When do you work best?

I work best when I’m at a residency away from the distractions of everyday life, or when I have a deadline approaching.

How has your practice changed over time?

My practice is constantly changing as I develop new interests and skills. I love learning different craft processes and incorporating them into my practice. Most recently, I have picked up quilting.

What fuels you?

I am fueled by support from my community. It means the world to know that the work I do is appreciated by my friends, loved ones, and total strangers who feel a connection to the objects and opportunities I create.

What material do you work with and why?

I work primarily in blown glass and painting. Glassblowing is like a sport that I have to constantly train at in order to stay proficient, and that appeals to my obsessive side. Painting has always been a way for me to express myself and a way for me to carve out time to be alone with my thoughts.

How do you get unstuck?

I get unstuck by producing something…anything. I often have to oscillate between making with fierce intention and playing around in the studio. Sometimes I need to just get something out of me for the sake of moving forward, or to remind myself that making is fun.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am inspired by the people around me, the spaces they make, the objects they covet, and the relationships they hold dear. I'm also inspired by other makers and objects, both contemporary and historical. Mid-century design, early American quilting, The Harlem Renaissance, Zulu basketry...the list goes on.

Who has influenced you and your work?

Every artist I've ever learned from or worked for. Sam Stang, Kaeko Maehata, Cheryl Lacey, Brian Kirk, Eric Scott, John Geci, Pablo Soto, Joe Cariati, Dante Marioni, Janusz Pozniak, Ethan Stern, Katherine Gray, Sonya Clark, Jack Wax... Ones I've studied: Carrie Mae Weems, Mickalene Thomas, Romare Bearden, Agnes Martin, Ellsworth Kelly, Jonas Wood, David Hockney... just to name a few. Oh, and my parents for sure.

Who do you hope to influence?

I hope to influence Black and Queer artists who may not see themselves represented as strongly as they should in the spaces they wish to inhabit.

Why are you an artist?

I am an artist because it's just who I am. I am lots of other things, but I am an artist first.

What advice would you give other artists?

Trust yourself. If you are honest and passionate, whatever comes out of you will make sense as a part of your body of work, regardless of media or concept. And if it doesn't, who cares?! Let's stop trying to make sense of everything.

What question would you like to ask other artists?

I'm curious to hear how other artists get unstuck, especially during times when work is not selling or being shown.