Bria Tyler, a visual artist from Chesapeake, Va, is pursuing a BFA in Art Education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. Tyler’s personal experiences serve as a major influence on many of her works, which beautifully celebrate the richness and beauty of Black culture.
“Overgrown” is a ceramic and mixed media piece inspired by my childhood home. I have lived at this place of residence my entire life, even into adulthood. As I become older, I find myself outgrowing the home and wanting to branch out on my own. Yet, due to many different circumstances I am still rotted into this house a little bit longer. Within the tree, created using wire and recycled synthetic braiding hair collected and worn by important black women in the community, holds photos of memories created within the home and hair accessories frequently worn by myself as a little girl.