identity
I believe society has a way of dictating the rules. This series is closely related to my personal past, things I’ve buried.
I remember, back in high school, walking along the side of a two-lane road home from basketball practice and having to jump into a ditch because cars were swerving and trying to hit me. That happened many times. And then there were people who wouldn’t say anything, but they would make sure you didn’t get the same opportunities. You know how they talk about being “woke”? Well, it’s a progression. You grow up thinking all Americans have equal rights then you start asking yourself, does that really apply to everyone? I believe society has a way of dictating the rules.
Identity is about seeing and judging. This series is closely related to my personal past, things I’ve buried. When I started this body of work and looked at how things affected me, my mind jumped to how other groups are affected by the rules of societies, like not being able to vote or be in control of your own body. As soon as I let my experiences open the door, other ideas blossomed. With these painting, it’s like there’s a part of me trying to get out and deal with my own past. I’m not trying to create answers, I’m opening a dialogue.