Current Work

I am currently working on a body of work addressing teacher trauma, as a result of the relationships built between teachers and their students in high crime areas. For me, this began on the Southside of Chicago in the late 1990’s. Teaching high school full-time came in 2001. Phones with photo and video capabilities were not yet prevalent. I truly believe that lead to so much violence many, even within Chicago were unaware of. I would attempt to discuss things I went through, even friends didn’t believe me.

Funerals were far too often. In the beginning I wasn’t always welcome, making it even more difficult. My constant trigger, and now my icon for the violence, are white Lillie’s. Other flowers were commonly present, but when I am hit with that smell, I am immediately taken back.

Trauma is never overcome or wiped out. However you can choose to evolve it. Most people can not handle hearing the stories or the numbers I have lost. So I use the Lilly and combine it with the Japanese idea of Sashiko embroidery, shared with me by a friend. Most of us have embroidery stories that connect us to family and ancestors. Sashiko embroidery is about adding strength, using pattern, but is used as a form healing meditation.

I am working my way to finishing this series…

*Properly documented images will soon be uploaded.