PATRICIA KRISTINE WEST
Africa, Cuba // Cherokee & Seminole Nations //
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, USA
Photo: Jessica Swanson
"Stay true to yourself."
I like to think that my struggles, my challenges, are lessons
Masked labors of love
Illusions that give way to a path, a truth
I like to think that the difficulties that I face are not my own but a part of a older, longer narrative, beyond this specific place and space in time,
I like to think that what I draw my attention to and the choices that I make in my lifetime can be a part of a new growth, a healing —a healing that softens the ground and nourishes my roots- farther back than I can see.
I like to think that the sadness that I may hold back is the very thing that I should sit with, that the learning is in how I respond and perhaps a part of me embracing myself wholly and completely.
I like to think that the thing that separates me from anyone else is the very thing that connects us-
in our vulnerability, our imperfections, our distorted lenses, that by revealing ourselves to one another, we may find a sense of contentment that may have been there all along…
I like to think that the tears I shed over the realization that I wouldn't be able to live the life I had imagined, that this fertile garden seemed to have a lack, be less than, a half glass of promise
I’d like to think that that reality would vanish upon my waking, as nightmares do.
I like to think that somehow, somewhere the peace that I seek has been right here….this entire time…closer than breathing.
Closer than breathing…
Closer than breathing…
Closer….
Photo: Olivia Eng
Music: "Faith Hymn" by Beautiful Chorus
"I think it was when my story became that story that didn't have a happy ending. That's when I felt it.
It's like suddenly you hit an intersection on a road that you never knew existed.
My story likes to live in the shadows, in whispers and in the corners of rooms. And although it feels right to keep it laying low, I'm starting to feel the value in being explicit. Using my fertility story or journey as a source of creativity that weaves together ancestry, herbalism, somatics, dance, and song has created an opening. An opening of unknown possibilities. An opening that has led me here...sharing my story with you."
.jpeg)
ATTUNING TO WHAT IS
Patricia Kristine West S.C.A.R.S. Story (Africa & Cuba // Cherokee & Seminole Nations // USA)
Music: "Ambient chill music" by Envato Elements
Patricia West was born in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her family migrated to California from Alabama, Georgia, and Florida in the 1960s for work. Patricia can trace her lineage to the continent of Africa, the island of Cuba, and the Cherokee and Seminole Nations. She honors both her known and unknown ancestry.
Patricia aims to create and support spaces that foster self-expression, collaboration and connection to oneself. She is an Educator, Arts Administrator, and Performing Artist/Performer. Patricia earned a Bachelor in Arts in English, Education and Dance from U.C. Berkeley and a Master in Arts in Education from San Jose State University. Since 2001, Patricia has worked as a Pre-K-8 academic teacher and advisor in both public and private schools. Patricia has also founded and directed dance programs at various schools. Today, she continues to teach and give workshops on dance and composition to all ages and skill levels.
As a Performing Artist, Patricia has had the honor of working nationally and internationally with Alayo Dance Company, Zaccho Dance Theater, Fog Beast, Joe Goode Performance Group (JGPG) as well as many others. In 2017, Patricia co-founded DAP, a performing arts collective.
Since 2006, Patricia in addition to serving as a Performer and Collaborating Artist of JGPG, she is a Creative Engagement Lead and a co-founder of JGPG’s Inspired Bodies youth program. At JGPG, Patricia supports program development around education, community engagements, organizational equity mapping and artistic vision.
Patricia is the Artistic Director of Cal Performances Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp. AileyCamp is a tuition-free program made for 11-14 year olds founded in 1989 by the
internationally renowned Alvin Ailey of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Patricia also serves on the board of Cuba Caribe, an organization that fosters appreciation and greater understanding of Caribbean arts and culture as well as Bandaloop, a vertical dance company based in Oakland, California and is a Mentor for NDEO’s (National Dance Education Organization) Mentorship Program for dance educators.
Patricia is committed to creating and connecting. When she is not teaching, facilitating, or performing, Patricia finds restoration in being with her family, out in nature, gardening, resting, being in or by water. Herbalism, somatics, genealogy, singing and music as medicine are some of her passions and areas of study.
Whatever the path, Patricia hopes to walk through life with intention and is grateful to have continued to work with, play with and serve people across varied diverse communities.