Licia Priest
Jerry Cans, 2026
Paper Tole
8" x 10" x 4"
 
Artist Bio
"As an interdisciplinary visual artist, I interlace acrylics, photography, sound, and scent to craft a sensorial tapestry of my complex identity. My journey bridges my past and present, deeply influenced by research in Zimbabwe, where I document vibrant food, flora, fauna, architecture, and family life to challenge stereotypes and illuminate the shared beauty and humanity in African culture. By documenting the extraordinary uniqueness of each subject, I strive to shift the narrative away from historically negative portrayals, instead spotlighting our common humanity. My practice revisits cherished childhood crafts like paper tole and textile manipulation, integrating layers of cut paper and rich textures into multidimensional sculptures. This approach marries my textile roots with paper artistry and digital manipulation. My position as an African American woman informs every aspect of my work, reflecting the complexity and yearning for connection felt within the diaspora. Through layered narratives and multisensory experiences, I invite viewers to discover and honor our interconnected stories."