I wanted to celebrate Black men as I had not seen many quilts like this. I exhibited this in an exhibit where it was not widely received. One comment I actually heard was, "I don't appreciate the subject matter". Handsome was created during the time of George Floyd passing, a time of grief, reflection, and urgent conversations about justice and humanity. Against a white background, this portrait places a man of color at the center, inviting viewers to see dignity, strength, and individuality without distraction. This quilt celebrates the beauty, resilience, and invaluable contributions of Black men. It is an expression of love, respect, and appreciation, honoring those who lead, nurture, create, and inspire. My hope is that this work encourages viewers to recognize our shared humanity and the power of seeing one another with compassion.
This artwork was chosen for an exhibition called We are The Story and was published in a book with the same title.