The space I hold in this world is as a human being who is a black woman and an artist. An artist who understands that she may not find all of the answers she seeks to fill in the blanks of her cultural history. Through art, I am able to fulfill the longing within me for cultural meaning.

My work reflects my desire to conjure answers to the questions posed by black scholars who study culture, race and the plight of people of African descent in American society. In doing this, I also hope to reflect my cultural heritage.

My most recent work in weaving and tapestry has really resonated with me. It is in the weavings that I find a connection to cultural ancestors to whom textile artistry was both a gift and necessity. The painting of self-portrait profiles such as the queen of funkakiri (2017) has also allowed me to imagine a space where I am at once a queen, a slave and a mother of the diaspora.

Art is a way for me to connect myself to the spaces of which I long to know and to provide a space for others who seek similar knowledge of self and of others whose culture does not reflect their own. I pull my inspiration from my library of Black literature and Black studies writing and my awareness that art and creation is one of the most positive avenues humans have for uplifting and educating humanity.

I am human, I am woman, I am of African descent, I am an artist.