Our work speaks for itself. Sometimes we have to reclaim what was taken from us. These works are my way of reclaiming what AI and Ross Dress for Less tried to steal from me. This piece began as an attempt to reimagine the American flag.

While the portrait of my partner that I posted the other day represents the stripes, this portrait of my friend @itslukeporter focuses on the stars, together forming a new vision of the flag and what America could look like.

While making this work, I was doing whatever I had to do to sustain my practice. I went from managing a tattoo shop, to working at Macy’s, to a dog grooming parlor, to a massage company.

None of it was linear. None of it was glamorous. But the art work still got made. And for that, I’m proud. Sometimes we do what we have to do so we can keep doing what we’re called to do. It’s all part of the journey.

Scroll to see some of the process behind this piece. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

SEE ‘STATE OF FLUX’ AT THE VISUAL ARTS CENTER OF RICHMOND, NOW ON VIEW THROUGH APRIL 12TH, 2026