"Where Time Stands Still" series

Where Time Stands Still

Images Below

Artist Statement

I am always in search of uncovering something new—both within myself and in the world around me. Adventures through forgotten places—abandoned houses, rusted-out cars, or discarded objects—feel like uncovering historic treasures. These discoveries connect me to nature, spirit, and memory, evoking the wonder of childhood and a sense of ancestral presence. Each found object or space was once loved, lived in, and meaningful to someone. Over time, Mother Nature reclaims them, and it is in her quiet takeover—the crumbling walls, the crackling paint—that I find beauty. These moments, rich with decay and transformation, invite me to witness and capture them before they vanish entirely.

Growing up in Mississippi taught me to respect the land and what it offers. My mother often shared stories of my great-grandmother, who lived off her own land, and whose spirit she saw reflected in me. After her passing, my mother collected antiques from her home, always recounting the people and histories tied to each piece. These objects carried the weight and warmth of our ancestors, making their presence felt in our everyday lives. I didn’t realize then how deeply this would shape me. Over time, my love for these relics grew beyond the tangible, influencing my art and teaching me the importance of preservation—not just of things, but of memory, culture, and the stories that ground us.

In addition to creating art, I’m passionate about creating cultural programming and events that enrich my community. Working at the Mississippi Museum of Art has allowed me to explore this passion fully—merging creativity, education, and engagement. Through this work, I advocate for the power of art, conservation, and honoring what came before us. Too often, art feels distant from the lived experiences of everyday Black Americans, leading to a disconnection from the rich creative heritage that surrounds us. I want to change that. I want people to see and value the art in their own homes, their family heirlooms, and the beauty in their communities. By fostering more opportunities to engage with this art and history, I believe we can cultivate a deeper appreciation, open-mindedness, and collective joy.

My ongoing series, Where Time Stands Still, reveals the hidden treasures found along the back roads of the rural South. These images of objects and places worn by time uncover layers of beauty, mystery, nostalgia, and resilience. Through documenting historic structures and the stories they hold, I aim to confront the past, illuminate its social impact, and offer a eulogy for lost ways of life. Each scene captures the visceral experience of entering a parallel universe of silence, rust, and peeling paint. Every artifact tells a story—of joy and hardship, presence and absence—unfolding across the continuum of time.