In 2019, I started a project with fellow artist Sigrid Santoyo about chosen family. At the time, I was living away from my biological family and struggling with belonging and community due to my upbringing. We decided to create this project to celebrate the friendships we created that served as family at the time.

These scrapbooks feature storylines and characters all belonging to different communities. The idea was to recreate scrapbooks and photo albums one might find when visiting a family home. Along with chosen family/ community; we also touch on topics of race, culture, ancestors, religion, immigration, and land.

I have since expanded on this project on my own. Since 2019, I have moved three times and my ideas of belonging, chosen family, and community continue to evolve. I plan to continue with this project featuring the new friendships and communities I’ve formed.