2026
ADP: Hey Upendo, what art world advice would you give to your younger self?
UM: I would tell my younger self not to separate art from life. Art is not only something we make, exhibit, or place in a gallery, it is also how we understand ourselves, how we connect with others, how we remember, how we communicate, and how we experience the world around us.
I would tell myself to trust my own language instead of constantly trying to fit into existing definitions of what an artist, designer, or creative practice should be. Allow the practice to evolve naturally, cross disciplines, and exist between different forms of expression.
I would also remind myself that creativity is not only about making beautiful things. It is about asking questions, creating meaning, building connections, and finding new ways of seeing what already exists around us.
Most importantly, I would tell myself to stay curious, keep learning, and remain grounded in purpose. The art world may create categories and boundaries, but a creative practice does not have to live inside them. There is freedom in allowing art to become part of everyday life and allowing everyday life to continuously become part of the art.
Biography
I work with textiles as a way of exploring the relationship between what we wear and how we live. Through sewing, weaving, reconstruction, and material experimentation, I transform textiles into wearable forms, functional art, and conscious living elements.
Rooted in generations of handmade craftsmanship, my practice explores comfort, healing, sustainability, and emotional connection through fabric. Working closely with natural textiles, fabric remnants, and discarded garments, I investigate how materials can be preserved, transformed, and given new life rather than discarded. Through LAVO HANDS, I approach textiles not only as garments, but as a language of care, identity, and conscious living.
Art Dot Prompt is a digital platform that issues prompts to global art world practitioners, documenting and unearthing the underlying intelligence that shapes contemporary practice. Founded by Dela Anyah.
Art Dot Prompt © 2026 by Art Dot Prompt, Dela Anyah and Contributors is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
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