My unique imagination and artistic outlook was different from my cis male counterparts, due to my lack of interest in action figures and tonka trucks. This lead me to explore my true infatuation with the feminine experience.

One day my Aunt came back from a trip to Jamaica, where she gifted my twin sisters with a two sided doll. This is when I was introduced to

Topsy-Turvy dolls.

 The original purpose of the doll was created by enslaved mothers in the 1500s for their black children. Many desired a forbidden white doll, a baby like the ones their mothers cared for. They would flip the doll to the black side when an overseer passed by them at play. This was a protection mechanism for women of color and there children’s safety.

The Topsy Turvy doll was a conditioning tool. Almost like a strain of DNA coming together to form a helix. The two intertwined; they formed their own marriage of truth. This philosophy states that a negative and positive charge create balance. The hope is for the viewer to understand both sides of the story. While finding truth in the balance I will re-condition the thoughts of our young children. 

Being a somewhat flamboyant boy I could relate to having a forbidden interest outside of my gender role. By using the same methods that those brave women of color did to protect their children, I took this time to explore different techniques of visual communication to reach more minds.

While not only expanding my knowledge of the untold stories of black women, my hope is to also educate the next generation through what I like to call, Visual Scripture. The more impactful the story, the more uplifting and empowered the next generation will have for change.