Exploring the Blues
In my artistic voyage titled "Exploring the Blues," I venture into a realm of boundless creativity, weaving together the enchanting threads of botanicals, sacred geometry, and hand embroidery. These elements dance in harmony, echoing the spirit of musical improvisation and embodying the mesmerizing rhythms of nature.
I created this series in response to the Uvalde School Shooting. I arrived to A.I.R. Studio Paducah the night before the shooting.
I have taught art on many levels. I began the Summer of 1999 teaching digital art to middle school kids with Country Day Kids Camp. I then went on to teach in college and highschool from 2000-2024.
In 2013 I attended my first "Active Shooter" mandatory training. There were around 12 of us in the room mostly faculty members. The security officer leading the training pointed at us and began by saying "One of you is the most likely to be be the active shooter in the future" He then went on to state we should throw books at the shooter and hide behind closed doors locked if possible and that he would run and hide.
In 2015 I was at a highschool teaching art in an auxiliary building with glass walls for 3 out of 4 of the walls a full closet of art materials and broken blinds. We had and active shooter drill. I stood for over 20 minutes trying to strategize how I would defend my five students if the shooter was to enter our building. There was no place to hide. I was committed to throw myself at the gunman.
I have since tried to tell all administrators that "active shooting training" is bad. Its mentally wrong, and honestly it does not take into account for AK-47 style wall penetrating bullets.
I lived off of Broad and Ursuline in New Orleans from 2006-2019. I have learned to identify guns by the sound of their shot. I had multiple shootouts in front of my house.
I have lost friends to gun fire.
In highschool senior year while I was a water girl during a football practice an ex boyfriend held a gun to my head and threatened me while no Coach or player witnessed it.
I made this series to explore my blues having taught art for over twenty years and having dealt with guns and the loss of lives.
Exploring the blues is meant to bring love and light and joy.