When I applied for this scholarship previously, my greatest inspiration was my mother, and that is still true today. Her influence is the foundation of who I am. I watched her sacrifice so much of her time and energy to provide for me, and I will always be grateful for her love, dedication, and support. Today, I am also my own greatest influence. I do not mean that in a cocky or egotistical way, but because I am proud of the person I have become. Every application I completed, every question I forced myself to ask, every scholarship I submitted, and every shift I worked taught me that I could rely on myself. Those moments did more than prepare me for college—they shaped my confidence. As a first-generation college student, I had to navigate the college application process on my own. No one in my family could offer advice about what to look for in a college or how to apply. Through research, I learned about application fee waivers, what makes a strong institution, and the kind of environment where I could thrive. More importantly, I learned to trust myself to make those decisions. Many evenings were spent alone at the dining room table, completing applications. At school, I learned to ask questions because no one was going to do it for me. Over time, asking for help stopped feeling like admitting I did not know enough and became proof that I was willing to learn. It simply meant I had to take a few extra steps on my own. I continue to apply for scholarships to reduce the burden of student loans. I also work as many shifts as I can to pay for activities like horseback riding and dancing. These experiences help me manage stress while connecting with new people. Along the way, I invested in myself by discovering my own value and identity. Developing my own style in the way I dress became another form of design. It gave me the confidence to present myself authentically and taught me that design is more than creating beautiful objects—it is a way of communicating identity before a single word is spoken. That investment is reflected in my work. As I learned to trust my own decisions, I also discovered my creative voice. Collage has become one of my favorite creative outlets. Layering unexpected textures, colors, and imagery has taught me that beauty often comes from combining pieces that do not seem like they belong together. In many ways, my own journey has been similar. The qualities that once made me feel out of place have become the strongest influences on my work. When I graduate, I plan to become a visual designer and furniture maker. I am strengthening my technical skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and Adobe Creative Cloud while developing a design philosophy rooted in comfort. My work blends Gothic, Mediterranean, and storybook influences because they remind me that comfort is never one-size-fits-all. Whether I am designing furniture, creating collages, or shaping interiors. Looking back, I realize my journey has always been about creating comfort—first for myself by discovering my confidence, my style, and my voice, and now for others through the spaces and objects I design. My mother gave me the foundation to dream, but the person I have become has taught me how to build on it. Creating is not just what I want to do—it is what my soul hungers for. I hope to spend my career creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and at home.

A few moments ago, on this day, July 27th, a Monday, on my way to a coffee shop, I found a feather. The front of the feather was mostly black with a yellow rachis, while the back of the feather contained yellow with a hint of grayish black tone on the tip of it. You must be wondering why she is telling me about a feather? When going on my walks, whether it is night or day. I do three things: Take a deep breath, greet the trees for 30 seconds with my hand on the trunk with permission, of course, and look up at the sky, blinking a few times to say to the sky, I am pleased and honored to shepherd under you. During my walks, I use that time to look within myself, and it is also a chance to appreciate what nature is showing me. Today, God gave me a feather. A black and yellow one. I conducted research and found that it indicates a newfound balance and strength in mental focus. Which is ironic cause I just went through a breakup where it made me reflect on what I have allowed to transpire within myself and towards me. After the breakup, many doors are slowly opening for me, and in my heart it feels more open to possibility to anything. My everyday world is reflected in my artwork by showing a sense of peace, clarity in myself, the touch of feeling something, and the capture of form as a focus point, where my work is warm and embraces comfort, similar to me to all I meet. That is what drives my work, the interaction with people and creatures.

