One of the greatest joys to emerge from 2024 was discovering my personal artistry. I’ve embraced my identity as a Transnational Fusion Belly Dancer and have been seeking new skills to evolve my dance from the studio to the stage.
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to learn how to sew through The Bottom’s sewing circle program. For weeks, I stitched alongside other women eager to master a new skill and fulfill a deep desire to learn how to sew.
I am consistently seeking unique ways to craft authentic, unique adornment and costumes for performances, and The Bottom's The Sewing Circle provided an essential skill I can use to elevate my creative practice.
The quilt you see in the first photo is called “Endure”. “Endure” is an intimate exploration of the relentless endurance embodied by Black womxn—a reflection on the pain and resilience that shape our lived experiences.
In this work, I channel the exhaustion of navigating a world that denies our humanity, undervalues our communities, and demands our labor and patience without acknowledgment. “Endure” serves as both a testament to this struggle and an invitation—a sanctuary where Black womxn can release the burdens of servitude and reclaim the power to prioritize ourselves: our needs, our rest, and our healing above all else. Creating “Endure” was a unique opportunity to express myself and craft a project that resonates with the personal turmoil and transformation I’ve experienced during this year of change.
In addition to sewing, I’ve learned to embroider, build beaded headpieces, hand-block print, sculpt a wig, design a visual arts exhibition, and even perform stand-up comedy for the first time in years! 2024 sparked a fire for creativity and self-expression, and it's a delight to welcome you into my personal laboratory.
Stay in Jaleria's orbit:
Become a "Bloom 🌱" member (buy me a coffee)
Follow Jaleria on Instagram (@jaleria.rivera)
Subscribe to SpaceCraft's newsletter (spacecraftknox.com)