Artist Statement

I have always been an artist. Since I was younger, I've enjoyed materializing my artistic thoughts. Being a career creative, I find that although I am allowed to create, the designs are within parameters. The design parameters challenge but also limit creativity. I have always documented my Black experience through my art. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Introspection depicts my corporate creative life to date. There has been light, beauty, and restriction. The birds are symbolic of the freedom that I feel near. The birds are the freedom I wish to achieve.

This piece pays homage to Langston Hughes. A poet who became popular with his eloquent poetry during the Harlem Renaissance. His poem Dreams resonated with me. This painting is also an ode to Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings poem. Although she is not a Harlem Renaissance poet, her words spoke to me. 

Dreams

By Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.