The writings of Adrienne Maree Brown, Andre 3000, Frank Ocean, Om’Mas Keith, and Malay inspire this mixed-media sculpture. Principles in Practice and Liberated Relationships, Expanded provides readers with practices to apply to their lives to develop healthy relationships. A Genius annotation states that Frank has focused only on pleasure rather than the grey matter containing all these thoughts and guilt in his brain. This notion reminds me of my mindset when I got out of the worst depressive episode of my life. Everyone within my support system gave me advice, but what helped me the most was when people told me to focus on doing what I love. Although I love many other things besides smoking and music, it would feel wrong for me not to include both aspects in a sculpture of mine. On my darkest days, music and a good sesh have never failed me. This ritual allowed me to focus on the pink matter in my mind instead of the grey.  After reading Brown’s work, I felt understood because it felt like a therapy session I had accidentally skipped. In the past, I often found myself in toxic romantic and platonic relationships where I lacked boundaries, self-respect, and confidence, resulting in having my peace and energy drained, being used/taken for granted, and constantly disrespected. This project and these readings helped me realize I am no longer interested in the mental and emotional rollercoaster of toxicity. I simply desire healthy, genuine, and long-lasting connections that I now know how to make.

Copper, yarn, cardboard, Blazy Suzan papers, raw papers/tips, Marlboro reds, and Capri cigs

2024