009: to rekindling
My wanderlust struck again, bringing me back to the one place in the world I love most. There, I reconnected with a part of myself whose dreams and curiosity laid the foundation for where I am today.
There’s a kind of magic in the deep, familiar aroma of a full-bodied espresso—a morning ritual that feels eternal. In Paris, though, it transforms. Here, I sip it slowly, unhurried, as mornings arrive with a softness that feels almost otherworldly. The quiet clink of espresso cups creates a melody, blending seamlessly with the faint curl of tobacco smoke and the hum of voices threading through the cool, grey autumn air.
It’s a far from my mornings in the U.S., where everything races forward, driven by an invisible urgency. Espresso there is fuel, gulped down between tasks—a fleeting pause in the blur of demands. In Paris, however, even the busiest mornings unfold with a steady rhythm. Commuters drift toward the train station with style and grace, as if the city itself breathes with purpose.
Immersed in this rhythm, I felt the hum of Paris surrounding me like an old, familiar song. It brought back memories of my younger self—wide-eyed and full of dreams, seeing the world as a canvas of endless possibility.
For those who don’t know, I studied abroad here in 2016, and it continues to be one of the pivotal moments of my young adult years—laying the foundation for much of who I am today.
Back then, Paris was both a playground and a refuge. By day, I was immersed in my studies, engaging in conversations with my cohort and professor at Café de Flore. By night, I danced with an energy that now feels harder to summon as I approach my 30s. My little knees don’t move quite like they used to. But unlike my knees, Paris hasn’t lost her charm—as her spark remains timeless.
Photo by E-P
Returning to a place that once held your dreams can feel transformative. It’s like looking into a mirror that reflects who you were and who you’ve become. Every corner brought me back to memories of the girl I once was—the one with a notebook in hand, scribbling down everything she hoped to create and asking all the questions. Absorbing all of the knowledge I gained from all the Black Diasporic thinkers, artists, and makers I encountered during my time here.
So much of my life has changed since then, but my time in Paris kept reminding me that art, at its core, is all about connection—across time, cultures, and within ourselves.
Photos by E-P
Creativity feels like a shared experience here as if the air carries whispers of those who dreamed and created before me. Each street, each gallery, each conversation seems to hold the energy of countless artists and visionaries, as though the city is both a canvas and a living testament to the power of creative connection.
Attending Art Basel and Also Known As Africa art fairs felt like stepping into a full-circle moment.
I wasn’t just an attendee—I was an emerging artist, part of a larger conversation unfolding in real-time. On those expo floors, a flood of emotions washed over me. It was less about how I felt about the art, though. It was more so the realization that my dreams hadn’t disappeared—they had evolved.
My aspirations towards pursuing art had never felt more present, more tangible. What once began as wonder had transformed into something real, shaped with intention and guided by a steadier hand and a surer heart.
Photos by E-P
I pray you rekindle with the parts of yourself that used to dream. In returning to Paris, it allowed me to do just that. I found more of the courage to dream bigger and the clarity I needed to take the next steps forward—carrying both the wisdom of experience and the vitality of hope.
art happenings & other musings
“EP, twin, where have you been?!”
I know I’ve been away from the Substack sphere, but here’s a mini recap of what I’ve been up to over the last few weeks:
1. Die Wurzel Listening Activation at Recycled Modern
PANEL MODERATOR | NOVEMBER 2024
Photo by Irv
It was a pleasure to moderate a panel discussion at Recycled Modern, a unique artist and interior retail space in Hyde Park, Chicago. The event united creatives from diverse fields for an immersive listening experience and live performance of Die Wurzel, followed by a compelling panel that delved into the project's themes and its exploration of how systemic racism has impacted Black culture in mainstream media.
You can listen to Die Wurzel on all available streaming platforms through the link here.
2. The Night Market Art Bazaar at The Driehaus Museum, Chicago Exhibition Weekend
FEATURED ARTIST | OCTOBER 2024
Photo by Edward Gonzalez
Sending all my love and gratitude to Refine Collective and Gertie Chicago for having me as one of the featured artists to showcase at the Night Market Art Bazaar during Chicago Exhibition Weekend. ♡
3. The Black Future Newsstand at Gallery Guichard
FEATURED ARTIST | OCTOBER 2024
Photo by Michael Lim
Grateful to have been a featured artist in the Media 2070 and Media Justice Black Future Newsstand at Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville Chicago. Their work envisions a media landscape that centers and uplifts Black voices, offering a powerful counter to the historical bias against Black communities in the media, all while grounded in the principles of media reparations. The one-day activation was filled with great conversation and even better art.
Click the link for a full Black Future Newsstand programming and exhibition recap!