I am, a first-generation student which means that I am answering the prayers of my ancestors and paving a way for the generation that comes from me and the current relatives, who in hope will be attending further education if their heart desires so. For me, to be a first generation means that majority of my actions are for my family and using these learning opportunities as a way to grow into my personhood and identity to where when I go back home, the stories I will tell and advice I can give. Will hopefully inspired the younger generation in my family to always move forward. My education will give back to the Black & Women community by working and establish Black run production design firms and slowly work with Black designers and women to put us in the forefront. Currently, I am working on a collaboration with a glass major student to help us gain more experience working with other artist in making a collection for my senior show in May. In the future I want to curate a show that feature Black and Women artwork that embodies the experience of being a Black women and that can mean anything because we are everything. I have faced and overcame challenges by really taking the time to find out the resources that the university offer, talking to different people in various departments such a financial services, career services, student employment, Global exchange, and etc. By working on campus, it has helped me continue my research and understand my possibilities. Forming those connects weren't easy and sometimes tiring when I had moments of not being social but I had to do it get the things I wanted and needed to do. Coming from a low-income family and being first generation, I had to do a lot the college process alone and learn so much on what to do on my own. My family was and still very supportive but they didn't know anything regarding college and the processes. In the middle of college applications, I would have interviews with schools and look up questions to ask that way I could get the most benefits because college is not about what you can do for it but what they can offer you for the experience you are paying for and how you act upon it. Even though my mother has not attended college , she and the other women of my family have inspired me to work harder to one day relieve them to live their life as they always wanted. With my multiple campus jobs, I have had the money to fund experiences that I've had so far and did a lot of research and applications for school based scholarships to help. This scholarships will help me reduce the amount of loans I am acquiring in the last three years. My goal current is be debt free by the time I graduate and move to a new place with the money I am hoping to save to for funding a place as establish myself in the product design field. I want my savings to be a forward push to my new life and make life a little easier and I believe this scholarship can do that by bringing me a step closer to that. My family and friends are what drive me. The small interactions with other human beings inspire me, my work, and life experience. I work hard. I show up hard, and I believe that I, Hahmini Lewis will be a a wonderful representative for this scholarship.

To be a first-generation student means answering the prayers of my ancestors and paving a way for the generation that comes from me and the current relatives , who in hope will be attending further education if their heart desires so. For me, to be a first generation means that majority of my actions are for may family and using these learning opportunities as a way to grow into my personhood and identity to where when I go back home, the stories I will tell and advice I can give. Will hopefully inspired the younger generation in my family to always move forward. I have faced and overcame challenges by really taking the time to find out the resources that the university offer, talking to different people in various departments such a financial services, career services, student employment, Global exchange, and etc. By working on campus, it has helped me continue my research and understand my possibilities. Forming those connects weren't easy and sometimes tiring when I had moments of not being social but I had to do it get the things I wanted and needed to do. Coming from a low-income family and being first generation, I had to do a lot the college process alone and learn so much on what to do on my own. My family was and still very supportive but they didn't know anything regarding college and the processes. In the middle of college applications, I would have interviews with schools and look up questions to ask that way I could get the most benefits because college is not about what you can do for it but what they can offer you for the experience you are paying for and how you act upon it. With my multiple campus jobs, I have had the money to fund experiences that I've had so far and did a lot of research and applications for school based scholarships to help. This scholarships will help me reduce the amount of loans I am acquiring in the last three years. My goal current is be debt free by the time I graduate and move to a new place with the money I am hoping to save to for funding a place as establish myself in the product design field. I want my savings to be a forward push to my new life and make life a little easier and I believe this scholarship can do that by bringing me a step closer to that. My family and friends are what drive me. The small interactions with other human beings inspire me, my work, and life experience. I work hard. I show up hard, and I believe that I, Hahmini Lewis will be a a wonderful representative for this scholarship.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

First I want to start off by saying I am sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman. I may not know her but with the photo given some further look, I can tell that she carried herself confidently and honored her entire being. I would have loved to meet her and we probably would have become good friends. Before starting my response, I just wanted to say that because this speaks so close to my heart. Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. One day I hope to have my own studio where I can sell and create my own furniture and other products but I also know that is probably best for me work under a furniture/ product company to understand fully what is like to run your own business especially in the art world. I would love to work for a museum in the conservation of artwork. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

“Sunbathe” Poplar, Milk Paint, Fabric, Yarn. Sunbathe is a bench that explores comfort through the positioning of the body, inviting users to recline along its low, curved surface. While the form suggests rest and ease, it introduces a subtle tension in the back, prompting a heightened awareness of how comfort is defined, negotiated, and experienced. The piece encourages a moment of pause, asking the user to consider whether relaxation is purely physical or also psychological. The bench is constructed from poplar and finished in burnt umber milk paint with a black wax coating, giving the structure a weighty, time-worn presence. Its base features continuous rectangular spiral forms, referencing motifs found in Greek visual culture. These carved elements create a rhythmic, almost architectural support system that contrasts with the softness of the upper surface. Initially, I intended to use a naturally dark wood such as walnut, but due to budget constraints, I chose poplar and built up a deep, chocolate-toned finish through paint. This decision introduced an unexpected layer to the work, raising questions about material authenticity versus perception. In the future, I would like to revisit this and other projects using their originally intended materials, to explore how those choices might shift the emotional and physical experience of the piece. Resting on top is a handmade crochet cushion, patterned with repeating rectangular spirals that echo the forms in the base. The cushion softens the physical interaction while visually reinforcing the dialogue between structure and body. Its warm tones and tactile surface introduce a sense of intimacy and care, while the hanging ties subtly emphasize the presence of the hand and the time embedded in the making process. This contrast between the rigid base and the yielding textile creates a layered experience of support and vulnerability. The work draws from ancient Greek dining traditions, where reclining while eating was reserved for individuals of high social status. With Sunbathe, this position is reimagined as something accessible rather than exclusive. By merging invitation with slight discomfort, the work questions who is allowed to rest, and whether true comfort lies in ease or in awareness. It suggests that rest is not always passive, but can also be reflective and even slightly confrontational. Looking forward, one aspect I would reconsider is the variation in size and angle of the decorative elements around the legs. Introducing more diversity in these forms could further enhance the sense of movement and rhythm in the base, and deepen the visual conversation between repetition and difference within the piece.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. Furniture design has allowed me to learn more about myself as creative and individual, I've learnt to work with my hands more efficiently while understanding where my patience lies while creating a path way for my family and I. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

