About
Artist Statement
My work focuses on my cultural identity as a Jamaican woman of African and East Indian descent. I depict the merging of both cultures with the use of fabric from each. The fabric is used as an additional identifier for who I am, rather than my skin tone. I discover the figure within the grains of the wood adding the fabric and elements of realism. Symbolizing a limbo state of existence
In Jamaica as a child being mixed with another race was glorified and overshadowed your blackness. The silkier the hair, the “nicer” and “prettier” it is and you too in turn. I have included synthetic hair to signify my struggle from a young age with the attachment to my hair. I signified my hair with my beauty. When amongst “pure” Indians I felt less than. My hair was still not straight enough and my skin not light enough. I was identified as a “Black Indian”, making me feel like I wasn't enough. According to society, all Indians were of light complexion and because of colorism, lighter skin, in general, was idealized as a signifier of beauty.
My process is based on my research on traditional and contemporary art from each culture. I try to explore different processes from each as my foundation. The goal of each piece is to learn more about myself throughout the process.
RESUME
Exhibitions
2017
Hope and Fear, Rutherford Library Edmonton AB, curated by Royden Mills and Marliene Oliver
2018
Going Once Auction and Exhibition, Enterprise Square Gallery, curated by The Visual Arts Student Association
2019
As if Matter Matters, Rutherford Library, Edmonton AB, curated by Royden Mills, Stephanie Jonsson, Cam Wallace
2019
Representation of Blackness in the Arts Research by Mpoe Mogale, Van Vilet, University of Alberta
2019
Becoming, North Main Gallery, Salem NY, USA, curated by Anthony Cafritz
2019
North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS), North Bennington, Vermont, USA, curated by Joe Chirchirillo, 2019
2020
As Is, On Sight Auction, Enterprise Square, Edmonton, AB, 2019
2020
5 Artist 1 Love Exhibition, Art Gallery of Alberta, curated by Elizabeth Hill and Natalie Meyer, Edmonton, AB, 2020
2020
5 Artist 1 Love Exhibition, Scott Gallery, curated by Heather Hamel and Natalie Meyer, Edmonton, AB, 2020
2020
5 Artist 1 Love Exhibition, Jake’s Framing, curated by Natalie Meyer, Edmonton, AB, 2020
Experience
2018
Works Art Festival, Gallery Assistant
2018
Act of Care BFA Grad Exhibition, Social Media Coordinator
2018
Going Once Auction and Exhibition, Volunteer Coordinator
and Installation
2019
Nice to Meet You BFA Grad Exhibition, Volunteer Coordinator
2019
Artist Talk, Union College, Albany, NY
2019
Artist Talk, North Main Gallery, Salem, NY
2019
Participant, 5 Artists 1 Love Art Battle, Edmonton, AB curated by Daren Jordan
2020
As Is, On Sight, Volunteer Coordinator, Enterprise Square, Edmonton, AB, 2019
2020
VASA Open Studios, Coordinator, 2020