mixed media
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
March 2024 - March 2025
Natalia and I met through a program that matches English-speaking volunteers with Ukrainians for virtual English language lessons. These image transfers are a mashup of photos I took around my home in Washington, DC, and photos by Natalia capturing her favorite things about her home in Odesa, Ukraine. With each new word Natalia learned in English – embroidered into the image – I learned something new about Ukrainian culture, life in an active warzone, and finding strength in gratitude.
anxious - how this moment feels
glory - from "Slava Ukraini" meaning "Glory to Ukraine!"
sour - the taste of borsch
curfew - 11pm-5am in Odesa
rule - the rule of two walls; Natalia spends some nights sleeping in the bathroom to safeguard against Russian missile strikes.