It’s hard to quantify the impact of art. I feel like people return to the arts in times like these and some people underestimated the power of it, even I at times. Art is such a wide platform, it makes one feel and think differently. I’m very grateful, being able to express myself through it. Plus, having the privilege of sharing it and people actually responding to it. A few weeks ago, I read a comment somewhere saying my work and words are "so powerful and needed." I literally almost choked on my food.
My main first reason was just to hold up a mirror to myself, making art as a form of self-expression. Then the mirror got bigger and wanted other non-white people to feel seen. And now it’s turning into this mirror house, which feels quite scary at times.
Last spring and summer I felt so exhausted and I was pissed at the world. I’ve been very vocal on racial matters on my socials the past 2 years, losing a bunch of followers as a result per usual. Now we’re living in a post-George Floyd/Breonna Taylor area (among too many others) and all my last fucks given went out the window. I keep saying this, but I think it’s almost impossible not to be political as a Black female artist. I only choose to communicate in a more subtle way, through softness, because it is still important to be kind to yourself as well.