Here Are The Scissors

In March of 2020 I had $50 left to my name after I lost my job without a glance into the future of my finances and bought 3 weeks worth of groceries. The last $50 I had went to Blick. I purchased a large linocut, one tub of white speedball fabric ink, a rubber brayer, and a linoleum carving tool. I had the intentions of using said tools with some leftover fabric scraps to make patches to sell on the internet to get by. I carved a small alligator on a skateboard and made only one print. I didn't realize it at the time, but all of my stay at home interests came to a halt about a week after I made that one print.

Being at home 24/7, I later uncovered that I was living in toxic mold from an old water line explosion connected to the house I was renting in my basement that hadn't been updated in over 14 years. With the medical symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome during the stay at home order, I was not mentally home. I had 2 friends, living alone as well, I like to refer to as my "Quaranteam" and we would check up on each other. We had a dinner party together one night at my house that included snacks, drinks, dinner, and Tira Misu. Four days afterwards, my dear friend came by to do a wellness check and noticed that the entire dinner party was still set up. This was his red flag knowing that I am a well functioning dinner host who has a cleanly demeanor. He pointed out that I hadn't left my couch for this duration as he noticed the attempted and unfinished art projects strewn about.

My unemployment payment finally came in and I made the initiative to move myself back to safety with a community that aligns with my values. I moved back to Portland, OR right before George Floyd was murdered. With the sentiments of what his wrongful killing caused. I decided that this was my time to speak to my closest friends, who all happen to be white. I took this time for internalization with my own culture and allowed myself access to the the tools I needed to heal my mental health, bi-racial cultures, and set myself up for embracing reality after the pandemic.

I started reading "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron around this time and recognized I had been experiencing all of the blocks she works with you through this 12 week course. By the time I had reached week 7, I started working on a personal art show... something I had never done before. As I was working and exploding with creativity, I kept running out of supplies and money. I kept thinking to myself... "There's got to be others like me". "Why is it that expression, creativity, and the tools included aren't considered a basic need?" Food, water, shelter, and ART. With this realization, I created a fundraiser to fuel BIPOC artists who, like myself, were struggling but wanted to use that pain with a palette, a canvas, a keyboard, a wall, a microphone, or a pen. This very pair of scissors featured in this photograph... I've owned for 9 years. My minimal possessions hold value to me, I will cherish them and use them until it's time. The project that I love doing, that fuels my own creativity, is destroying the idea behind monetary values and sharing what I have with others. Expression is our given right. Making art should be accessible to all. Creating your own happiness is making sure you're creating for happiness.

for more information and where 100% of proceeds will go to:

buymeacoffee.com/romonsta