Just two more days until we hear Cheryl Pope weigh in on this month’s theme, Moments! In anticipation, we asked the visual artist, SAIC fashion professor, and boxer/boxing coach to answer a few questions to help you get to know her better. Check out the Q&A below, and join us this Friday, February 24th, at Savage Smyth!

Define this month’s theme, Moments, in one sentence or less.

LISTENING IS THE MOST POLITICAL ACT

How does Chicago influence you or your work?

Right now, Chicago is really at the root of my practice. My research is motivated by my direct experience. The most intense, relevant, and urgent issues are inflated here in Chicago and so these experiences, conversations, people, stories, are all woven into the work.

List three words that begin with the letter “B” to describe your personality(s).

brave

bashful

brisk

List the top three places you find inspiration.

Conversation

Reading

Being physical with others when language is minimally used or not used at all

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

when i was a teenager, and i realized art was the only place one could ask confronting questions

As an artist who works in many formats, what inspires you to teach fashion design in particular?

politics of identity.

everything starts with the body

clothing is the most intimate object we know.