Conceptual Materials Social Practice Artist
While at Expo Chicago I met so many interesting people and organizations creating social practice art and making a difference in their community.
This is one of my favs…
Let me find out that the Black Creativity program at Museum of Science & Industry has been celebrating African American achievement in science, technology, engineering, art and medicine for 50 years.
When I spend time rifling through my art supply storage bins, this song plays as the stroundtrack in my head.
My narrative focuses on social justice and identity at the intersection of race and gender
My work exposes cultural tensions – racial trauma, identity politics and institutionalized prejudice.
My was recently featured by Artwork Archive on their blog. Have a look.
In this weaving, each piece of yarn is representative of a conversation where I was acknowledged for being able to express my thoughts and ideas. Being told I’m well-spoken often comes off as a backhanded compliment. It carries problematic connotations that, it is unusual for someone of my race to be intelligent or eloquent.
The completed weaving is displayed on a DYI loom, as if the work is still in progress because some version of this conversation, continues still…
” . . . . Do what you can. Use what you have.” –Arthur Ashe
Ive been asked if the pandemic has affected me several times over the past year and a half…
The pandemic has forced me to rethink my social practice; how I create my work and source my materials are now done with social distancing in mind. Art supply swap meet ups became Glad bag recycled goodie drop offs with the doorman. In person work shops replaced by Zoom studio visits.
The pandemic alone time has given me space to be present to old emotional baggage and say good bye to many lingering conversations that have been inhabiting my head. Creating space for new and old ideas to co-mingle and inspire
