My practice evolved from my personal conflict around identity as a black gay Christian male. The question of what it means to be black and how to accept my sexual orientation and still follow Christian morals eventually led me to Ayn Rand's novels and philosophy. Inspired by her ideals of morality and self-creation through a process of productive achievement I was able to rectify the warring parts of my identity. Using the processes of building as a metaphor, I aim to create physical symbols of the ideals that inspired me and continue to do so to this day.

The process of making my work always begins with three main components. The first is the use of a work-in-progress aesthetic. For me this aesthetic of ongoing construction reveals the raw material of the work and symbolizes the struggle, hard work, intelligence, and ultimately morality necessary to accomplish any great achievement.

The second component is the influence of the 20th century art futurism movement. In this movement these artists emphasized dynamic action, industry, and violence. My work through their materiality (Pcp piping, metal, spray paint etc.) and strong lines reference industrial production, movement, and a hard edge.

The third component is the use of modular units. Through the connection of uniform pieces I try to represent the action of building, stacking or in some other way compounding material.

These three components, a work-in-progress aesthetic, futurism influence, and modular units for me form the definition of a prototype. And so, using the prototype as a tool, my work investigates the ideals and values necessary for empowerment and achievement.