Nu Hie Ye (‘the face of water’ in Ga) explores narratives that surround local water bodies in Ghana and domestic life impacted by them.

This collection stemmed from grief from witnessing severely polluted rivers that have been a result of recent years of galamsey, the Twi term for illegal gold mining. I collected oral narratives from locals to learn about the significance of local water bodies as it relates to indigenous deities, past/present colonialism and current environmental impact. I worked with local ceramicists who taught me how to throw freshly picked, coarse clay. This collection draws inspiration from domestic objects, jewelry and organic form to explore traditional narratives that reinforce the relationship between the body and natural environment as it relates to a sense of home.

Hand holding a large, round, terracotta pot with a wide opening, against a plain beige background.
A person holding a large terracotta planter shaped like a cartoon face with protruding eyes and nose against a plain white background.
Several clay pots and vases in various sizes and shapes stored in a pottery workshop or storage area.
A hand holding a terracotta candle holder with a lit candle inside, against a plain white background.
Stacked terracotta flowerpots with circular holes against a red wall.
Broken clay pots among green leafy plants and a stone wall.
A person is holding an orange clay vase with a round opening, positioned in front of a green plant and an orange wall background with a window view of a cityscape.
Various large clay pots and vessels, some with intricate patterns, are arranged outdoors on a dirt surface. Some are stacked, while others are placed individually, with dried palm leaves and scattered yellow and green leaves on the ground.
Waves crashing over dark rocks on a shoreline near the ocean with a cloudy sky in the background.
A person's hand holding a terra cotta vase with a narrow opening at the top against a plain white background.
Hand holding a pineapple, with green leaves surrounding the hand and pineapple, against a background of orange and white walls and sky.
Colorful beaded necklaces hanging against a white wall, featuring various patterns and bead types.
A person holding a terracotta vase against a plain white background.
Two wooden stools with round bases and seats, placed on a wooden deck against a beige wall with wooden panels above.
Close-up of stacked terracotta pots with a beige background.
Banana plants and a tree with a clear, blue sky in the background.