Artist Statement
My work has always been heavily intertwined with my identity/experience as a Black woman. My past works look at historical depictions of Black people as objects of use and reevaluating and subverting the representation into a dignified elevated perspective. I am interested in how these tropes have been used throughout history to craft a narrative, a storyline for Black America to identify with.
I have been reflecting on how racist stereotypes have historically been weaponized to craft a narrative for Black America to identify with—one often marked by hypersexualization, ignorance, or a profound sense of emptiness. These harmful portrayals persist, seeping into the collective subconscious and shaping perceptions of what it means to be Black in America. Such stereotypes reduce the complexity of Black identity and suggest that our societal role is intrinsically tied to a false narrative of diminished intellect and self-worth.
When a person’s understanding of themselves is manipulated, their perception becomes a mechanism of control—a powerful tool of oppression. Through my work, I seek to challenge and dismantle these imposed narratives by creating a more authentic representation of the Black experience in art.
Clay, with its rich history and deep ties to human culture, provides a fitting medium for this exploration. The material itself serves as both a metaphor and a method for analyzing the relationships between human experience, objectivity, and our connection to the outside world. By shaping clay into objects that embody the multifaceted realities of Black life, I aim to spark conversations about identity, resilience, and the reclamation of self-image by creating work that reclaims and reinterprets Black narratives while examining the relationship between human experience and the external world.
Recently, I’ve been inspired to incorporate Black literature and mythology into my work. At a time when the masterworks of these incredible writers and poets are at risk of becoming inaccessible, I feel compelled to create art that honors and preserves their legacy. As we question the validity of our cultural idols, I believe we must uplift the poetic voices of those who have deeply understood and articulated the enduring struggles that burden this country at its core. In their words, I find a remedy for surviving strife, scarcity, and hardship. History has taught us to turn to art and literature born from periods of struggle, recognizing the richness of human resilience and potential. With my work, I strive to unearth and explore the depth and complexity of these themes.