It Feels Like Summer

Created using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator Dimensions:  7111  x 4000 Technique: Digital collage/illustration Inspiration: Navigating the Diaspora with Family The origins of this piece trace back to an unexpected source: summer. As I find myself situated in the UK, a stark contrast to the perpetual sunshine that envelops Zimbabwe year-round, the allure of a British summer is not lost on me. While not quite the unceasing sunshine of home, it's a delightful change that I cherish. Back in Zimbabwe, sunshine was a constant companion, almost a given with our tropical climate. Reconnecting with my roots and my homeland, despite the distance, is a task I hold dear. The screen becomes my bridge to that familiar world, a world that still resonates within me. The importance of this connection cannot be overstated. Speaking with my family, even if it's through digital channels, injects a burst of radiance into my day. They are my beacon of light, the ones who remind me of where I come from and who I am. Being part of the diaspora presents a unique dichotomy – you're connected to the continent in a profound way, yet you're physically removed. It's a bond that is unbreakable, a testament to the unyielding ties that span across oceans and continents. The strength of this connection lies in its resilience, in its ability to anchor you amidst the waves of change and distance. As I pen these thoughts, the realization dawns that my family is my constant, my source of unwavering strength. In a world that often feels scattered and transient, they serve as a reminder of the unchanging essence of my identity. They are the embodiment of my heritage and the carriers of traditions that have been passed down through generations.