Who told thee that thou wast naked?

In the grand tapestry of life, I have always seen myself as a cultural producer, an advocate for change, and a practicing artist that uses the figure to make a statement about the world we live in. For years, I reveled in the power of placemaking, creating spaces that echoed with the harmonious footsteps of communities forging social change. My journey took an unexpected turn when I decided to run for city council in 2018, an adventure that stretched my boundaries, challenged my beliefs, and broadened my perspective on community-building. However, as I find myself three years into the post-pandemic world, I can't help but admit that I feel a little lost. Now is the time to embark on a journey of introspection and rediscovery.

The pandemic was a time of solitude, reflection, and adaptation. As the world slowed down and communities hunkered down, my role as a cultural producer and educator transformed, and the usual avenues of placemaking came to a grinding halt. 

Now, in this post-pandemic landscape, I stand at a crossroads. The world has changed, and so have I. The creative fires that once burned so brightly within me have dimmed, and I find myself searching for that elusive sense of purpose once again. I've always been driven by the desire to create, educate, and inspire change, but the question now is, how do I redefine these roles in a world that left me so altered by the pandemic?

Perhaps the first step in finding my purpose again is to recognize that it's okay to feel lost. These moments of uncertainty are not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Just as an artist starts with a blank canvas, I must acknowledge that I have the power to reimagine my life's canvas.

Pre-Covid my work of figurative and narrative artistry, I began each project with a blank canvas, devoid of preconceived notions or prescribed pathways. Theses canvases confront the stark white void, and in doing so, they acknowledge the boundless potential it represents. Similarly, I must come to terms with the fact that I possess the power to reimagine my life's canvas. My life’s work. Just as an artist selects their medium, colors, and subject matter, I too can craft a new narrative for myself, driven by a renewed commitment to socially engaged art & cultural practices.

As I dive back into this realm of socially engaged art, I am struck by the immense potential it holds in the context of our polarized America. The discord of voices and ideologies that have come to define our nation's landscape can be overwhelming. However, it's precisely in this climate of division that art can serve as a bridge, a catalyst for meaningful conversations and healing.

Through my work in the upcoming year, I will choose to explore the complexities of polarization, using my skills as a figurative artist and cultural producer to depict the diverse stories and perspectives that coexist within our society. I will search into the depths of empathy, seeking to understand and convey the experiences of individuals on opposite sides of the ideological spectrum. In doing so, I aim to create a space where dialogue is encouraged, where art becomes a mirror reflecting the multifaceted nature of our shared human experience.

Exploring these practices that extend beyond the confines of traditional artistic mediums. Manifesting as community projects, installations, or interactive experiences that challenge individuals to confront their biases, question their assumptions, and find common ground. By creating opportunities for connection and reflection, I can contribute to a more inclusive, empathetic, and united America.

Come join me in this period of rediscovery, where I recognize that my purpose extends beyond personal fulfillment. It is rooted in a desire to serve as a beacon of hope and change in a society that often feels polarized and fractured. Just as a figurative artist breathes life into a blank canvas, I am poised to breathe new life into my own journey, infusing it with the vibrant colors of socially engaged art and a commitment to bridge the divides that have come to define our nation. It's an opportunity for both self-renewal and societal transformation, a chance to reinvigorate my sense of purpose and make a meaningful impact in a polarized America in the upcoming 2024 election year.