This is my last Heart and Soul feature. I have been working so hard over the past few of months creating these images, working with the young artist on the designs, editing 10,000 images, learning to accept the love I have been graciously given by everyone involved. It has been one of the most beautiful, eye opening experiences of my life. I am looking forward to finally being able to sit with this project and really see it now that it is almost finished. Artworks is finishing up the install next week. I will then be able to share a map of all of the locations.

One of my favorite quotes that I play in my head daily, especially when I feel overwhelmed and helpless is “Tend to the part of the garden that you can touch” It is easy to get so wrapped up in fear, and a feeling of not knowing what to do that we get paralyzed and end up doing nothing. I have been stuck there many times. Right now, that feeling can be intensified for a lot of people. Your heart is good, you want to help but you dont know where to start. I suggest you start with asking yourself questions and make the changes within yourself to make sure your life is inclusive, inviting, and loving. Think about your own biases and where they come from. We are programmed to think a certain way and we can be unprogrammed. It takes work. Look at your family, your children. What are you teaching them? How inclusive is their life? Are you having the difficult conversations necassary to make change. I encourage you to talk to your Black neighbors, your Black co-workers, your Black friends. Tell them you love them. I encourage you to stand up for them even when they are not there. I hope you will lead with your heart and with empathy. Love your neighbor, because your neighbor is you.

This is my friend Amber, who I have admired from afar for years. She was supposed to be part of a big project I put together last year on my birthday, but recently told me she didn’t come because she felt uncomfortable knowing she was the only Black Womxn there. This broke my heart, and opened my eyes. I appreciate her honesty in everything she does. She is an activist, a model, and a muse. My time with her was so inspiring, the way she opened up to me and mused with me was beautiful. Watching her dance across the field, laughing, and feeling so confident and free was a feeling I wish every Womxn could experience. I am so grateful for Amber and for every single Womxn who trusted me to tell their story. My heart is full. <3

Coming September 2020, ‘Heart and Soul’ is a photo installation project that was created to elevate the voices of some of Cincinnati’s amazing Black Womxn. Commissioned by Artworks and funded by FotoFocus I worked with 8 youth apprentices to make mini murals created with painted photos that will be wheat pasted on Black Owned businesses around Cincinnati.