Embracing the philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are,” I incorporate social practices in my creative process highlighting rituals of Black experiences and marginalized communities. Born and raised in Baltimore, I am fascinated by physical activities spontaneously expressed in my culture such as dance and unique handshakes. These activities are the foundation of creating bonds to form communities. 

Accumulating moments of interaction months at a time, the natural oils from the body, hands and feet, build up on the blank Yupo paper. Black ink is then applied, resisting the oily touches, rendering the invisible marks. The vast range of values that develop in each composition symbolizes the notion that blackness is not a monolith.

As I teeter as conductor and conduit of the process, the community becomes the co-author and brush marks of the finished piece. Like following the leader in Liturgical dance movements, I respond to the marks the community has made through a reflection of my own experiences and being a participant in their conversations.