iNSPIRE 

1. September is Deaf Awareness Month; what does this mean to you and what types of conversations do you hope/encourage people to have during this month?

It basically means that it's a good time for people to notice all of the Deaf people out there kicking ass. I hope to see people becoming a bit more aware of where we come from. Our deafness and Deaf history are often overshadowed by a toxic history of well-intended but harmful things non-deaf people try to 'innovate' in terms of medicine, education, and technology.
 

2. Can you tell us about your latest project? What is your source of inspiration at the moment?

 

Two of my projects are currently on view: My Deaf Rage drawings at the Whitney Museum in New York until September 22 and two mural drawings at PS120 in Berlin until October 26. Both projects are based on the concept of utilizing symbols that can be used to communicate Deaf issues to a non-deaf audience. Deaf rage is expressed in different degrees of mathematical angles, and the murals show alternative uses for musical notations. I want to push the idea that non-sound materials can be expressed as conceptual sounds.

 

3. How did you meet Alexis? Furthermore, what is your relationship with Alexis and what do you enjoy about it?

 

Our mutual friend introduced us when she visited Berlin and our friendship has been growing ever since. There's nothing better than being around strong deaf girlfriends, and she's one of them!

 

4. Do you feel a connection to the mission of RoseBYANDER? Tell us about why you feel connected to the Love Sign Pendant and RoseBYANDER brand.

 

The ILY(I Love You) sign is often used and monetized by people who are not Deaf, and the accessibility of the economy is often very limited for the Deaf community. So it's important for me to see and support Deaf ownership of our own language.

 

5. RoseBYANDER spotlights people we love on our social media who are artists, activists, and those who inspire the brand's mission. Could you share some of the people you love and inspire you?

 

Lauren Ridloff, Nyle DiMarco, and Chella Man. They're all doing big things right now and utilizing their platforms for the Deaf community, which I admire.

 

6. What does the love sign mean to you? What is your favorite piece from the RoseBYANDER collection and why?

 

Knowing sign language gives you full access to information and that leads to better communication between people. That means love to me. My favorite is the rose gold pendant with the diamond bail because adding a bit of sparkle never hurts!