Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makenzye Barfield. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Makenzye, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
The short answer is that I haven’t. I still have days where I feel anxious that someone will discover that I’m totally winging it. What I have solidified is when the feeling arises it is an indication that I’m doing something new that’s outside of my comfort zone. That feeling has become a marker of personal growth. I know that if I can breathe, be honestly present for myself and work through the moment that everything will be ok. It also helps to surround yourself with people who believe in you and who can support you through those challenging moments.
I do find it helpful to remember that people are people no matter where I go. Everyone that I’ve met along the way has experienced feeling “out of place”, “unfit”, or like an imposter at some point in their career. Yet, the person I see in front of me is capable, willing, passionate, determined and taking small steps everyday towards their goals. I think that’s all it takes. Small steps every day. After all you can’t eat an elephant all at once.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a fiber artist I create one-of-a-kind wearables and fine art using weaving, crocheting and sewing techniques. The magic of my process is in metaphor. Symbols, colors and numbers are imbued with meaning which is carried through the cloth for the pleasure of the wearer. Some clients come to me when they are stepping into a new phase of life and they want a special garment to mark that occasion.
When creating fine art I operate under the same method of translating significance into the cloth. For example; I’m currently working on a community textile installation titled “Of the Same Cloth” in partnership with the Jessye Norman School of the Arts and The North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center. This piece is special! Since January of 2023 I have involved the community in the creation of this textile. Patrons of the NAAHC have painted the warp (foundation threads) using a natural dye I create from black walnuts.
Creating the dye is a sacred process for me. All of the black walnuts that I gather come from two trees; one on family land and the other on public land in my hometown. Every year, at just the right time, I make pilgrimages to collect some of the fallen fruit. Keeping rhythm with nature is an intentional rooted action in my process. Harvesting color locally allows the landscape to sing through the treads.
Each month I perform live weaving demonstrations at NAAHC for patrons. The purpose of this year long project is to continue the legacy of weaving in the southeast, raise awareness of weaving as an art form and bring people together through shared experience. The final phase of this piece will be its installation at the NAAHC in 2024.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The importance of planning, patience and perseverance. My weaving practice teaches me that again and again and again. With every skill and technique I learn there is also an unlearning. I may believe that I completely understand setting up my loom. However, when I get underway I find that some small detail is not working to my liking. It’s important to be open to unlearning that I “completely understand setting up my loom” and make room for the idea that I can learn even more distinctions. “Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance” by Joseph M. Marshall III is a book that helped me understand that life presents you with challenges so you can discover how capable you truly are.
It’s true that these moments try my patience though, if I can lean into the obstacle it teaches me that with perseverance I can find resolution. Now, I plan to encounter these lessons with each project. And oh, how the lessons present themselves!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Growing up my parents provided everything my sister and I needed. We had hot dog and bologna sandwich weeks sometimes but, they made certain we were cared for and then some. My dad worked out of town many weeks and my mom managed her office and us. They worked with dedication, perseverance and purpose both at home and away. I understood the value of hard work at an early age. Though, when I discovered SCAD (The Savannah College of Art and Design) in eighth grade I had no clue just how supportive my parents would be until adulthood. Putting me through college at SCAD was a dream come true. I enthusiastically valued the opportunity then. Now, with a greater understanding of the financial commitment my parents made, my value has blossomed into unwavering gratitude and awe. Investing in my education was more than footing the bill for a name brand school; it was believing in my dedication, perseverance and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makenzyebarfield/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makenzyebarfieldartist
