"Rookie of the Year"

36"x24"

Recycled Grand Prix banners, acrylic, on recycled canvas

In 2024, I was offered a truckload of used banners from the Detroit Grand Prix—quite literally. What started as an exciting opportunity quickly became an emotional and physical challenge. Hauling the banners alone, in the rain, I found myself overwhelmed by their scale, scent, and weight. But the artist in me couldn’t walk away.

Then came months of problem-solving, frustration, and trial runs that nearly made me give up. But I didn’t. I leaned in, cut every single piece by hand, layered it with intention, and honored the Detroit grit it took to bring it to life. I didn’t want to change my voice to fit the material—I wanted to make the material fit my voice.

Sometimes showing up is the bravest (and messiest) part.