printmaking
Studio Work
Wall Yeller
Spring/Summer 2023 CollectionFor my Spring/Summer 2023 fashion collection, Wall Yeller, I channeled anger at systemic abuses through the strength of my queer ancestors—past, present, and future. Bear with me as I offer some lengthy exposition, but I was fed up with capitalism (relatable). After witnessing a series of traumatic workplace experiences—hostility, wage theft targeting marginalized workers, tokenism, white women tears, and more—I felt myself slipping into resentment, bitterness, and nihilism. I needed to reframe my perspective before that anger consumed me.
One of the things that helped was reading Lama Rod Owens’ Love and Rage. Owens, drawing from Buddhist traditions, explores ways to process anger without suppressing it—something that is expected all too often in our society. One key takeaway for me was his emphasis on developing an ancestor practice to foster connection, belonging, and gratitude for those who came before, walk alongside us now, and will come after us. It also serves as a reminder that we, too, are future ancestors, shaping the world for those yet to come. (I promise it’s much deeper than hokey gratitude or toxic positivity.)
Another thing that helped me from succumbing to pure bitterness was learning how to make incense while developing an ancestor practice. Learning to craft incense from lavender, sage, and resins not only reduced stress and enhanced meditation, but also became a means of communal exchange—friends shared dried plant cuttings, and incense became a ritual of both reflection and connection. This practice linked me to my queer and anti-capitalist ancestors, offering a space to sit with rage while transforming it into something grounding and generative.
Returning to the collection itself, I synthesized this practice-based research with my background in printmaking and dressmaking to create eight unquestionably queer looks. I worldbuilt a gaggle of queer athletes from various sports professions, outfitted in activewear inspired by incense spirals, twin candles, dancing stars, and sun rays. It was especially important for me to feature the first all-queer model roster for one of Kansas City’s biggest fashion platforms—a response to the ongoing wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation in Missouri. At a time when our existence is being legislated against, I hoped this collection would serve as both a celebration and a form of resistance, offering visibility in a space where queer representation is still lacking.
Credits
Event organized by Kansas City Fashion Week.
All above photos provided by Atherton Photography.
Models include Joseph Allen, Kristofer Clay, Ben Allen, Bryant Williams, Cal Hansen, Kyzer Ramey, Daqwazi Lane, and Caleb Hahn.
Yardage printing assistance provided by Ruben Castillo and Kate Horvat.