Soft words #wip
I spent all of October in Portland Maine as a @indigoartsalliance artist in residence. For most of the month I put in 8ish hours a day hand beading this banner and still have a lot left to go lol. It’s been a labor of love and I’m very grateful to have had the time and space to dedicate to making this.
I keep thinking of this phrase soft words especially these past months when everything has been so hard and rigid. This piece is a reminder for myself and whomever comes across it that soft words are needed to keep going in hard times💓✨
Study for Disco Affirmation,
(as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive), 2023
Glass and Acrylic on Wood Panel
30x24x1.75 inches
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Of all the songs from the disco era, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive'' resonates most deeply with this ethos of safety and survival. Though a breakup song at its most basic, it has been and still is an anthem for those marginalized and forced to “survive” against odds. The unyielding tone of the song and its lyrics are a battle cry—a powerful affirmation.
Please watch this beautiful video @indigoartsalliance made about my time at their residency back in October. That month was truly magical and I hold my time and all the lovely people I met close to my heart. If I could I would do that residency all over again.
I talk about soft words, beading & my infinity love for @blackcontempart
Minneapolis friends🤍
I have a solo show opening next week at @soovac ! Opening is May 16 6-9pm
runs through June 28th
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We All Live With Dreams
This solo exhibition reflects on how we carry the hopes, sacrifices, and love of those who came before us as we navigate the milestones that shape our lives. The work celebrates the human inclination to dream of better futures while also honoring what we already have.
Happy anniversary @atlasthreesixty 🤍 heres to 9 years, 3,288 days, and over 4 million minutes of me getting to annoy you and to all the years, days, and minutes ahead of loving you (and maybe still annoying you a little/lot)🤍
Brasil pt 3
-Seeing beauty& Tosha everywhere
- images of water & Acaraje on the beach
- learning how to make Acaraje at Terreiro do Cobre
- getting a tour of @zumviarquivofotografico from Lázaro Roberto & team
- Meeting and laughing with Irmandade de Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte
- Wonderful travel companions
I’m still figuring out how to put into words (and posts) the two weeks of my time in Brasil which was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve ever had.
I will forever be changed by the last two weeks in Brazil with the most dynamic group of people imaginable. Thank you @indigoartsalliance@marlismin@d1minter for inviting me.
Sometimes I doubt where I am in life but then something magical like this trip happens and I am reminded that we are who we love, we are who loves us. And I know I am exactly who and where I should be.
If you knew Tosha, you knew what it meant to be loved, to be truly seen, and to be deeply cared for. The love I had for Tosha is not unique. I believe anyone who ever came into contact with her felt that same warmth and light. She was truly one of a kind.
Not only did Oakland lose a pillar in the community, the universe also lost one of its brightest stars. I know that every time I see flowers I will think of her. Anything undeniably beautiful will always remind me of Tosha.
Sending love to everyone who loved her. I think she would want us to take care of one another and to take care of ourselves.
I’ll see you in the flowers Tosha🤍🤍🤍 #toshastimage