Affordable luxury. I want to create furniture that everyone can enjoy to where status doesn't really matter. Whether that is sourcing local goods as my development as a furniture designer continues or throwing myself into a world of knowledge that many people in my community does not have the access to or have been told it is not possible because of their background. With my degree, I can show the younger generation of African Americans that anything is possible. I love designing and decoding interior spaces as a side hobby. I feel a lot of black kids in America are sometimes within in the household that liking certain styles that aren't normalized in the black community is considered boujee, not black, weird, not cultural and sometimes when children become adults they never know the proper way to express themselves as people with interest and fall back into the stereo typical black because that is what they are taught is their only option of being. The work that I am creating will be for everyone regular of your interest or style, if my work speaks to you then it's for you. I want my work and who I am to expire people into diving who they are and that there is a spark of creativity inside of all of us, we just have to keep sparking until there is a flame. This degree of Bachelors of Fine Art is a milestone and wonderful accomplishment for my family. By being the first generation college student and to have a different outcome so far as the rest of my family and making a name for myself has shown so much promise for us already. With this opportunity, I've been traveling to study architecture and design in different cultures and when the younger relatives of my family ask, I always tell them the truth and back it known that you are not stuck which goes for my elders too. It never too late to start, you just have to work hard to get its doesn't mean it's not worth it. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there.

First generation to me meaning that I am the path way to my younger relatives future. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there. One thing I wish I did a little bit better is save money during my freshman - sophomore year but that is something I am working on at the moment in my junior year. To move out of the country, I have to save enough money and apply to many scholarships I can to get rid of my debt to that make possible. When I was applying to college, I pretty much did majority of everything by myself in getting all the information and forming essays without really any help. Through my experience so far, I am trying to make something of myself and do a lot of these steps with myself. Currently, I am finding myself in a community thats helping me through the struggles being a first generation and this is something that I am allowing myself to experience. This scholarship will help me remove some of my loans and a step closer to my goal moving without the worry of trying to move forward. Well when I was little, I wanted to be a pediatrician and in some other path, I still do. Whether I move out of the country or not, I want to work in making furniture for a company while making pieces for my own home. If that does not work out, I would love to work for a museum in conservation or exhibit design/ marketing. Another goal of mine that is not really part of my career is having a family and teaching my children what I have learnt as a furniture major and how to apply it to regular life with lesson they will face. It would be nice to see my future children using my furniture or the objects I have created. This scholarship will bring relief and that's all I ask in life.

First generation to me meaning that I am the path way to my younger relatives future. Growing up I've seen many of my family members stay in the same region and never expanded into other lands. By being in college, my goal at this moment is to use all the resources I can to aid me to travel. In the future, I would love to live out of the country and make enough money to give my younger relatives even my elders a chance to explore the world with me. In the spring semester of 2026, I will be doing a study aboard in Copenhagen, Denmark to study furniture further and collect research on how has the culture change the my perspective on craft and being . During my time there, I will be trying to figure out if I can see myself in this space and how can I tie my own culture to danish's in the potential of moving there. One thing I wish I did a little bit better is save money during my freshman - sophomore year but that is something I am working on at the moment in my junior year. To move out of the country, I have to save enough money and apply to many scholarships I can to get rid of my debt to that make possible. When I was applying to college, I pretty much did majority of everything by myself in getting all the information and forming essays without really any help. Through my experience so far, I am trying to make something of myself and do a lot of these steps with myself. Currently, I am finding myself in a community thats helping me through the struggles being a first generation and this is something that I am allowing myself to experience. This scholarship will help me remove some of my loans and a step closer to my goal moving without the worry of trying to move forward. Well when I was little, I wanted to be a pediatrician and in some other path, I still do. Whether I move out of the country or not, I want to work in making furniture for a company while making pieces for my own home. If that does not work out, I would love to work for a museum in conservation or exhibit design/ marketing. Another goal of mine that is not really part of my career is having a family and teaching my children what I have learnt as a furniture major and how to apply it to regular life with lesson they will face. It would be nice to see my future children using my furniture or the objects I have created. This scholarship will bring relief and that's all I ask in life.

