Holly Donkor [MA 2016, Art Education]
Through experiences in growing up in Colorado and living in Ghana, Hool uses drawing as a form of journaling and storytelling. The imagery in her hand drawn apparel connect to various proverbs that she has learned along the way. Furthermore, each garment is created through upcycling to signify that no experience is ever wasted and that perseverance will lead to beautiful outcomes. For example, Hool met her husband Sampson (a kente weaver) in Ghana, while completing a RISD graduate studies grant. The two artists have since worked with Ghana youth in the modalities of drawing and weaving, Also, while Sampson creates his textiles separately, his weaving can also be found sewn in the tags and tiny details of Hool’s jackets. The jackets and apparel reveal that there is much joy in the relationships that are made through acts of creation. Moreover, that art and life most definitely intertwine.