Emotional Baggage Carts – Page 2

July 21, 2024June 28, 2024

The Great Resignation at Hunderton Art Museum

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

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June 3, 2024April 25, 2024

Navigating Racial Trauma: Weaving Strength through Emotional Baggage Carts

Despite the growing commitment to fostering racial equity, the daily experiences of women of color show little improvement. The persistence of microaggressions remains a stark reality, echoing the challenges faced before the emergence of the BLM movement. These microaggressions carry significant consequences, fostering stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt, and, ultimately, a sense of powerlessness and invisibility. Within this emotional landscape, my Emotional Baggage Carts emerge as vessels for the weight of racial trauma, offering a transformative act of liberation.

Weaving the Sting:

The act of crafting these carts is a powerful mechanism for weaving the sting of daily microaggressions into a tangible form. As I engage in this creative process, the emotional weight of these incidents is incorporated into the cart. This act of making serves as a cathartic release, offering a means to free myself from the constraints imposed by these triggers.

Liberation through Creation:

In the intricate process of weaving, the emotional baggage is not merely contained; it is transformed into a symbol of strength and resilience. The Emotional Baggage Carts become vessels that encapsulate the stories of microaggressions, allowing me to navigate and confront the emotional toll. Through this creative act, I reclaim a sense of agency and freedom, breaking free from the shackles of stress and self-doubt that accompany these daily challenges.

A Transformative Journey:

Each cart becomes a visual representation of the emotional journey, woven with threads of endurance and empowerment. The transformative nature of this creative endeavor serves as a testament to the strength and resilience inherent in women of color. The Emotional Baggage Carts stand not as burdens but as artifacts of triumph over adversity.

In the pursuit of racial equity, acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by women of color is essential. The Emotional Baggage Carts represent more than vessels for racial trauma; they embody a transformative journey toward resilience and empowerment. As microaggressions persist, these carts become symbols of strength, enabling women of color to weave their narratives of endurance and liberation, reclaiming a sense of agency in the face of adversity.

May 23, 2024April 25, 2024

The Great Resignation… Close Up

Made with vintage silk ties and leather belts, paracord, black zip ties & ribbon, LED strip lights, mesh on recycled commercial fishing net and gold spray paint on recovered shopping cart

May 18, 2024April 25, 2024

The Great Resignation Emotional Baggage Cart

While navigating the ups and downs of a soul-draining job and struggling to connect with my Gen Z staff, I found solace and inspiration in the transformational journey of my partner, McCarty. While I remained tethered to the confines of corporate life, McCarty was embracing a newfound freedom in the sun-kissed shores of St. Croix USVI. Abandoning the trappings of Wall Street and Savile Row suits, he embraced a simpler existence, trading in his tailored attire for the comfort of cargo shorts.

In a gesture of generosity, McCarty gifted me his cherished collection of vintage silk ties, an offering that became the raw material for this emotional baggage cart. These ties, once symbols of corporate conformity, now serve as the building blocks for a visual testament to liberation and self-discovery.

“The Great Resignation” stands as a tribute to all those who have dared to prioritize their own well-being over the toxic demands of their work environments. It is a celebration of courage, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of authenticity. Each element, from the vintage silk ties to the repurposed leather belts I tooled as a teen, speaks to the transformative power of letting go and embracing new beginnings.

Utilizing a diverse array of materials, including paracord, zip ties, ribbon, LED strip lights, and commercial fishing net, I sought to encapsulate the complexity of the emotional baggage carried by individuals on their journey to liberation. The juxtaposition of the opulent silk ties with the utilitarian elements serves as a visual metaphor for the intersection of personal growth and societal expectations.

The recovered shopping cart substrate, adorned with a layer of gold spray paint, serves as a poignant symbol of the consumerist culture that often fuels the relentless pursuit of professional success at the expense of personal fulfillment. By repurposing this symbol of capitalism, I aim to challenge conventional notions of value and redefine the meaning of prosperity in terms of inner fulfillment rather than material wealth.

Ultimately, “The Great Resignation Emotional Baggage Cart” is more than just an art installation—it is a call to action. It invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with work, success, and self-worth, and to consider the possibility of forging a path guided by authenticity and self-love. It is my hope that this piece will serve as a beacon of inspiration for all those who dare to dream of a life lived on their own terms.

Vintage silk ties and leather belts, paracord, black zip ties & ribbon, LED strip lights, mesh on recycled commercial fishing net and gold spray paint on recovered shopping cart

March 14, 2024February 23, 2024