What makes an individual turn into their true self? Hello, I am Hahmini Lewis. I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland for all my life and now I attend Rhode Island School of Design to pursue a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Currently, I am major in Furniture design. A lot of my work converse about the complexity of comfortability and introduce the warmth of being welcoming. Majority of the woman in my family became the heads of the household and leaders of the youth. Other than my aunt, I am the first generation of the family to be attending college at this moment. By coming from a low income household, I had to navigate the whole process and applications for college and really doing all the research without any home knowledge. A recent challenge that I am facing is finishing college and becoming someone that the young generation in my family can look up to while the elders in my family can see their hard work being put in motion. By going into furniture design, It has allowed me to create objects of peace and warmth but a way to slowly build my own definition of home while allowing changing to relevant. After graduation I would like to move out of the country. Why? To show my younger relatives that there is more out of life and places you can see.

What makes an individual turn into their true self? Hello, I am Hahmini Lewis. I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland for all my life and now I attend Rhode Island School of Design to pursue a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Currently, I am major in Furniture design. A lot of my work converse about the complexity of comfortability and introduce the warmth of being welcoming. Majority of the woman in my family became the heads of the household and leaders of the youth. Other than my aunt, I am the first generation of the family to be attending college at this moment. By coming from a low income household, I had to navigate the whole process and applications for college and really doing all the research without any home knowledge. A recent challenge that I am facing is finishing college and becoming someone that the young generation in my family can look up to while the elders in my family can see their hard work being put in motion. By going into furniture design, It has allowed me to create objects of peace and warmth but a way to slowly build my own definition of home while allowing changing to relevant. After graduation I would like to move out of the country. Why? To show my younger relatives that there is more out of life and places you can see. Create new roots of myself and my future while still remembering my home roots. To witness what life has to offer. For the past two years and previously, I have been really working on my connections with my classmates and older faculty to get the insight of the outside world and possible forms of foundations for my future. Right now, I have four job that are provided the school: Freshman monitor that helps students with machinery and advice with projects which allows me to gain teaching skills. For my major, I work as a monitor for metals and upholstery, two skills that I need to improve on but also gives me the opportunity to talk to graduates and my peers who have different objectives and skills then putting it into practice. Lastly, I am a front desk assistant for the financial department of the school where I get to practice with customer service, learning about inside resources, and get to know more people, more connections. I am using these connections to get better at forming relationships which is important for me being successful. In the action of moving to another country, I would like to pursue a career in a job that has art relations such as art curator, a set designer, etc. But for me to consider those possibilities, I've been working on honing skills in product making and design. Whether I have to stay in the studio a little longer or keeping asking questions on a certain process until I satisfied. Using every resource that this campus has to offer. I work hard for the sake of my family as the starting point but it also has turnt into working for myself as well and taking everything as a learning experience. Treating myself with things I love and work hard for. Learning who I am in those moments of loneliness and isolation then applying what I've learnt about myself to life outside of it. Doing the things I do have shaped me into the woman I am today and the shoulders I use to bring me higher.

