ManicWorld Magazine

– Which part do you enjoy more, the challenge of finding something to use or the satisfaction of achieving it?

I would say I enjoy the satisfaction of having achieved using something more than the challenge of finding it. In my process, I more often let the items speak to me rather than the other way around. A walk through the thrift store or in the park brings about ideas of all kinds. I don’t as often have an idea and then try to find things to fit that idea. That does happen too, but I truly find inspiration everywhere and am open to allowing things to come to me. Some call it vibes or energy, and I do think that’s what it is, but I believe it all really comes from the Divine. I’m connected to the ultimate artist.

And I think it goes back to seeing the world in a different way than some others may. Because I’m always trying to see the value in everything, everything becomes useful. I do have to keep it in check though! Because I see uses for so many things, it can easily start to pile up. So I try to be mindful of overconsumption even with reclaimed items. Plus, I operate better in a tidy space, so I can’t let it get too crazy.

– Do you think there is such a thing as a piece that is too much all at once? Like you said, you tend to see the vision in many things but you have to control yourself.

I definitely don’t think there is such a thing as a piece that is too much all at once. I have vestibular and vision issues from being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in 2017, so pieces with a lot going on can for sure aggravate my symptoms. However, I believe that every aspect of a piece gets chosen with intention, so it’s never too much. Whatever is meant to be a part of it, is what ultimately makes the final cut—there’s a reason each aspect is part of a piece. 

For my art, I would say that I’m usually maximalist in vision but somewhat minimalist in execution. Meaning, I see the vision in many things, but I enjoy a certain level of simplicity in my work. There may be small patterns or repetition, but I often find that less is more when it comes to my work. Simplicity carries a certain level of impact that allows for specific elements to be more strongly emphasized.

One thing I often find myself doing is continuing to evolve a piece until it is out of my hands. I have a piece, “Wura,” that is going to be featured at an upcoming exhibition and it’s a really good example of this. It’s an African mask-inspired piece made from plaster, spray paint, marker, synthetic braiding hair and hair embellishments on a second-hand mirror. It went through about three iterations before becoming its final form. It started as just the mask on the mirror, then I added the hair, then the embellishments, and finally ended up changing the hairstyle. I’m pleased with the final version, but if it was still in my possession, there’s no guarantee that I wouldn’t change it again.