How did you come to be a part of the gallery’s board?

“I’d wanted to be involved with Fenix for a long time, but felt like I was lacking the talent. Actually, until I got the nomination in 2019 for Black Apple, I didn’t think people liked my stuff. My confidence level rose as I did multiple solo shows and was included in important gallery exhibitions. I applied tentatively and was accepted! Most things are still in the works, but I am so excited for what’s in store.”

What has it been like to be represented during COVID-19?

“I’ve always loved art despite not having a formal art education, but what spurred me to express myself through art were social issues. I studied sociology in college with my specialty being in extremist behavior, particularly white supremacy. This pandemic has uncovered that layer of U.S. society. People are surprised by the amount of hate they’ve seen in 2020, but it’s not new at all, and it’s even bigger than is being shown. 

I came from San Diego where the community was extremely diverse, and when I moved to the South, not having that diversity was both a culture shock and depressing. COVID-19  has not been a time of refocusing for me because I have always been a social justice warrior. I have always advocated for LGBTQIA+ community, any disenfranchised community, really, and every single piece I do is socially rooted— even commissioned pieces.”

What’s your plan as the new Social Media and PR Coordinator for Fenix Art?

“Social media has changed my life by way of getting my name out and having people find me for commissions. I was actually able to do a really cool commissioned piece of a representation of Pete Buttigieg.

I’m hoping that my social media role in Fenix can be bringing my community together to highlight this incredible collective of creatives that a lot of people don’t know about. Social media can be such a valuable tool, despite sometimes being exhausting. I’m so excited to be a part of Fenix and the inaugural board. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon! In fact, there is a virtual tour going on now on YouTube. It’s a Fenix Member Show done by 3D Productions that is showing in the gallery Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through October 31st. The link is permanently on the Fenix Fayetteville YouTube channel.” 

Watch the CHAOS, CONFUSION, CREATIVITY Virtual Tour here.