What makes an individual turn into their true self? Hello, I am Hahmini Lewis. I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland for all my life and now I attend Rhode Island School of Design to pursue a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Currently, I am major in Furniture design. A lot of my work converse about the complexity of comfortability and introduce the warmth of being welcoming. Majority of the woman in my family became the heads of the household and leaders of the youth. Other than my aunt, I am the first generation of the family to be attending college at this moment. By coming from a low income household, I had to navigate the whole process and applications for college and really doing all the research without any home knowledge. A recent challenge that I am facing is finishing college and becoming someone that the young generation in my family can look up to while the elders in my family can see their hard work being put in motion. By going into furniture design, It has allowed me to create objects of peace and warmth but a way to slowly build my own definition of home while allowing changing to relevant. After graduation I would like to move out of the country. Why? To show my younger relatives that there is more out of life and places you can see. Create new roots of myself and my future while still remembering my home roots. To witness what life has to offer. For the past two years and previously, I have been really working on my connections with my classmates and older faculty to get the insight of the outside world and possible forms of foundations for my future. Right now, I have four job that are provided the school: Freshman monitor that helps students with machinery and advice with projects which allows me to gain teaching skills. For my major, I work as a monitor for metals and upholstery, two skills that I need to improve on but also gives me the opportunity to talk to graduates and my peers who have different objectives and skills then putting it into practice. Lastly, I am a front desk assistant for the financial department of the school where I get to practice with customer service, learning about inside resources, and get to know more people, more connections. I am using these connections to get better at forming relationships which is important for me being successful. In the action of moving to another country, I would like to pursue a career in a job that has art relations such as art curator, a set designer, etc. But for me to consider those possibilities, I've been working on honing skills in product making and design. Whether I have to stay in the studio a little longer or keeping asking questions on a certain process until I satisfied. Using every resource that this campus has to offer. I work hard for the sake of my family as the starting point but it also has turnt into working for myself as well and taking everything as a learning experience. Treating myself with things I love and work hard for. Learning who I am in those moments of loneliness and isolation then applying what I've learnt about myself to life outside of it. Doing the things I do have shaped me into the woman I am today and the shoulders I use to bring me higher.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. As I walked up the stairs, her eyes stared backed at me. The girl with pearl earrings well not the original but a simpler version that my grand father painted. I took one look in the mirror, an idea came over me. I grabbed a couple sheets of printing paper and a marker. The hallway was quite and little cold as I stood there in my aunt’s office chair. My hands did all the work and tried their hardest to draw me. A little kid in kindergarten. Now that I have developed as artist. My work has its own meaning and message. One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I took some of the comments said to people of color about their hair and placed into my hair in the painting. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. At the end, the cord that is connected to the phone is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. My favorite artists are Monica Ikegwu, Alicia Brown, Margot Bowland, etc. I love their work because of the thought process, the mark making, and concept of their works. Most importantly how their signatures are not a couple letters but an idea. How the eyes captures emotions and stares right back at you.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I took some of the comments said to people of color about their hair and placed into my hair in the painting. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana skin design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate black people as animals. At the end, the cord that is connected to the phone is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on other’s mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. The different ages between the figures indicate that age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. Recently, I had a conversation with a former student from MICA and advised him to challenge himself with diverse types of mediums. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

By being the first person to go to college, it sent a major influence to my younger brother and cousins that might look up at me. This means that I have to be more intentional and pave a way from others in my family even my elders. My choice of major Is furniture design. With this major, I feel like I can possibly set examples of having ownership on my being. For example, I want build my own house with custom furniture pieces which can show my children that going to college can be beneficial and all about how you use your resources. I want to show them that there are important qualities in picking a college and how they can benefit you not really how you benefit them. It all starts with results of major and minor aka what are they producing and is it something that you can see yourself in. How are your grades in high school? Can they get you any grants or scholarships after acceptance. As the first person to go college, It has helped me understand my resources and my abilities in woodworking and other aspects of furniture making which I still have to learn. I want to. are the most of my education in hope that my career gives me the abilities to be resourceful my family now and in the future.

Going into college, I wanted to major into painting or graphics design but not sculpture. Throughout high school all I ever did was sculpt or paint. One day for an assignment given by my spatial dynamics professor, I made a jewelry box. It was made with cherry and beech wood. On each side displayed an image of what parents cherished about their children the most. Before creating this jewelry box, I had to make a piece that will be the root of my topic which is the abandonment of being a parent that is long forgotten. Here is my poem and explanation. “Left there in the Eyes of No Existence.” Laugher into uncontrollable giggles. Little feet running around the world with a smile. Innocent features morphed into a picture. Aging in and out milestones with me in the shadows Cheering for you with questionable judgment but love Wiping the pieces of cake off your face Happy birthday… no reply back Wrapping you in my arms As the lightning strikes and the fear sets I’ll always be here Breakfast Completed before 7:00am Lunch in bag Done before 7:10am Dinner on table After work and picking you up while also helping you with homework Didn’t sleep much during the day Even at night Had to do some… Shopping Cleaning Driving Working Didn’t really have time to eat Or Make myself presentable at the time Made sure you were Gave you the rest of my food All the times you disagreed but came back Knowing I was right Held my arms opened for you To be there always As you sleep Memories of our first encounter You crying Me crying that it was finally over When they brought you over Kisses were displayed Chest to small body Warmth to warmth Skin to skin that you will soon not touch Breathing in sync The first time I heard your life I cried with joy To hear my own babies breath Mine to hold dear Can never forget your voice But have you’ve forgotten mine? The figure in the wheelchair is surrounded by their memories alongside trash that eventually built up from the lack of care. As the figure sadly glances out of the window waiting, a poem is cast over the space through a speaker under trash how a connection with a mother and her child then switches to a more general view of parental connection. In a little box concave in the figure’s chest lies a plant called Baby’s breath. To symbolize in my eyes the cherishment of a mother holding onto the moment of her baby’s life. The first connection that they shared, the moment when motherly eyes glanced into a pair of stars even though the stars couldn’t see past their light. Once children grow up to be adults, their parents that nursed them through sickness and health are left in elderly homes that treat them as if they are not people but empty vessels. Most parents sacrifice everything they are and their own understanding to give their children a better life than their own childhood. By working in an elderly apartment: I have witnessed many incidents that have involved abandonment and some form of abuse towards older people from their own relatives or children. “Left there in the Eyes of No Existence” focuses on the neglect that many elderly face and how their surroundings affects their health in many forms such as loneliness, hygiene or physical issues, and the lack of communication with others that causes them to shut themselves out.

