"This body of work is a visual response to how I am feeling as an African American woman living in 2025. We lived through COVID and witnessed the uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement, only to arrive at a time when many of the civil rights I grew up with are being challenged and reversed. Protections and programs for non-white Americans, women, queer people, poor people, and people with disabilities are under attack, and it has left me feeling destabilized."
"In times of crisis, we need each other more than ever. A kind word, a sympathetic ear, and an offer of help make us feel more human. I'm calling this series Hold Me Close because that's what I need-and what I believe we all need. We need more humanity and empathy. A particular song has been running through my head as I work: La Vie En Rose by Louis Armstrong: Hold me close and hold me fastThe magic spell you castThis is la vie en rose When you kiss me, heaven sighsAnd though I close my eyesI see la vie en rose"
An African American woman living in 2025 feels destabilized after COVID and the Black Lives Matter uprising as many civil rights are being challenged and reversed. Protections and programs for non-white Americans, women, queer people, poor people, and people with disabilities face attack. Immigrants are being hunted, chased, and kidnapped by masked men, and people are being gunned down or starved for political agendas. The work functions as a visual diary of quilted portraits titled Hold Me Close, calling for humanity, empathy, and mutual support. La Vie En Rose recurs as a guiding song, and Faith Ringgold's recent death and legacy serve as personal inspiration.
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