What attracted you to the Department of Art & Art History?
I personally found that I thrived in studio courses. Being able to sit down and have everything in front of me and learned in a hands-on type of way. I also feel like they allow me to be flexible, like I can go into studio hours whenever I want.
What type of artwork do you create and can you discuss your process?
I take thrown vessels and use various techniques to get a story across, normally that story has to do with unrequited love, most of my work is meant to depict the difficulties of relationships through the trans experience and lens. Blending that with natural elements like animals and floral arrangements. I sort of blend erotica and art nouveau through carving designs into my pieces. I also make my own glazes and use atmospheric kilns, I primarily fire soda.
Which artists do you look to for inspiration?
Alle Etheridge or Alleceramics on Instagram she makes erotic and floral work.
Which professors inspired you the most?
Professor Kariann Fuqua, there was just a key difference in the way I made art and saw color, concepts, and literally just everything I do before and after taking her class. I really do love all of the professors here though I don't think I have disliked any teachers in the department. They are all masters in their own rights and deserve respect and recognition. But Fuqua literally opened my third eye and I saw color for the first time I could not thank that woman enough.
What has been your favorite class during your years here?
Advanced ceramics for sure. It's just such a freeing course. I don't know where I would be without that class. It just. Really fuels my soul to go there everyday. I just love ceramics. Being in clay, you start to feel so connected to the earth and everything around you. It really is beautiful.
Do you have any advice for incoming art students?
Literally don't be basic. Come up with strong concepts, try to think outside of the box because it's tiring seeing the same narrative come from everyone. And not everyone is meant to be an artist. Brook Alexander had a question for us, this was after thanksgiving, she asked the class why we make art, so we would be able to explain to our family members why, anyways I found her answer very profound and powerful, it resonated with me personally, she really just said "I don't remember a time in my life when I was not drawing" and I thought to myself that I felt the same way. So think about when you started doing art.
Do you have any hobbies outside of the art department?
I do drag which is kind of a job more than a hobby, I don't really have hobbies because I'm working all the time, but I work as a Drag Queen and a DJ for code pink and perform for other LGBT events in Oxford, Memphis, Starkville, and Jackson.
What is your favorite thing about Oxford or the University?
My favorite thing about Oxford is my community, I feel like we are small but tight, I don't think there is a lot of drama like I've seen in other places, but I just love my little LGBT babies. I feel like I've been here long enough to feel like mama.