“A puzzle of a Woman” Support? When I use the word support, I think of foundation. Other than God as my rock, my mother is there with her crown of hardships displayed in air. She saw the spark in my eyes and hands. She knew my mind was different. Encouraged me to move forward with a brush in hand. Don’t look back. Don’t slug over, stand tall in your gift Don’t worry about the future, create and don’t stop. Every Christmas and birthday my mother would get me a kit or supplies. She knew my gift runs deep in my blood and It was given by God. She also pushed me to strive for more never for less. She knew my mind held ideas of passion and creativity. Through middle school, she kept holding me down. Showing friends, family, and coworkers my art saying…. My daughter is going to be somebody When buying supplies she didn’t mind that it was so expensive. She never talked down my work or the feelings that I was dealing with when working on my art. She encourages my to do more and not limit myself to one form of art. When I lost a really important art competition, she told me the most successful people building themselves off of their failures. That my mind and soul is too advance for the future of art. To not be discourage but to learn and I did. Throughout of the years, my mother has collected my baby work and holds now some of my new work. She also talks highly of me to anyone she meets and she makes that know. A smile is always on her face. But what really set it for me is that she has shown me her own struggles and flaws sometimes without trying to. That has shown me how to become a better art and woman. To understand what my own values and morals. Every art event I had such as ceremonies and my senior art show in high school, she was always there. Yelling and supporting me even though she was tired for working so much. My mother is a strong woman yet she also human with human problems. No matter tired she is, my day is know by her. With social media on the rise, she always shows me new things that people are creating and speak into life for me. Recently, she called me downstairs to show my the winners of the McDonald fashion scholarship which was broadcast on BET. She looked at me and said “you should start making clothing out crochet. I want to go to the BET awards for You because you can do anything”. And with those words, I knew my abilities and gift are not limited to 2D and 3D work but to a land of possibilities. My mother is my foundation and core of my career.

Paint these towns in color. How do you bring brightness to under-resource communities? Give the people an opportunity to express themselves through art. In the end of July, I will be working with an organization that teach children and some adults from low-income areas about art. We will be bring painting supplies and things for them to paint on. This opportunity is very important to me because it gives me a chance to connect with others, who are in a different situation than me and shows me their story. Recently, I painted a mural for a the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore , Maryland, my home. The Ronald McDonald house wanted something that is colorful and joyful for the families that are resident there to enjoy it. During the process, I held conversations with the staff and families getting a chance to know them. After each session, I would play the piano for the families. Each day, a little girl of the age 3 would sign for me to play more music for her which I always looked forward to. I believe visual arts is another form a language. The definition of visual arts is an appreciation of sight from the viewer but I can argue that visual arts sometimes is the viewer themselves. How the viewers come together and react can leave the artist or performer in its own appreciation. The smiles that art being is of sight and those type of things are sometimes worth more than the art that is being presented. For some charity events that I have volunteered for, I have face painted many children. The joy on their faces when picking something they are familiar or can imagine gives them an opportunity to be involve with the process of art. Through visual arts, I can represent and become a voice for under-resource communities by using the materials found in those communities, capturing the language or other forms of communication in a visual aspect, and create projects that hold the communities beauty but sheds awareness. In the future, I hope to run a community project where you have locals of that community, fill in the images like a coloring book on a wall. These small interactions can have a big impact on anyone's life: a child might realize art in something that they can purse in, an adult that knows nothing about art might see that this something they enjoy, or an artist that needs inspiration could possibly need a boost. No matter where you come from, anyone can be an artist with dedication, discipline, and passion. Anyone can be someone.

In my site-specific work called “Connecting History”. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take backup shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models were wearing masks made from braiding hair. The reason why the model with the mask is placed in the woods is that when slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair becomes maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different types of braids or styles symbolized different geographic features such as rivers (zig zag), roads (corn rolls), and mountains(knots) that my ancestors had to come across. So why not connect the two? Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. A couple of events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on other’s mistakes and become away which led me to create “So You Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. The different ages between the figures indicate that age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? I want to use my other talents or hobbies such as crocheting, braiding and other things i am willing to learn to create my own business eventually. I may go into art therapy because of my art background. An artist of color, a voice of truth.

