Tamara-Jade | Artist, activist and educator whose work centres social change |
Her art practice explores marginalised identity and community primarily through illustration | Visual Notetaker | Over five years experience as a trainer and facilitator for social change groups. Specialises in developing bespoke programmes and workshops that challenge groups to reflect on strategy, structural power, group culture and relationships | Her background also includes working in and organising around gendered violence prevention from a black feminist perspective. An intersectional analysis of these issues is particularly important to her as a black lesbian | Hobbies: Yoga | London, UK
Instagram: @tamarajadekaz
Website: www.tamarajadekaz.co.uk
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
The best thing that has happened to me has been developing closer bonds with my friends; especially through supporting one another through this challenging year. I am really grateful to have a good group of reflective, thoughtful, creative and wise people in my life. I'm also proud of my development as an artist and illustrator.
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2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
Like many others, the worst thing for me has been the impact of the pandemic and bearing witness to so much black death. It's been destabilising and relentless. I feel like so many of us are going about our lives carrying these perennial wounds that capitalism tells us to ignore. Was that too grim lol?
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3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
For myself, to release the need to understand and dissect everything; not completely, because it's also a quality I like about myself, but a bit more for my own peace of mind. For my community, I hope we can push ourselves to grapple with conflict amongst ourselves in divergent and less punitive ways.
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4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
Winter during a pandemic! I'm worried about the impact it could have on my mental health, as well as those I care about.
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5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
My close friend Jannat, who never ceases to impress me with the level of care she shows for her friends, family and community. Jannat is super attentive and offers practical and emotional support to a broad range of people in such a considered way that I really admire.
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6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
Both things can be true.