What was your first art medium? What medium are you currently using?

I first began working in fashion photography as my primary medium in 2016. I made the transition into fiber arts during my MFA studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art (Bloomfield Hills, MI) in 2021. Currently, I'm working through the quilting medium creating work about my Black identity.

Do your other interests influence your art?

I surround myself with positive influences that inspire and push me as an artist. I look up to many Black artists like Eric Mack, Basil Kincaid, Michael Cummings, Paul Verdell, Carole Harris, and Qualeasha Wood to name a few.

Do you consider yourself a multi-media artist?

I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist. I work through photography, 2D design, sculpture, painting, drawing, and fiber arts.

How has your education helped you in your career?

If it wasn't for my education I wouldn't be where I am now. I believe education is key when it comes to success, and having a solid art foundation will help push you to achieve your artistic goals in life.

What has been your favorite accomplishment?

My favorite accomplishment was graduating with my Masters in Fine Arts in 2022 from Cranbrook Academy of Art (Bloomfield Hills, MI) . I am the first to achieve this milestone in my immediate family.

What is your ideal working environment?

My ideal working environment is being alone and not being around a lot of people. I work best when I'm focused with little to no distractions.

Do you think that creativity involves putting your heart and soul into your work or is it more like letting your mind flow freely to witness the results of your actions?

I believe you have to have the mindset to create strong work in general. For me it's both putting your heart and soul but also not overthinking the process. I do allow my mind to flow freely to create authentic artwork in my perspective.

Describe how we, as a community, encourage your career growth?

My artwork speaks on my nostalgic memories and experiences growing up on the northside of Indianapolis and how those experiences have influenced my adult life. The Indianapolis community has encouraged my career growth by allowing me to tell my youthful stories through my unique abstract style.

How would you liked to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a positive role model, a loving individual, passionate, a strong creative, and a family man.

Where do you see your art taking you?

Honestly, I believe my work isn't validated nor accepted here in Indianapolis, IN. In order to grow as an artist you have to remove yourself from your negative surroundings. I believe my work fits best in the emerging Detroit art scene, so I see myself moving back to Detroit or taking a leap of faith and moving to New York to pursue a full-time art career. Continuing to exhibit in museums and high profile art galleries on the west coast, detroit, and east coast.