(she/her)
Growing up as a Black disabled female, music has always played a crucial role in shaping my identity and experiences. It provided me with comfort and empowerment through lyrics and rhythms that spoke to my struggles and triumphs. This deep connection to music has inspired me to use my lived experience and my passion for actively listening and learning. I want to help amplify the voices of the often-overlooked members of the local disabled community.
My mission is to raise awareness about the issues faced by marginalised individuals and promote equitable access to resources and opportunities. Music has given me the courage to vocalise what needs to be said when I cannot speak. I can connect with others on a deeper level and encourage meaningful conversations about disability rights and inclusion.
My journey has been shaped by hardships as well as resilience, and music has always been a constant source of strength and inspiration. I am deeply committed to leveraging my lived experience to help them build a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.
Grey
Image description
The image contains a mix of visual elements and text. At the centre of the image is a torn hole, with the jagged edges of what seems like ripped paper or a surface peeling away, revealing text underneath. The central text reads:
“Accessibility is all about understanding, caring, and noticing the weight of even a simple breath. Not every fix fits all, so let’s kickstart a rebellion of self-care and autonomy!”
Behind the torn area is a circular design, with more text, with the torn paper effect obscuring the visibility of this text.
At the bottom of the image, the same message as above is repeated in a smaller font, reinforcing the theme’s persistence and importance.
The background features a soft gradient, blending light greys with light blue and teal specks. Behind the main message, there is a subtle, faded emblem, adding to the layered, complex visual aesthetic.
The overall design gives an impression of breaking through barriers or revealing deeper meaning, symbolizing a message of inclusivity, care, and empowerment.
At the bottom, there is a stylised signature or logo that reads “SD/RO – the artist’s name.
Dark (Hopeless Unwanted)
Image description
The second image also features a jagged, torn, or ripped effect in the centre, as if the surface is peeling away, revealing text beneath it. This torn section adds to a theme of breaking through or uncovering a deeper message. The text in the centre, partially obscured by the tears, reads:
“HOPELESS UNWANTED…
Fall off, fall back, go back, lapse
Can’t run, quicksand
Stand and watch
Progress, lack of
This is a lot
Ruminate, contemplate
Habitual moods
New day, same night
Nothing new
Mirrors cracked
In the trap
Who the F are you?”
The text conveys feelings of frustration, stagnation, and self-reflection, with a sense of being trapped or stuck in a cycle. The phrases evoke a personal struggle with mental health, routine, or identity.
There is a second iteration of the same text at the bottom, written in smaller letters, with some emphasis highlighted in a light yellow-green box, repeating the phrases
The background is darker, with subtle shapes or textures that suggest depth and complexity, symbolising layers of thought or emotions. The text at the top is written in a more expressive, almost chaotic font, reinforcing the feeling of inner turmoil.
The overall image conveys a mood of emotional struggle, a feeling of being stuck, and a desire for clarity or escape from self-doubt. The torn, broken appearance of the centre further reinforces the idea of something breaking down or being exposed.
At the bottom, the same signature, “SD/RO”, appears, like in the previous image, adding continuity to the theme.
BLUE (SELF-CARE)
Image description
This image centres on a powerful depiction of “Self Care,” both visually and through text. At the top, the phrase “SELF CARE” is boldly written in a vibrant turquoise and yellow font, giving a sense of empowerment.
Beneath the text is a striking illustration of a woman in the centre, whose face is partially revealed through a jagged, torn hole. The woman has a regal or warrior-like presence, adorned with a headpiece, jewellery, and a strong, determined expression. This symbolises resilience, leadership, and inner strength.
Behind the woman’s portrait, the background consists of handwritten words in cursive script, partially visible but layered beneath the torn section, suggesting hidden thoughts or deeper messages about self-care. Swirls of purple and dark tones surround the image, with artistic brushstrokes and splashes of colour—such as teal, lavender, and gold—blending in a painterly effect, which adds to the visual complexity.
At the bottom of the image, there is a highlighted block of text that reads:
“Self-care reigns as a rebel leader, guiding us in the night.
Rebellion becomes self-care as we stand up to fight.
In this journey of resilience, we find our voices,
Embracing our uniqueness and making our own choices.”
This message emphasizes self-care as an act of rebellion and empowerment, focusing on embracing one’s individuality and strength. It connects with the central image of the woman, reinforcing the theme of taking control of one’s own well-being through resilience.
The overall tone of the artwork is one of liberation and defiance, using self-care as a tool for personal growth and autonomy.
As in the previous images, the signature or logo “SD/RO” is present at the bottom of the image, contributing to the thematic continuity of empowerment, self-discovery, and strength.
Defiant Comfort Collage
Image description
This image, titled “Defiant Comfort,” combines vivid artistic elements and strong written messages to convey a theme of rebellion, strength, and self-care.
At the top, the title “DEFIANT COMFORT” is written in bold, jagged red letters, emphasizing the duality of finding solace in defiance and rebellion.
At the centre of the image, there is a torn, jagged hole effect, similar to the previous images, revealing a detailed portrait of a figure. The figure is drawn in a sketch-like style, resembling a powerful person, possibly a woman, who exudes resilience and calm defiance. The portrait has a grainy, layered texture, with strokes of colour—mostly pink, yellow, and blue—that blend into the background. This adds an abstract, dream-like quality to the figure, blending them into the chaotic yet artistic backdrop.
There is a notable “Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics” label near the bottom, often associated with music and media. This label symbolizes unfiltered, raw self-expression and the unrestrained communication of ideas, enhancing the piece’s rebellious tone.
On the left side, a block of text in blue conveys a poetic reflection:
“In the chaos of the world, I find solace in my defiance,
Wrapped in the warmth of my own rebellious reliance.
