The Gallery

Making a book can be a daunting task. I share that it was difficult for me to balance my Ph.D. coursework, that demanded a lot of reading and writing, with the paintings I wanted to do for the literary project. However, I want you to know that if art is your self care, as it is for me, continue resisting by making your art. As Audre Lorde once said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare." Be kind to yourself. This was my first time painting people, and I have no formal training. However, the book has been the most fulfilling project in my life. Painting the women was writing their histories and mine. I recognize I have much to learn, but I wouldn't be here if I had not taken brush to paper. Below, I share some of the sketches that were part of this process from my first idea in 2011 to the last painting in March 2023.