Happy Family, 2022
Archival Inkjet mounted on Wood panel | Overall: 45 x 57 inches | 114.3 x 144.78 cm

What does photography mean to you?
At the time I was making photographs, it was the best way for me to express everything I was interested in. I consider photography to be the foundation of any artistic medium, practice, or expression. Every artist, no matter the medium, is a photographer in some way—they’re just not using a camera as their tool.

Do you have a recollection of the first photograph(s) you ever took?
Yeah haha. A bunch of random street photographs on Harlem on 125th St. They weren’t too bad.

Please tell us about your series Anthem. What was your original intention or goals for the project? What were your processes?
That body of work started out as an undisclosed project or “series” both to myself and to the public. I just had to give it a title for the applications I was submitting to. I was really focused on studying a variety of different artists and photographers to help me understand my own voice through what I was exploring. I taught myself to be very selective with my compositions, subjects, poses, and edits. I wanted the body of work to feel as natural and personal as possible to my modern day Black experience. I focused on interiors, facial expressions, poses, lighting, and the overall emotional feel of the photos. I was studying myself deeply while also studying other artists.

The Art of Flexin’, 2023
Archival Inkjet mounted on Wood panel, milk crates, dollar bills | Overall: 45 x 57 inches | 114.3 x 144.78 cm

2 Could Play that Game, 2023
Archival Inkjet Print mounted on Wood panel | 34 x 42 inches | 86.36 x 106. 68 cm

Your portraiture in Anthem mentions topics of family, spirituality, friendships, and a perspective on societal issues. As an artist and photographer, what are the themes and subjects you gravitate towards?
Black people as human beings.

Your series Anthem paints a beautiful perspective on the Black Community. Has living in New York influenced your photography? Do you believe there is an importance or need for community in order for artists to thrive?
Living in New York has expanded my influence but hasn’t solely shaped the work. A lot of my direct influence comes from what’s already a part of me. I think community can help, but it’s not entirely necessary. People throw around the word “community” a lot and expect it to mean something beneficial, but it can also negatively impact an artist’s thinking if they’re not careful—especially in New York. You have to be selective with who you share and interact with in this city; there’s a lot of BS. The only way an artist can truly thrive is by doing the work and reflecting on it for themselves.

U n Eye, 2023
Archival Inkjet mounted on Wood panel | Overall: 45 x 57 inches |114.3 x 144.78 cm

On God We Trust, 2022
Archival Inkjet, Framed | 32 x 40 inches | 81.28 x 101.6cm

Much like your photography, your art installations such as Rug Burn, Dollar & a Dream Catcher, Sunflowa, and Listen to What God Has to Say are thought-provoking. What motivates you to create these works?Photography started to feel a little boring for me, both making it and viewing it. The typical matte and frame weren’t doing enough. I wanted to do more—fill up more space, work with more materials, but still tell the same stories as the photographs. I was looking to expand.

What advice would you give to younger photographers or artists?
Be your own favorite artist. Study and admire yourself just as much as you do others. Don’t take things so seriously. Be grateful that God put you on this Earth to create and be silly, and not to be something as intense as a lawyer or doctor.

Brownsville, Memorial, 2022
Archival Inkjet Print, Framed | 32 x 40 inches | 81.28 x 101.6cm

Love Forever Stands, 2023
Archival Inkjet mounted on Wood panel | Overall: 45 x 73 inches | 114.3 x 185.42 cm

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