Advocacy Through Art

What is A Shot at Survival

Historically, portraits depicted conquerors, wealthy executives, and rulers. I endeavor to use portraiture to honor the advocate, the resilient, as well as the marginalized. In 2019, The Regional Arts Commission awarded me an Artist’s Support Grant that enabled me to start my current series A Shot at Survival: Watercolor Portraits Illustrating What it Takes to Survive Trauma in St. Louis.

I partner with the subjects of my paintings. Thus far, they include survivors of bullet related violence, mothers, community leaders, medical professionals and activists. I involve them in the selection of the reference image, because I want each portrait to echo their words and mission. I record our interviews and often listen to their words as I paint.

The goal of A Shot At Survival is multi-faceted. It explores the ripple effects of bullet related violence while challenging harmful misconceptions and stereotypes. It is a vehicle to highlight the grassroots work in St. Louis of violence prevention, trauma care, and community development. It is a launch point for discussion accross our region.

I believe that when we pause to take in a portrait, we let our guard down, thus creating space in which to consider the subject’s experiences and their story. In the current social climate, every topic brings out division. My work does not tell you what to think, it asks that you pause and listen to someone else’s narrative. We all have trauma from something. Not only does that shape us, but maybe in realizing this, we can find common ground. Portraiture is my form of advocacy.