Versatility

60 x 48" acrylic, molding paste, yarn
Finished July 2024

"Versatility" is a piece inspired and named after my mother's salon and is a reflection of my childhood spent there; a space built, sustained, and animated by Black women. The salon is iconic for not only for myself, but a lot of people within the black community and I wanted to tell the story, but from a unique perspective. The vibrant colors, layered textures, and patterns represent being immersed in an environment rich with personality, self-expression, and collective creativity that deeply shaped who I am today.

The school uniform I wear references the routine of going straight from class to the shop, where I learned not only practical skills, but how to observe, listen, and grow within a community of women from many walks of life. Yarn is woven throughout the piece as a tactile stand-in for hair, movement, and connection, echoing the many stories, lessons, and experiences intertwined within that space.