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| First Strike |
Why I Create
As an artist,
I create because I need to, because I’d die inside if I didn’t do it. I wake up
everyday and do my work, and will continue to do so no matter what happens. Through the power of artistic
expression, many of society’s deepest assumptions can be challenged. Visual Art
has the unique ability to show the underbelly of society in different ways. Individual
creativity can cut through complacency and apathy, inspire political actions,
facilitate dialogues, empower individuals and communities, and stimulate social
change.
I create
pieces through mixed media, fabric, hand dying, casting, applique, embroidery,
sewing and other traditional women’s crafts focusing on domestic violence,
child abuse, and sexual assault. Pulitzer prize recipient, Nicholas D. Kristof wrote: “Women aged
fifteen through forty-four are more likely to be maimed or die from male
violence than from cancer, malaria, traffic accidents, and war combined.” My hope is to expose the
horrific issues that affect women and girls and use this new knowledge to
create change.
