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On December 8, 2023, I unveiled my new series of drawings, paintings, and monotypes in Baltimore, MD at Zo Gallery. This is my first solo exhibition since relocating to Maryland from Columbia, South Carolina. My work has shifted from classical to contemporary in a way that I can only attribute to intuition. This pulling into abstracted realities consumes my vision. For years I avoided the idea of delving into my obsession with clouds only to find them enchanting every bit of my studio practice. Now I welcome the distraction fully. I am enamored with this new direction - I will tarry a little longer.
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Reflection I
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On August 15, 2020, I moved into Suite 205 at 701 Whaley. One of several loft apartments located on the second floor of a building with far too many windows on the first. "The first floor is mostly used for events," I was told as I stared through a window on the street. I silenced my curiosity and entered the building. A key, a contract, and a welcome binder awaited me in the office of Michaela Pilar Brown - 701 CCA's current Director. The Euphoria set in, and I couldn't stop smiling under my mask.
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Reflection II
Also in my form were two optional questions: “What is your experience with words left unsaid?” and “Who are you writing to?" Having this information gave me a better understanding of the writer. The idea seemed fascinating, but the responsibility felt heavier than anticipated. It was impossible not to feel some of the emotions, myself. I compare it to reading a book and imagining the characters within the story. I was intrigued to know unfamiliar people so personally.
Some messages were to friends that were secretly loved, others went to lovers that parted ways. Then came regret, sorrow, and not feeling good enough. These are all fears we’ve had. I was reading first-hand accounts of the aftermath. |
After collecting letters I sorted them by subject. I was left with a small database of reflections from strangers that shared far too much information. I wrote each entry out as a letter, trying to place myself in each story. I'm posting a few below. While we don't know the entire fabric of the connections, all of these experiences matter.
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Reflection IIIMy final reflection is not with words, but with art. I will have an exhibition of my work inspired by this residency project on January 10, 2021.
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