Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tey Saunders. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tey, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’m a strong believer that finding your purpose is an ongoing endeavor. Throughout life so far, I’ve worn many hats, some of which fit better than others. In this current moment, as I develop my artistic practice, I am leaning into authenticity and being seen fully for who I am while honoring those who came before me and made this possible. I’ve experienced a lot of situations where I had to compromise parts of myself to be acknowledged by people who weren’t really interested in seeing me for who I am. As I continue to navigate life and find my chosen family, I am reminded of my purpose. To be who I am regardless of what others think. To make work that speaks from my heart and hold space for my community. Those who truly care for me and love me will have no issue seeing me for who I am while also affirming me in the process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an artist and educator based in Baltimore, MD. I make things… more specifically I make things with the intention of nurturing my past self, learning more about my current self, and speaking to my future self. Belonging, moments of nostalgia, and familial experiences as a Black person are recurring themes in my work. As my creative practice develops I’ve been focused on honoring the matriarchal figures in my family and community through digital imagery, textiles, and multimedia work. Lately, my art has taken form in different ways. I’ve been called to work with the tangible. Right now I am centering my energy on quilting and expressing myself through a variety of fabrics while continuing to explore the themes of my work. With that in mind, it encourages me to think about preserving my work and cultivating experiences outside of the digital realm.
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?
If I were to choose three qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey so far I would choose the ability to listen, dependability, and kindness. I’ve noticed how people will claim to be good listeners when engaging in conversation. Very rarely do people listen to digest, they listen to respond and defend. In the experiences I’ve had, being able to show up for people and really listen to and process what they are saying and being attentive to their words means a lot. There are a lot of valuable things you can learn about someone and yourself when having conversations. This leads me to dependability, I think that goes hand in hand with listening. Being someone who has the ability to follow through on commitments rather than making empty promises is huge. Even when it comes to hard conversations and taking accountability, having that awareness is amazing. For the last quality, we’ve got kindness. I think it goes without saying that kindness should be standard practice. Moving throughout the world with a kind heart and pure intentions makes more room for that to return to you tenfold.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
This feels good to reflect on since we’re at the top of a new year. As I reflect on last year, I can see a tremendous amount of growth. Overall, I would say my ability to articulate my ideas and make them a reality has grown the most. For a long time I was weary about voicing what I saw for myself. It got to a point where I would be scared to say things out loud because I thought they would really happen. That’s when it finally clicked for me! What I say becomes reality. What I script will come to fruition. That fellowship I applied for? I got in and thrived. I want my work featured on a billboard downtown? It’s happening and is on view for the month! I need support from my community and friends? There they are embracing me even in my ugliest moments. Our words hold so much power. My desired reality is mine, I just know I’m going to pull my weight and put in the work to get it. This reminds me of the late Octavia Butler, she was a true visionary. If you open your browser and type in “Octavia Butler journal” you will see the declarations she spoke over her life and how they came true with ease. Speak life over your dreams and watch how you flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://readymag.website/u1759562294/4904690/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionarytey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teylah-saunders/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@visionarytey
Image Credits
Jasmine Washington took my portrait!
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
