Artist Statement

The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, politics, and scholarship centered in Harlem, Manhattan, and New York City, spanning the 1920s and 1930s. The artistry that derived from this period was a direct reflection of the artists' lives and experiences. It is truly inspirational to know that the artists of the Harlem Renaissance were expressive during an oppressive time in history. Any artist or performer has experienced stage fright.

Stage fright is the anxiety and panic caused by the thought of performing. Trusting the butterfly feeling as an artist has taught me to break the barriers of my comfort. This painting pays homage to the artists of the Harlem Renaissance who broke their artistic and cultural barriers and the artist that I am.