Research Interests:
My practice takes the largely oral and embodied tradition of my communities (Black, Trans, Queer, Appalachian) and brings them into public, academic, and art spaces via mixed media work, performance, dance, and education, in an effort to shift the dominant canon

At the core of my practice, I document the undocumented, to insist on expanding what is valued in academic and historical spaces. My home communities (Black, Appalachian, Trans, Queer) rely on largely oral and embodied traditions to share information, to sustain ourselves and bloom in hostile soil; as a person who crosses between worlds of grassroots queer/Black survival and relatively well-resourced and respected cultural spaces, I strive to carry what matters along with me.Presently, this takes the form of a pantheon of gods representing queer intimacy, bodies, symbols, words, snippets of culture that represent myself and my people, carrying our sacred forms, language, and histories to the divine, as well as the generation of a queer language and script which alludes to hidden histories and sacred communication. 

In considering world history, often we see the prominence of religion, faith, myths of ages past, imagery and iconography saturating the canon. I work to express the magic of queer, trans, and Black flourishing in an explicitly sacred context

Teaching Interests:
I teach painting, printmaking, art appreciation, and art history. I have also worked with students individually or through independent studies focusing on mixed media work and figurative work. I am also the gallery director and studio manager, so I work with students and visiting artists to put on exhibitions and experiences in our Eureka Gallery space

Professional Activity:
I am a co-founder of Project 1612, an artist run project space, and a founding member of the Peoria Guild of Black Artist. I exhibit throughout the year while also organizing arts engagements in the community. I also do several public speaking and educational events throughout the year centered around art, equity, gender, race, and advocacy work.

Community Engagement:
I sit on a couple of boards in Peoria IL, and am involved in community based efforts making health and wellness accessible for all, and doing advocacy work for the communities I represent and am a part of.

Uniquely Eureka Experience:
I am drawn to the intimacy of the Eureka campus. The chances to work one on one with students and colleagues are abundant and fulfilling. It creates an environment where I feel like I belong. The emphasis on student success and education, and the steps taken to assist students on their journey to graduation where a big draw for me as well!