During my time at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, I explored the relationship between birds and death through large-scale mixed media tapestries and sculptural assemblages. These works incorporate imagery and documented instances of birds interacting with death or symbolically associated with mortality. Martin’s Visitation is an extension of this research. It features an embroidered home where a Martin bird has made its nest.

In African American folklore, birds are often seen as ancestral visitors and messengers of omens. I interpret frequent sightings of Martins and cardinals as visitations from loved ones who have passed—reminders that I am still being watched over and protected.

Much of my research comes from my family, as well as from books and articles that document oral storytelling traditions among African American communities in the South. My work serves as a playful and reverent interpretation of the materials I collect, whether they are physical objects or spoken stories.

When I share these pieces, I often find that people outside of my community feel inspired to share their own stories too. This exchange within my community and those who are onlooking admirers fuels my work. No matter who we are, there is a way to find commonalities in our own stories. Whether these stories resonate close to the soul, mind, or ears, they serve as bridges that bring people together.