Original pen and ink sketch of a scene I visited in Rwanda in July 2024. This was the site of several agricultural projects and a small business that creates water filters. The pen and ink project was scanned, and I digitally lettered "Gikomero Rwanda." 

This graphic design piece aims to showcase the quiet and subtle resilience of women in Rwanda, emphasizing how they can find profound joy even in challenging moments, which is conveyed through texture, patterns, and bold, contrasting color choices. 

Digital art inspired by a group of dancing Rwandans that I encountered in July 2024. The shapes surrounding each figure are mimicking the sound of the drums and the music. 

In this 20" x 20" acrylic painting on wood, I aimed to convey the dynamic and joy-filled spirit of the youth in Rwanda. Through bold colors, layered strokes, and overlapping shapes, the characteristics that define the younger generation of Rwanda are highlighted. My goal through this work was to capture the vibrant energy and multifaceted nature of their personalities, using the natural texture of wood as a foundation to express the authentic strength and joy I witnessed in their daily lives.

In 1994, Rwanda experienced a devastating genocide. During my first trip to Rwanda (the summer of 2024), I experienced the sadness and memories of this event, even 30 years later. The dotted line represents the journey of some Rwandans during that time. They fled Rwanda, crossed Lake Kivu, and entered Congo, and some later returned home. The darkness in this woman's clothing symbolizes the death she has experienced, and her bright head dress represents the forgiveness and joy she has reclaimed. This is a mixed-media project that incorporates acrylic paint and fabric, completed on a large wooden surface.

This graphic painting was inspired by the many women I saw carrying baskets on their heads in Rwanda. Whether they were filled with bananas, other fruits, or water, it's a beautiful depiction of their daily life. My goal in this piece was to showcase their "dancing" and "colorful" nature, despite the burden of daily demands. 

This piece draws from two photographs I took of two of my graphic design class students and incorporates lyrics from a traditional Rwandan song they often sang during class. Using simple shapes, Kinyarwanda text, and varied textures, the work explores the bonds that form between Rwandan women through their shared experiences (singing). 

This digital painting was created in Procreate using a personal photograph of Diane, a Rwandan woman I had the opportunity to get to know, and her baby. Through similar color palettes that bind mother and child together, and fluid watercolor brushstrokes that convey their gentle movement, the piece captures the intimate bond and connection between mother and child.