This week we have a live recording of the panel that accompanied the textile exhibition, Belonging. Belonging is a contemporary visual art exhibition highlighting three Brooklyn artists — Kimberly Bush, Traci Johnson, and myself. Each of us creates work with fiber, cloth, thread, and other textiles.

The intent of the exhibition was to bring awareness to the connection between the past and the present, as well as, revolutionary and indigenous history, and current-day issues in our community. Textiles are soft and inviting and can be used to represent a safe space for people to process their grief and their healing. 

During this panel, Kimberly, Tracy, and I discuss our motivations for our work and how we hope our art benefits the communities around us. I really enjoyed our discussion around craft and fine art, how we can support living artists, and how our work exists in a post-capitalist world.

I want to say, my parents and family have always supported me and my work, however it was still hard to get back to making art while working and supporting myself. I found it almost impossible at times (and now that I have more space and financial stability, it is still very hard). I talk about this a bit in the panel. 

I also really like how you can hear children playing outside at J.J. Byrne Playground in the background.

All the artwork in the exhibition Belonging can be viewed online and I suggest taking a look to know what we are referencing in the panel discussion in the exhibition photos below. You can also view available artwork here.

In the panel we talk about:
- How the impact of the pandemic is reflected in our art
- Why we offer a safe space to heal within our art
- How race affects us as living artists 
- Our personal paths to becoming artists 

This artist panel took place at the Old Stone House in Brooklyn, NYC on February 12th, 2023, and was recorded on-site with my iPhone. Please forgive the audio discrepancies. 

LINKS & PANELISTS

Artwork images at Why Not Art and below.

The Old Stone House hosts regular rotating art exhibitions. Please check their calendar for the current show. https://theoldstonehouse.org/

Panelist | Kimberly Bush, Mixed Media Artist and Therapist

Kimberly Bush is based in Brooklyn, New York, and has over 30 years of experience. Her practice of weaving fibers, mending torn and frayed edges, and sewing fabric patches and pieces together, figuratively and literally, demonstrates the interconnectedness among humans. 

• Kimberly Bush’s Website

• Instagram: @kimberlybrooklyn

Panelist | Traci Johnson, Textile Designer and Sculpturist 

Traci Johnson (they/them) is an artist and fashion model who presents bold, colorful abstract sculptural creations that bring a sense of euphoria and vibrant energy to the exhibit. The works embody the texture, softness and comfort of textiles while promoting healing, self-acceptance, and self-love; they truly create a safe space for all. 

• Traci Johnson’s Website

• Instagrams: @kailuaa @rugsbykailuaa

Panelist | Stephanie Eche, Artist

Stephanie Eche (she/her) uses found materials and natural fibers to create sculptures that investigate cultural identity, time, and memory. Her processes are intentionally labor and time-intensive, allowing her to reflect on the erasure of indigenous cultures as a result of colonization and capitalism, including the assimilation of her Chicana family. 

• stephanieeche.com

• IG: @stephanie_eche

Moderator | Grace R. Freedman, Curator

Grace R. Freedman, PhD (she/her) is a founder of Why Not Art which celebrates the vitality of the Brooklyn arts community by presenting interdisciplinary art shows in alternative spaces to reach expanded and diverse audiences.

• whynotart.com

• IG: @whynotartnyc

Your Host | Stephanie Eche, CEO & Founder of Distill Creative

Stephanie Eche is an artist based in Brooklyn, NYC.
Follow Stephanie on Instagram (@distillcreative or @stephanie_eche), YouTube (Distill Creative), LinkedIn, and check out her art website.

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