ARCHIVE II: REUHSEMBL
REUHSEMBL carries the essence (and faith) of putting oneself together again after dismantling thought patterns, behaviors, and negative perceptions brought on by others, and re-establishing a foundation and relationship with inner and higher guidance to thrive.
For this iteration of the ARCHIVE, I collaborated with three people who have inspired me and have impacted my life in one way or another - Brandon, Boutzie, and EJ. The number three is significant to my spirituality and informs many of my creations. In numerology, the number three holds the vibration of creativity, self-expression, expansion, communication, and optimism. The triangle, with three sides, is the strongest shape and can be found in many architectural designs (i.e. in bridges that stretch across bodies of water). The holy trinity can be found in the Christian faith (my initial upbringing), in specific ingredients in traditional dishes, such as diced onions, bell peppers, and celery in many Cajun and Creole dishes, and in the rhythm of the caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly metamorphosis. I am also the third child born to my mother.
My conversation with all three individuals carried a sacred vibration, and, in turn, elevated this project to a degree that could not have been predicted. They were prompted to choose one word from a list given to them before our conversation that related to their existence, spirituality, and joy.
Gratitude to EJ, Boutzie, and Brandon for sharing space with me and entrusting me with your time, energy, and truth.
[ begin ]
The transcription of each conversation from this archive will be available late Summer 2024.
AUDIO
EJ (they/them) - Femininity
When I think about femininity – as cliché as it may sound – I do think of softness, in a way. And I don’t feel like I’m always able to be as soft and I almost have like resting bitch face already. And I think a lot of times people just automatically don’t look at me as a very feminine person even though I do wear makeup and I do femme present sometimes. My relationship with femininity has been weird. It’s been up and down. Sometimes I just wake up and I feel feminine. I wake up and I feel like a flower that’s just blossoming. I don’t know. It’s just – it’s beautiful. And then other mornins I wake up and it’s just like I cannot tap into that energy no matter how much I try. And I won’t say that because I can’t tap into it, I automatically go into this masculine energy. It’s more so like I can’t just tap into it. I’m just energy. If that makes sense. I’m just energy. The energy just is. It is whatever it is, but I wouldn’t attribute it to femininity at all.
Boutzie - Rebirth
I was able to be born again and certain things on my journey have proven that to me – that I have died unto myself so many times. People always say, “What did it cost you to have this rebirth? This freedom?” I’m like, “It cost me. And I paid the price so that I could be this version of myself and be free.” Free spirit all day every day. If I didn't decide to circle those places in that atlas and draw that picture and manifest that, and decide to go to London in 2012, I wouldn’t be sitting here in front of you today and I wouldn’t be this person. So my rebirth is that. It’s not being afraid to just trust that the net will appear and everything will eventually work itself out in due course in due time.
Brandon (they/them) - Rebirth
I feel, especially since life is cyclical, we go through many periods of death and rebirth and rebirth is just the opportunity for you - kind of like the Crystal Gems, when they would *poof* and go into the (inaudible) to restructure, reform, and evolve for you to grow, for you you to take all of the lessons and the experiences that lead to that death period - that period of change - for you to restructure and bloom into a new form. So, yeah, rebirth for me is that evolution, that blooming, that restructuring, that emerging into something new and stronger and better and wiser… I am a diviner. So just even that, I’m, in a way, leaning into Spirit to pass along messages and also being a listening ear. And I’m using my body and my spirit like a labor that you go through and that type of work is a strain on your body in itself…
PRE-ORDER
Pre-order REUHSEMBL archival prints for Black Pride Month
Archival print from Archive II: REUHSEMBL.
18" x 24"
In honor of Black Pride Month, I will be offering a small run of REUHSEMBL prints to celebrate our ancestors and transcestors who paved the way for us to thrive, and to support such organizations as the Black Trans Fund to continue the work. 10% of each purchase will go towards BTF’s mission of uplifting, resourcing, and building the capacity of Black trans social justice leaders.
Available for pre-order now through October 11th. Limited quantity.
----------
Payment plans are available. Inquire at vonnenapper@gmail.com.