Artist statement
From dance, poetry, fashion, film, and more, I allow inspiration to flow through various mediums. However, my specialty is storytelling; I build connections and patterns to foster authentic narratives. I enjoy developing imagery that allows people to expand their perspective. My favorite part of my artistic flexibility is the chance to bring together various creative perspectives to develop something new. My desire for adventure allows me to further explore such concepts with photography and journalism. I appreciate capturing moments in time. I believe there is a nostalgic relic of a quality image. For even when memory fails you, a camera will remember every detail. From this I can tell the story of life. The photo being my witness and my words being the guide. With the ability to explore the world from my perspective, art becomes my familiar friend holding my hand along the journey. And in these moments where I am reminded of my passion, I recall my destiny. I am a Creative. There is no limit to the art I create.
I loved the way the church ladies wore their Sunday Best with their big hats, white gloves, layered rings, and two piece skirt set. I loved the way they shook their tambourine and bopped their head to the music or how they sang with extra riffs. I loved the way their hair was versatile— how my Nanna styled her locs curled, updo with a faux bang, or the spring twists bouncing as my mother walked by. I loved how my aunt had a different hairstyle every time I saw her: box braids, twenty-seven piece, cornrows, etc. I loved how we would go get our nails done and get designs on the big toe. I loved the slang my big cousin, LeeLee, would use and I loved her outfits even better. I loved how supportive and uplifting they were to one another, but even more compassionate to strangers we volunteered with. I loved seeing the stress fall away when my mother would travel somewhere new. I loved seeing Black women congregate and discuss their lives and the ways they can improve. I loved seeing Black women being their unapologetic selves and living in their truth.
I aspire to express myself with such authenticity because of Black women I have witnessed. I am attracted to the aesthetic quality as it shows itself in confidence, creativity, and diversity. My aesthetic has cultural significance. I can be proud that it is generationally inherited, but not limited. I love being a Black woman— It is what inspires me to keep going. I want to be all I want to be and it is possible because of Black women. They are inspiration defined as freedom of expression. This is why I utilize various aspects of Black culture to formulate my individual aesthetic. For, the various factors that may attempt to hinder me from formulating my creativity are the same factors that motivate me: beating the opposition and providing paths for others. It is motivating to know my existence is revolutionary and that it can spark light and opportunity for more.
I can’t say there is a distinct moment that I was exposed to my preferred form of expression. I have been creating for longer than I can remember. I believe it was cultivated by witnessing the Black women around me express themselves, as it gave me permission to believe in who I am. It makes me feel powerful and beautiful. It sounds affirming to self and it allows me to be flexible and make changes. I believe my sense of style, music, and the way I talk are all components influenced by my admiration of Black women. Their aesthetic is distinct yet undefined.
