I am a portrait artist primarily working in charcoal. From the first moments my fingers touched charcoal it reminded me of the days I’d spend as a child using chalk on the sidewalk. Those memories reminded me of the joy and happiness of creating, which have now carried over into my fine art.
Through my lineage research, I have come to appreciate the strength and fortitude that my ancestors had to embody, not only as a means of survival, but also in order for their future generations to thrive.
I am forever grateful for their endurance and their unwillingness to never give up. Their strength has served as an inspiration for me to continue in their footsteps, paving the way for my dreams and those of others.
When working, I often feel as though my ancestors are whispering to me and allowing me to channel their message through my gift.
Through my portrait work I aim to capture the strength of black people and share the messages of our ancestors. These messages serve as a reminder for both myself and viewers to harness the strength they have within, use it as fuel and live fully.
It is this reason that has allowed me to see that my life is purposeful; I am not drawn to strength nor am I an artist by accident.
My portraits have unique names and it is because each of us, our names were spoken long ago. Waiting for that name to be attached to a spirit. I occasionally feel the call to have viewers name portraits, the whispers of my ancestors say “Let them name them”... Our names hold great significance, though they were once taken from us. The freedom of choosing one’s name is liberating.
Just as embodying your authentic self, owning your strength, and following your ambitions. You are in fact, your ancestor’s wildest dreams.