In my site-specific work called “Connecting History”. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take backup shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models were wearing masks made from braiding hair. The reason why the model with the mask is placed in the woods is that when slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair becomes maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different types of braids or styles symbolized different geographic features such as rivers (zig zag), roads (corn rolls), and mountains(knots) that my ancestors had to come across. So why not connect the two? Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. A couple of events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on other’s mistakes and become away which led me to create “So You Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. The different ages between the figures indicate that age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? To be somebody, you have to act like you are somebody. An artist of color, a voice of truth.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I took some of the comments said to people of color about their hair and placed into my hair in the painting. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana skin design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate black people as animals. At the end, the cord that is connected to the phone is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. My four years of attending magnet school has allowed me become more express with myself and creating my own voice. I have learnt from other students and other topics that I may have not been aware of. This type of community helped me understand the world a little more. I’ve gotten a chance to talk to alumni’s and got a piece of each journey that could possible play into mine. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. I have noticed in a lot of renaissance’s paintings there were really no people of color unless they were side characters or slaves. I changed that narrative and made my own story called “New Era” it destroys stereotypes and confronts discrimination. I am placing myself, a black woman in a setting that I would not normally be seen in during those times. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. Recently, I had a conversation with a former student from MICA and advised him to challenge himself with diverse types of mediums. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Being an artist is my most proud achievement. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? My creations are the stories of the lost. Listen closely and you might witness the truth. This money can help with my college tuition to RISD. An artist of color, a voice of truth.

I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on other’s mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. The different ages between the figures indicate that age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. Recently, I had a conversation with a former student from MICA and advised him to challenge himself with diverse types of mediums. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I took some of the comments said to people of color about their hair and placed into my hair in the painting. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. At the end, the cord that is connected to the phone is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. In my cite- specific work called “Connecting History”. I wanted to work with more photography. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take back up shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models are wearing masks made out of hair. The reason why the model with the mask is placed in the woods because when slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair become maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different type of braids or styles symbolized for different geographic features such as river (zig zag), roads(cornrolls), and mountains(knots) that my ancestors had to come across. So why not connect the two. Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on other’s mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. The different ages between the figures indicate that age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. Recently, I had a conversation with a former student from MICA and advised him to challenge himself with diverse types of mediums. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. The phone cord is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. In my cite- specific work called “Connecting History”. I wanted to work with more photography. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take back up shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models are wearing masks made out of hair. When slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair were maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different type of braids or styles symbolized for different geographic features such as river (zig zag), roads(cornrolls), etc. Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. We need change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. Age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there in my work. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. The phone cord is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. In my cite- specific work called “Connecting History”. I wanted to work with more photography. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take back up shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models are wearing masks made out of hair. When slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair were maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different type of braids or styles symbolized for different geographic features such as river (zig zag), roads(cornrolls), etc. Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. We need change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. Age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there in my work. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. The phone cord is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. In my cite- specific work called “Connecting History”. I wanted to work with more photography. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take back up shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models are wearing masks made out of hair. When slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair were maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different type of braids or styles symbolized for different geographic features such as river (zig zag), roads(cornrolls), etc. Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. We need change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. Age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there in my work. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. The phone cord is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. In my cite- specific work called “Connecting History”. I wanted to work with more photography. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take back up shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models are wearing masks made out of hair. When slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair were maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different type of braids or styles symbolized for different geographic features such as river (zig zag), roads(cornrolls), etc. Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. We need change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. Age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there in my work. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

In my cite- specific work called “Connecting History”. Originally, I was going to take the photos at a museum but decided to take back up shots just in case the museum thing wasn’t going to work out. In the photos, my models were wearing masks made out of hair. The reason why the model with the mask is placed in the woods because when slaves were escaping, they would travel through the woods with many obstacles in their way and underground. Their hair become maps for them to escape and find somewhere to go. Different type of braids or styles symbolized for different geographic features such as river (zig zag), roads(cornrolls), and mountains(knots) that my ancestors had to come across. So why not connect the two. Our elders were beaten, starved, neglected, etc for us to walk the paths they dug out with their own hands. I want my work to be truthful which can be unsettling but if no one talks about it then nothing will happen. I want change in our society. A couple events have taken place involving people of color and the police in 2020. It’s important to reflect on other’s mistakes and become away which led me to create “So you Think it’s a Game,” In the earlier stages of the pandemic, there was a spike in police brutality. Even though it is not happening a lot right now, it does still occur. The different ages between the figures indicate that age does not matter when becoming a victim. I made sure the environment felt like a simulation or a type of game. To me during those times, some of the police officers were playing shoot the ducks. I want to inspire other black artists and creators and that is happening soon enough. For a commission, I made a painting for someone’s wedding and one of the guests called me and said I inspired them to paint again, and they did a self-portrait of their own. For change to happen, I started putting my life and who I am out there for the world. Vulnerability is the best weapon to use against others because people are afraid of being weak. I will never be silent and never show fear. We need to do something so why not start with me? An artist of color, a voice of truth.

