage. 🌐🧵
Beyond Tapestry Expanded
I am thrilled to share some exciting news: my work, the Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, has been selected for inclusion in the American Tapestry Association’s show, Beyond Tapestry Expanded. This opportunity is truly an honor for me as a non-traditional fiber artist.
The Blackity Black Blanket Ladders are more than just pieces of art; they are a reflection of my deep exploration into implicit bias and the complexities that arise from discussions surrounding sensitive topics. Implicit bias is a shared human experience, one that I believe is essential to confront with self-awareness rather than moral judgment.
Through this body of work, I aim to provide a visceral portrayal of the relentless barrage of microaggressions and the absence of comfort they create. Each ladder adorned with zip-tie blankets symbolizes my journey to ascend beyond these microaggressions, yet the weight of these interactions often feels like an impediment to progress.
I want to emphasize that acknowledging bias is not a condemnation of character; rather, it is a call to action. Neglecting the impact of bias is shortsighted, and my art seeks to urge individuals towards self-awareness and collective action in dismantling bias.
By confronting biases head-on, we can work towards fostering a more equitable and understanding society. Through this visual narrative, I hope to inspire others to join me on this journey towards greater empathy and inclusivity.
Thank you to the American Tapestry Association for recognizing the importance of these conversations and for providing a platform for artists like myself to share our perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue through my art.
American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded
Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15
Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
Work in Progress
As an artist deeply passionate about sustainability and the beauty of the unexpected, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of giving new purpose to discarded objects. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking something that might otherwise end up in a landfill and transforming it into a work of art that sparks wonder and curiosity.
I am still sourcing the materials to embellish the braids so I expect to be working and completing this piece, while I am in residency at Touchstone Center for Crafts this Spring and Fall.
more to come…
You Talk So Proper…
I know I’m not alone in experiencing this seemingly harmless comment that’s anything but. It’s a phrase that, at first glance, might appear as a compliment, but it carries a hidden weight that many of us have had to unpack.
Growing up, I was always taught to express myself clearly and eloquently. I took pride in my ability to communicate effectively, and that’s something I’ve carried with me into my professional life. However, the seemingly innocent comment, “You talk so proper,” has followed me like a shadow.
At first, I brushed it off, thinking people were just acknowledging my communication skills. But over time, I began to realize that this comment often comes with an undertone of surprise – as if the expectation was different based on preconceived notions about my background or identity.
Let’s be real; language is a powerful tool. It’s a reflection of our unique experiences, cultures, and upbringings. So, when someone tells me I “talk so proper,” it implies that there’s a predetermined standard of speech that I’m either conforming to or deviating from.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to communication. We all have our individual styles, and none is inherently superior or inferior. Embracing linguistic diversity is not just about accepting different accents or dialects; it’s about acknowledging that there’s beauty in the richness of how we express ourselves.
So, to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of the “You talk so proper” microaggression, know that your voice is valid, no matter how it’s perceived. Embrace your unique way of expressing thoughts, ideas, and emotions. After all, it’s our diverse voices that make the conversation so interesting and meaningful.
Holiday… ah can’t see
The song “Holiday” by Problem Child is crazy viral in my Caribbean social algorithm with hundreds of videos with mega views, so why doesn’t the music video have more views?
The song is destined to be a 2024 Carnival monster hit, so show some love to “Holiday” and crank those views up… #obsessed
Pitchy Patchy
I recently completed this soft fiber sculpture inspired by my research into the history of St. Croix’ Old Time Christmas Festival masquerade costumes which were themed and handmade.
The Pitchy Patchy character is usually represented by a suit made of tattered, colorful pieces of cloth.
Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Opportunity in Chaos
I wanted to drop a quick note about something that’s been on my mind lately—the beauty of embracing uncertainty. Life can be a bit chaotic, right? But here’s the twist: within that chaos lies the potential for something truly extraordinary.
As I navigate my new life on St Croix USVI, I’ve come to realize that the unexpected, the unplanned, and the downright chaotic moments often pave the way for the most exciting opportunities. It’s like dancing in the rain when the sun is still shining—unpredictable, a little messy, but oh-so-refreshing.
Sure, uncertainty can be a bit nerve-wracking. The unknown can be like a dark tunnel, but guess what? There’s always a light at the end. And sometimes, that light leads to doors we never knew existed.
In a world that loves order and predictability, I’ve decided to embrace the chaos. Because within that chaos, I’ve found the space to explore, to create, and to stumble upon opportunities that I wouldn’t have discovered in a neatly planned life in New Jersey.
Think about it—the most beautiful flowers often bloom in the wild, not in perfectly manicured gardens. So, why not let life be a little wild, a little untamed?
I’ve made it my mission to see every twist, turn, and unexpected detour as a chance for growth, learning, and discovery. The next time life throws a curveball, I’m catching it with open arms, ready for the adventure it brings.
So, here’s to embracing the uncertainty, to finding joy in the unplanned, and to recognizing that within chaos lies the opportunity for something truly extraordinary. Life is an adventure, after all—let’s make it a remarkable one! 🌈✨ #EmbraceUncertainty #FindOpportunities #LifeAdventure
Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined.
Now that I am resident of the Virgin Islands, traveling to the mainland during the winter is not a thing for me anymore. My work however will make the journey to Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined opening this week at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in MD.
Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined
Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21
Opening Reception: February 9 from 5 to 7pm.
Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD
Beaded Braids- Double Dutch is a joyful throwback to when I wore my hair in braids ladened down with pony beads and jumped double dutch rope with my cousins in Queens NY.
