Haptic: the embodied consciousness of knowledge built from community bonds and collective human experience

As artists we play many roles. We are the record keepers and archivists of both personal and cultural histories, yet we also carry the task of holding a mirror up to those cultures in love and critique. We capture, draw out, sustain, and imagine the stories of not only ourselves but our neighbors, friends, family, and communities. The artist is not a lone genius, but the product of generations of community love and support. I am nothing without my community and my art exists both because of and alongside every interaction, inspiration, and moment of care.