Theda Sandiford
Middle Passage

Theda Sandiford: Triggered, Truth & Transformation

Despite the growing commitment to racial equity, the day-to-day experiences of women of color are not improving. Women of color face similar types and frequencies of microaggressions as they did two years ago – and they remain far more likely than white women to face disrespectful and “othering” behavior. 

The weight of these triggers underpins very real consequences… stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt and ultimately feelings of powerlessness and invisibility. These triggers come with a hefty toll of emotional baggage. 

Extensions of rope, wrapped, knotted, woven, and embellished with recycled textiles, zip ties, ribbon and yarn, gingerly invite the audience into off the-wall conversations about the “respectability politics” of black hair.  My Emotional Baggage Carts are vessels for this racial trauma.  The act of making, weaves the sting of daily microaggressions into the cart, freeing me from these constraints.

Artist Website

Rope Making Workshop: Triggered, Truth & Transformation, Sunday, April 23 12pm-2pm
Register
here:

Microaggressions are defined as subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — everyday interactions or behaviors that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative racial messages or assumptions toward historically marginalized groups. 

The weight of these interactions triggers very real consequences… stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt and ultimately feelings of powerlessness and invisibility. These triggers come with a hefty toll of emotional baggage. 

The act of knotting rope transforms the sting of microaggressions. The rope making process is easy, slightly addictive, and most definitely meditative. 

Join Theda Sandiford and learn to turn old textiles and scrap fabric into rope while participating in a conversation about “respectability politics” of hair and whatever else may be on your mind.

All are welcome. Materials provided.

Virtual Artist Talk with Theda Sandiford

Thursday, May 25th at 12pm PST
Streamed on Wa Na Wari’s Facebook Live and Youtube page