Purple Fiesta

When I’m Not Invited to the Party, I Throw a Little Fiesta for Myself

Theda Sandiford
Purple Fiesta
41 x 27 x 42 in  
1” cut strips of African print fabric, acrylic yarn, pony beads, pom poms, bells, 850 paracord, cool LED lights and ziptie blanket on a gold recovered shopping cart
2021

There’s something powerful about reclaiming joy, especially in spaces that feel exclusive or closed off. When I’m not invited to the party, I throw a little fiesta for myself—because joy, after all, is a form of resistance. This isn’t just about finding happiness but about creating my own space to celebrate life on my terms.

In my work, I built this Emotional Baggage Carts, layering vibrant colors, textures, and beads as a way to confront and carry the invisible weight of exclusion. But more than that, this cart is a declaration of self-worth and a release. This cart is a symbol of resilience—a reminder that even when the doors are closed, we still have the power to thrive.

Joy is transformative; it’s how we honor ourselves. By choosing joy, by dancing through our own fiestas, we reclaim the narrative and build new possibilities for ourselves—ones free from constraint, alive with self-love, and radiant with our own spirit.