Today we’d like to introduce you to André and Brianna.
Hi André and Brianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I guess the start of this journey began when we met. St. Louis people are all over this country, and whenever you run into one, it’s like seeing an old friend. People from the Lou know how to have fun, and we always find our people no matter the setting. That’s how our partnership began, through a shared love of St. Louis.
Even though we love people from St. Louis, we also know what it felt like to need to run away from home. So many people do it, we did and were able to have great experiences because of it. But once in a while, a person has to face themselves, and we both felt the calling to return and serve. Art can be used as an act of service to the community, and we both want to empower and enrich the voices of St. Louis. We want to do our part.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing worth doing is ever easy. This journey has grown and tested both of us. We’re trying to orchestrate so much on top of managing our lives but we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is our dream job.
The biggest obstacle we see will be gaining the trust and support of the community. We’ve both been away for a solid decade, so we have to build up our reputation and presence in St. Louis. But as intimidating as that may sound, it’s really not. People from St. Louis are open and talkative, and many people have hope.
There is fertile ground in St. Louis and we hope to be a part of the city’s growth. We believe people will support us, as long as we listen to what they have to say and prioritize their needs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Separately, we both have very different practices, but they harmonize well for Occupy Vacancy.
André is a civil engineer, researcher, and visual artist whose practice is centered on structure and landscape. Through his research and artistic endeavors, he explores how the materials we use affect how we live and feel. He has a deep appreciation of the human side of design and is interested in placemaking and community building.
Brianna is a sculptor, fiber artist, and furniture designer whose practice is rooted in material exploration and a strong political voice. In her work, she addresses labor politics and beauty politics through her lens as a Black woman. She loves to give a voice to the voiceless because she cares about justice and is a self-proclaimed truth-seeker.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
We’ve learned that now, more than ever, we need people. It has been a trying year for all of us and we must continue to show people empathy and grace. It can be easy to look down on each other during periods of stress, but with this project, we hope to move in the opposite direction.
We don’t need more of the same, we need to love each other in a way that’s radical. That’s how we can heal.
Contact Info:
- Email: occupyvacancy@gmail.com
- Website: www.occupyvacancy.com
- Instagram: @occupyvacancy
Image Credits
Brianna McIntyre and André Fuqua
