Can you tell us a little bit about the moment you realized you wanted to be an artist?
I knew I wanted to be an artist at a very young age. My parents noticed my interest for visual arts and helped me explore it.
How did you learn your necessary skills?
My grandmothers taught me how to sew around the age of 12. From there, I wanted to know everything there was to know about fabric arts and making clothing.
Who do you consider as your most influential mentor?
I’d have to say my mother and grandmothers. They always gave me the wisdom and materials I needed to be at this point in my life Do you have a creative ritual that gets you helped you get started?
I don’t, but I wish I did. Whenever I get any sort of inspiration, I run to my studio and immediately start working How do you measure success in your work?
By how happy I am with how far I’ve come As a kid what did you see yourself doing as a career?
I actually saw myself as a clothing designer. I used to carry around a binder full of designs I drew and ask the people around me if they would wear any of it.
What told you ‘this is the life for me’?
When I saw so many homeless people in my hometown 3 years ago, I thought to myself “is there anyone who actually makes things for people in need locally? If not, how can I do it?” Now, throughout the year, I make warm wear and give them to shelters, elders, and people in need during the fall and winter time.
Do you have any new and exciting projects planned for 2021?
I definitely plan on making more wearable garments and I have a few collaborations in the works!
Destinee is an independent artist that specializes in knitting and other textile art. After seeing an overwhelming amount of homelessness and lack of shelters in my community, they were motivated to make warm wear for those who were in need of it. Throughout their journey, they decided to reach a larger audience.
Their family has a long history of using fabrics and yarn to provide for loved ones. They thrift and seek out materials secondhand to be sustainable and affordable.