she/her
My practice demonstrates my personal journey of learning, connecting and reclaiming my Jamaican culture. Focussing on oil painting, my work captures everyday depictions of myself and my family, exploring themes of heritage, identity and cultural pride. Through my work, I aim to highlight the beauty and complexity of ordinary life, showcasing how ‘normal’ is subjective and influenced by culture. Painting helps me to reconnect to my roots whilst learning about the traditions and stories of my ancestors.
An important feature of my work is the carved African patterns as the backgrounds of my paintings. The physical act of carving honours the traditional forms of African art which consists of the carving of intricate geometric patterns and symbols. The patterns are not only decorative, but they communicate stories and messages, representing the culture’s beliefs and history. Pairing these carvings with bold and bright colours reflects the vibrancy of culture but also the emotional warmth of family and community, representing energy and life. My integration of colour and carving demonstrates the importance of learning about your culture, my work asserting presence and awareness.
My portraits come together like a collage of cherished family moments, each one a visual memory that honours the people and histories that shape me.
Artworks
My work is about honouring those who came before me whilst encouraging a wider conversation about identity, culture, and belonging. By painting my family, I am documenting our lives whilst showing the importance of our stories. I want viewers to see the joy, resilience, and beauty in these moments and to recognise that different ways of living are equally rich and valid. Through this, I hope to create space for others to explore and take pride in their own heritage.
