Artist Statement

In this piece of work, I reflect on several of the impactful and important aspects of
my life through a combination of words and images to articulate my most authentic self as I
currently understand my identity.

To effectively communicate this goal, I began by writing my “I Am From” poem,

devoting each stanza to a part of my personality or sense of self that I feel connected to: my
family, nature, social justice and learning, music, theater and dance, being Jewish, my sister,
and a final few lines with some broader expressions of gratitude and appreciation. I then
paired a thematically relevant photo from my childhood with each stanza, and arranged the
final product in Adobe Spark. While most of my influences for this work came from my own
experience, I also drew inspiration from poetry and song lyrics I have read or heard to
choose my words deliberately and meaningfully. A few lines I am particularly proud of are,
“I am from not knowing, but trying to understand/Vowing to be a lifelong student and
educator, using my most powerful tool” because to me, they encompass the overall theme of
growth throughout my poem. I would not have the understanding of my identity that I do
today without my devotion to being a lifelong learner and open-minded citizen of the
world.

Ultimately, writing this poem allowed me to recognize many wonderful people,

places, activities, passions, beliefs, and traditions that I have the privilege of knowing. From
my love for the arts to my cherished relationship with my sister, I feel extremely lucky, and
hopeful for my future. I hope this poem helps my reader access some comfort and joy, and
serves as a necessary reminder to be grateful and present.

See my project here!

I Am From

I am from the whir of coffee grounds in the morning

A gentle alarm clock pulling me to the kitchen
I am from PJ mornings, fresh banana pancakes, extra syrup
Sweet and sticky, my childhood home

I am from morning hikes, alone or in good company

I am from climbing trees, from scrapes and bruises and bandaids
I am from salt air and crisp pine and California warmth
But also from my collected moments in nature
Each informing my footprint

I am from questioning everything

Why? How? What can I do?
I am from activist art and nonfiction and news article after news article
I am from not knowing, but trying to understand
Vowing to be a lifelong student and educator, using my most powerful tool

I am from broken guitar strings and missed piano notes

Self taught, still learning
I am from music in the park and headline shows
From visual albums and Spotify Wrapped
From playlist swaps, new discoveries, listening, and re-listening

I am from glitter stuck to my pillow and stage makeup for days

I am from dance warmups and mic checks, hot lights and quick changes
I am from song and dance, dissonant harmonies and falling out of pirouettes
I am from my people, lights up to curtain call

I am from piping hot matzah ball soup, food for the soul
I am from rolling dough with my Bube, braiding Challah with my mom
From hebrew letters and chanting over and over again
Nosiness and crushing hugs and tradition tradition tradition
Generations and ancestors and their bravery to allow me to be here
I am from the star of David around my neck though I have hid it on occasion
I am for peace, for nonviolence, for justice, for freedom

I am from the greatest gift I have ever received: my sister

Blonde curls and clear blue eyes teaching me to laugh at everything
I am from failed cooking projects, successful thrifts, unforgettable memories
A bond that can never be replicated

I am from popcorn refills and night drives and cat allergies

I am from sitcoms, from movie musicals, from live theater
From “the book is always better”
I am from letting myself cry to let myself smile, not afraid
I am from home and from my next home(s)
I am from the people who make me, me

https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/ZciC1OQjw47VU