Together with my fellow artist, Alice J., I embarked on an artistic journey to Uzbekistan to explore its rich cultures and craft-making.

We connected with ceramist families such as the Rahimovs of Khiva, the Ablakulovs of Samarkand, and the Narzullayevs of Gijduvan. In the context of a highly gendered society, we learned Suzani Embroidery and yarn dyeing from the Narzullayevs' women, who mastered their crafts. Meanwhile, the men shared their vernacular and traditional ceramist skills spanning generations with us. This journey also included learning Persian painting and silk paper-making under the guidance of master Davlat Toshev.