As I walked up the stairs, her eyes stared backed at me. The girl with pearl earrings well not the original but a simpler version that my grand father painted. I took one look in the mirror, an idea came over me. I grabbed a couple sheets of printing paper and a marker. The hallway was quite and little cold as I stood there in my aunt’s office chair. My hands did all the work and tried their hardest to draw me. A little kid in kindergarten. Now that I have developed as artist. My work has its own meaning and message. One of the main influences of my work was my grandmother, who passed away during the pandemic. She was my supporter and cheerleader in my younger stage of art. Most of my work was a result of her influence but slowly became a source of voice that could allow me to discover myself and be able to talk about the issues or topics that I wanted to address. The pandemic allowed me to reflect on the type of person I was and what I wanted people to know about me. Recently, I created a painting during the summer called “Call it as You see it, but I am, Who I am.” It reflects natural hair discrimination in the professional setting and other related areas like school. I took some of the comments said to people of color about their hair and placed into my hair in the painting. I wanted the texture/font of the text to blend with my hair. Be aware that these descriptions such as wild, untamed, unprofessional, not normal, dirty, etc. are said about natural African hair. The yellow phone represents a sign of communication, the reason the phone has a yellow, banana like design is to show that the slur “monkey” is used to discriminate against black people as animals. At the end, the cord that is connected to the phone is cut off to show that the negativity spoken is not heard. I do not listen nor acknowledge ignorant comments. I made sure to add red to the headline and clothing because it is an unapologetic color. I talk about racism and discrimination whether people like or not. My favorite artists are Monica Ikegwu, Alicia Brown, Margot Bowland, etc. I love their work because of the thought process, the mark making, and concept of their works. Most importantly how their signatures are not a couple letters but an idea. How the eyes captures emotions and stares right back at you.

In this world, art has become popular again. COVID-19 kept the whole world on lockdown giving people an opportunity to discover more about themselves and Interest. When I am outside, I like to observe my surroundings sometimes I will see murals on buildings, objects that may look funny but I can imagine something else then draw it, and people who put a lot of personality in their clothing. I love taking the colors and styles then putting them in my work to help push my message further. When I am hanging out with my friends or family, I would sketch whatever catches my attention on my sketchbook. Later, I would add color by using markers, water color, or pastels. The world helps me find the soul of my work while speaking out for change I want to bring.

Four amazing women; my aunts, my mother, and especially my grandmother. The reason why they have the biggest influence in my life is that they helped me understand my role and identity as a black woman and artist in a world that doesn’t seem to accept who I am completely yet. When I was first exposed to art, it happen in my aunt Tina’s house. She had old paintings made by my great grandfather which made me become curious about what I could make even through it wasn’t that good as a kid. One time for Christmas my mother got me a fashion runway kit that allowed you to make whatever clothing design I wanted and I’ll have you know that most of the designs were in a pink shoe box. My mother threw it away by accident. Yes, I was a little hurt and still am but it opened room for opportunities. My grandmother loved looking at my designs, she would pretend to be model for me and talk about the colors. My mother and aunt(Jackie) are my biggest cheerleader and supporters, they would give me great advice on my work and believed in me to make a living out of something I love to do. When I graduate high school, I plan to go out of state to a college that majors in fine arts. I am willing and eager to try out different mediums that I was either too scared to try or never thought of using to address an issues or topic that speaks with me. One important thing that will innovate my artistic skill is traveling to different areas and parts of the world. During those travels, I will learn about other cultures and their form of art, some may be more ancient method or modern but definitely different from what I’ve grown up to. I honestly can’t wait to try new types of food when I travel. There are alot of things that I still have to learn about art and myself but that journey is something I am willing to take. Another thing I can’t wait doing is making art work in my own studio selling people what I love to make. My artist gift allows the viewer to see into the soul of my work, the core of the issue that I want to be heard. My passion and unique point of view can be seen through out my work and will always stand out.