Behind The Diaspora Collection
Diaspora - a scattered population with origins in a specific geographic location, maintaining emotional, cultural, or political ties to their homeland while living elsewhere.
Work in progress of “Under the Mango Tree” & a current Untitled working in progress.
For years I struggled to identify what I wanted to paint or say thru my work. There are things that I’ve always felt but had a hard time creating that visually. Now after creating 5-6 pieces that reminded me of “island life” and Caribbean culture. I feel like I’ve found what makes me feel most proud, because that feeling is something I’ve looked for and have struggled to find. Pride in what I do & who I am. The Diaspora Collection to me is a body of work that not only represents my culture but my spirit. It’s the natural luxuries of life which for me is nature, happiness, culture, food and family. After feeling displaced in all the worlds that I feel like I am apart of - painting them individually somehow makes me feel more connected. As I work and grow this collection I hope to paint and create more art that make people - black people, caribbean people and even people of other cultures feel connected to the beauty that I see in West Indian and Black cultures across the diaspora.
Original Works
I paint what I’d like to see - so I hang all of my original art in my home & on my walls until they find a new home.
Currently in my shop I have all of these pieces for sale. “In The Turquoise House” has been altered to the point where it is a second variation to the original which hangs here in my room. Once it was scanned and I put it on my ipad to fix any imperfections before putting it for sale - I got a spark of inspiration to add somethings that I didn’t think of while painting. I loved the final version that I added to my store; I think it completely embodies how I originally saw this piece in my head.
“Under the Mango Tree” has a few alterations as well. I think I prefer to have my prints vary from the originals slightly. I think that gives the owner of an original more of a unique experience and connection to the piece.
All my originals are available for purchase, please send a message to inquire about them and pricing so we can discuss varnish and framing options if needed.
She is the City (in Progress)
I hope you find something iny my collection you’d like to have at home with you. Something that reminds you to be proud, to be at peace or remember a place of nostalgia and culture. I’ll be adding more work to this collection, please subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated with future releases.