can I get a 12 piece with a side of love?
The "Life After Death" collection has been a heartwarming journey, and each piece holds a special place in my heart. This collection of three pieces, from the left, "The 7 Deadly Sins," "17' (My Grandfather)," and "The One Who Knows the Way," represents a profound exploration of how death can lead to new life and healing.
In "The 7 Deadly Sins," I confront the constant battle within myself, where I deny worldly desires in the pursuit of becoming a healthier and more spiritually awakened version of myself. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge our internal struggles as we continue our journey with God.
My grandfather's passing in 2017 was my first encounter with death, and it was a pivotal moment that led to the creation of "17'." The act of writing a poem for a young woman named Tionne, who defied all odds to reach the age of 17, allowed me to find closure in my grief. It was a powerful reminder that the grieving process is a journey, and on the other side of that journey, there is healing.
Lastly, the story of Ryan, better known as "The One Who Knows the Way," demonstrates the merging of life and death. Through my friendship and mentorship with Shantel, Ryan's mother, I witnessed the incredible power of love, faith, and accountability through her union with her husband as they navigated their own journey through grief both individually and collectively. Their story illustrates that there's no fixed timeline for grief, and it's crucial to offer ourselves the grace needed to heal.
For Ryan story, I wanted to emphasize the importance of working through grief and finding hope on the other side. To the left of Ryan's picture, there’s a touching letter from her father, expressing his excitement and truest hearts desires about becoming her parent, while on the right, there's a journal entry from Shantel about both Ryan's transition and her new reality as mother. Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and I'm forever grateful for the lessons they've taught me about love, healing, and the resilience of the human spirit.
To Kam & Shantel, thank you for being open to share a piece of your heart with the world by allowing me to share Ryans story.
These pieces in the “Life after Death” collection encourages viewers to understand that working through grief is essential and that love, faith, and personal growth are the pillars on which we can rebuild our lives after experiencing loss.
The "Empowered by Light" collection has also been a heartwarming journey, and each piece holds a special place in my heart. From left to right, we have the "Women Empowerment Mural," "Pieces of Their Heart: A Tribute to My Siblings," and "Just Accommodating Kids," also known as J.A.K.
The "Women Empowerment Mural" stands as a tribute to the incredible women I know, deeply respect, or admire from a distance. What's truly remarkable about this mural is that I have a personal connection with 90% of the women featured in the mural. The mural is a visual celebration of their strength, resilience, and the unique qualities that make each of them extraordinary.
Turning to "Pieces of their Heart: A Tribute to my Siblings," I wanted to create a space for my siblings to express their feelings about our relationships. Instead of me articulating my emotions towards them, I gave them the opportunity to share their thoughts openly. Initially, I considered writing a response to their heartfelt messages, but something within me urged me to let their words stand on their own. I want to convey that I love all my siblings deeply, and their presence in my life is an irreplaceable source of joy and love.
Lastly, "Just Accommodating Kids" (J.A.K.) holds a special place in my heart. This piece emphasizes the importance of community in raising and nurturing our children. It showcases how the kids I've had the privilege to impact, have transformed my life for the better. I've been fortunate to witness their growth and development, and I can honestly say that without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today. J.A.K., represents the village it takes to raise a child, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their journey, offering support and guidance as they discover their own potential.
These pieces in the "Empowered by Light" collection reflect the power of relationships, the influence of inspiring women, and the transformative impact of working with children, all of which have deeply enriched my life.
The "Family Ties" collection has been a deeply personal and emotionally charged journey for me, as each piece represents a unique facet of my life and the relationships that have profoundly influenced me. From left to right, the collection includes "Single Mothers Have Voices Too," "A Mirrored Love," and "God's Purposed Love."
"Single Mothers Have Voices Too" is a tribute to the remarkable mothers who have not only inspired me but who have also played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective on motherhood. Raised by a single mother myself, I wanted to showcase the strength, resilience, and the often unheard voices of single mothers. To my mother, aunty Nay, Kyndel, Maria, and Taty, you are living examples of the power and determination of single mothers. This mural is a dedication to you, and I thank you for being the voices for those who may struggle to use theirs. Your influence motivates me to strive towards becoming a better woman.
“A Mirrored Love:
They say that a girl’s first true love is her father. The kind of love that knows no bounds, created to guide, protect, nurture, and uplift. The kind of love that holds her hand through every rise and every fall, a love that’ll never allow her to drift too far. It’s the truest form of love that sets the standard for every man that she’ll encounter, so I just wanted to prepare you for the vision of the mirrored love that found her. Before you lift up the blinds understand what is being revealed; a mirrored love that I didn’t know I needed but one that helped me heal. My heart is forever changed and because of this mirrored love, I’ll never be the same. God held my heart in His hand when He hand picked the souls that would add to my transformation; so come on this journey with me while I allow you to see the mirrored love that changed me.”
- Tatyana Miller
"A Mirrored Love" holds a special place in my heart, as it beautifully encapsulates the idea of what I knew love to be. Growing up with an incarcerated father, I found myself seeking a replacement in other men. This led to relationships with those who mirrored his love and lifestyle. Through the incarceration of my ex, I discovered that what I knew love to be, was not what love should be. Without this discovery, my relationship with God wouldn’t have strengthen the way that it has. This piece features old letters from my ex, along with pictures of both him and my father overlapping the letters, offering a profound glimpse into the complexities of these relationships. Both these relationships have shaped my journey and have had a profound impact on my understanding of love and connection.
"God's Purposed Love" is a testament to the importance of family and the unique relationships that define our lives. It portrays the love shared between my stepfather and his daughters, including myself. While this love may not have been what I initially wanted, it has proven to be exactly what I needed. This purposed love has taught me the true significance of family and the depth of love that transcends our expectations. Pops I love you dearly and I thank you for being all that me and the girls need.
The "Family Ties" collection represents the power of love, resilience, and the transformative impact of the relationships that have shaped my life. It's a celebration of the voices that may go unheard, the mirrored love that guides us, and the purposed love that redefines our understanding of family and connection. Each piece is a testament to the unique bonds that make up the tapestry of our lives.
"The Unfortunate Reality" collection has been a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey, as each piece reflects societal issues and personal experiences that have left a significant impact on my life. From left to right, the collection includes "The Burnout Employee-Resignation Letter," "Mental Health Matters," and "Graduation-The Flowers That Bloomed."
"The Burnout Employee and Mental Health Matters” collection is a poignant depiction of the toll that mistreatment and undervaluation in the workplace can take on an individual when they don’t value their well being. The goal here was to recreate my personal office space while showing the transition I experienced with my job through a resignation letter I created that is placed on the computer screen. (You will find a copy of it below.) It serves as a reminder that we often get caught up in our busy lives, neglecting our mental well-being.
"The Flowers That Bloomed" was birthed from me saying “Degrees don’t qualify your purpose, God does that.” This piece challenges the notion that degrees and traditional qualifications are the sole determinants of our purpose. Instead, it conveys the idea that our purpose is defined by something greater, often spiritual in nature. It's a powerful statement about recognizing our purpose beyond formal education and societal expectations. I am deeply grateful to the scholars who joined me in this collection.
Each piece in "The Unfortunate Reality" collection serves as a reflection on critical issues that society faces today, urging us to reconsider our priorities and values. It challenges us to take a closer look at work-life balance, mental health, and the determination of purpose. These pieces invite us to pause, reflect, and strive for a more balanced and purposeful existence.