I choose self-care as an act of rebellion, a quiet protest,
Nurturing my soul, refusing to be oppressed.
In the face of adversity, I choose to thrive and heal,
Defiant comfort my shield, my power revealed.”
The message is about embracing defiance as a source of strength and using self-care as a form of protest and empowerment. The speaker finds resilience through their unique journey, standing strong against the pressures or chaos of the world.
The background is fragmented and layered with various textures, including torn paper with faded text and colourful splashes of paint. The colours range from pink to orange to yellow, creating a dynamic and vibrant backdrop that contrasts with the torn sections and darker figures.
The overall composition creates a sense of empowerment through rebellion and self-care, suggesting that comfort and strength can be found in standing firm against adversity, even when it means going against the grain.
As in previous images, the artist’s signature or logo, “SD/RO,” is located at the bottom, maintaining continuity in the style and themes explored in this series.
Sense of Self (Purple Afro)
Image description
This image, titled “Sense of Self,” reflects themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment through self-care. It features a vibrant mix of colours, textures, and powerful words that convey a journey of inner strength and resilience.
At the top, the words “SENSE” and “SELF” are prominently placed on opposite sides of the image, written in bold white letters against red and yellow backgrounds, respectively. These two words are visually separated, with “OF” placed in the centre on a torn piece of dark fabric, blending them together to form the phrase “Sense of Self.” The lettering is jagged, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s identity through personal challenges.
The central figure, like in previous images, is a partially hidden portrait of a person, obscured by layers of torn paper that seem to peel away to reveal fragments of their face. The figure is drawn in an expressive style, with abstract colourful shapes—ranging from purple and blue tones to splashes of orange and pink—layered around them, adding a sense of depth and energy. These torn edges create a visual metaphor of self-discovery as if the person is breaking free from external constraints to reveal their true self.
At the bottom left, a poetic passage is written on a yellowish-orange block of text, which reads:
“In the quiet moments of solitude
I find the essence of me
Nurturing my soul
embracing my vulnerability.
Self-care whispers of self-love
a gentle touch of grace
A rebellion against the chaos
a sacred inner space.
Each breath is a reminder of my worth
of the strength within
Amidst the noise and confusion
self-care is where I begin.
In the mirror
I see reflections of resilience and light
A sense of self
unshaken
ready to take flight.”
This text emphasizes the process of nurturing oneself through quiet reflection and vulnerability, describing self-care as a form of rebellion against external chaos. It speaks of finding one’s worth and strength, with self-care serving as a grounding force. The passage ends with a sense of readiness to rise, suggesting a journey of empowerment and self-acceptance.
The background of the image consists of torn layers of text and abstract shapes. On the left, faded handwritten words are partially visible, adding to the idea of hidden thoughts and personal reflections. The background shifts from purples and blues to warmer colours like pink, orange, and yellow, creating a dynamic, dream-like landscape.
As in previous images, the signature or logo “SD/RO” is placed at the bottom, maintaining the series’ consistent branding. The overall feeling of the image is one of self-exploration, where self-care leads to the emergence of a strong, confident sense of identity.
1st Things 1st (First class Stamp)
Image description
This image, titled “First Things First,” centres around themes of self-care, setting boundaries, and personal growth. The design is colourful and layered, with powerful text and visuals that encourage putting oneself first.
At the top, in bold black text, are the words “FIRST THINGS FIRST.” Surrounding this central message, small yellow sticky notes feature various reminders for self-care. These notes are strategically placed with phrases such as:
“Forgive yourself” on the left.
“Ask for help” near the centre.
“Put yourself first” to the right.
“Ask for what you need” on the left.
“Stay at home” to the right.
“Say ‘No” on the left.
“Spend time alone” near the bottom.
“Set boundaries” on the right.
These notes are scattered around a central illustration of a stylized, abstract representation of a person. The figure appears to be looking upward, with an expression that evokes contemplation or release. Their head is crowned with thin, golden lines, symbolizing self-worth or a sense of reclaiming power. The figure is sketched in a rough, textured style, giving it a raw and emotional feeling.
The background consists of a collage of torn paper, scribbled words, and blended colours, ranging from soft pastels like pink and blue to more intense red strokes behind the figure. The torn paper effect suggests breaking free from expectations or past constraints.
At the bottom, a block of teal text provides further reflection:
“Forgive yourself for putting yourself first.
Remember, finding rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Take the time to recharge when you can.
Find comfort in saying no.
Find bravery in setting boundaries with people, tasks, and things.
Take the time to ask for what you need.
Spend time alone in your favourite space because home is where the heart is.
You are your home.”
This passage emphasizes self-forgiveness, rest, and the importance of boundaries. It frames self-care as essential, not optional, and encourages finding strength in solitude and reclaiming personal space.
The image overall is one of empowerment and personal growth, urging the viewer to prioritize themselves and their needs. The combination of vibrant colours, torn paper textures, and thoughtful reminders creates a sense of freedom, encouraging self-acceptance and self-care as essential first steps.
At the bottom, the signature “SD/RO” completes the design, maintaining consistency with the previous pieces in the series.
Self-care is so important!
Newspaper Headline Poem
Untitled Improvised Poem (30.09.2024)
Self-care is, to me, a form of quiet activism,
saying no when needed
setting boundaries that align with your well-being
finding what works when society disables you
only you know what you can manage and when
what you are capable of when you get the type of support that truly works for you.
We are the rebels that make the world go round
Technology, accessibility, us the quirky superstars, we make things happen.
Where would they be without us making our needs known
Long live the rebels, long live the change makers
Make sure you self-care often and wisely
Get real with it and love yourself dearly