My parents introduced me to the music of Janis Joplin. The immense power of her voice and the unrestrained rebellion of her life influenced my understanding of youth and what it means to be feminine. Janis clashed with the societal narratives that were prevalent in my young world, which I found liberating and encouraging. I also didn't know how to process the often told trope of the tragic rock star that dies young. Does liberation come with a catch. Does freedom lead to destruction? What do we owe the world? These are questions I return to in my art practice and I credit Janis as one of my early teachers.

Also: one of my earliest and most cherished memories is riding along with mom in her car as she taught me to sing' "oh lord won't you buy me a mercedes benz."