my story

Born in Montreal and raised in north county San Diego, my passion for art was formed out of a need to carve out an identity as the youngest child of a large immigrant family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My identity as an artist began at a very early age.  as early as the 3rd grade, I had already begun to share my work with friends and developed MY skills to the point that my classmates and friends  started to offer to pay me to draw for them.

Over time, my artistry expanded beyond just drawing. I began experimenting with other mediums including graphic designs (I still remember selling custom Myspace layouts at 13), fashion, oil paintingS, and crochet. Crochet quickly became a specialiTY OF MINE. I absolutely loved the texture and quickly realized that I could crochet unique pieces for myself - tops, bathing suits, dresses and handbags - you name it!

Years later, into my adulthood I continued designing and wearing my crochet accessories. But they were just for me. One night, however, I went out to A bar and spilled my drink on my crochet bag. When I got home I threw it in the washer and it came out like new. I was so impressed and thought to myself, “how practical. Everybody needs to own a crochet handbag.” Beyond that, this was the perfect way to share all of my talents with the world, which is something I’d yearned to do.

Fast forward to 2022, where I’ve developed my own art brand of beautifully crocheted clothing, accessories, and paintings - Valley Gherl. Valley Gherl is art you can wear, art you can feel. Every piece tells a story, evokes an emotion; a state of being. My collections re-imagineS everyday pieces in practical and unique formats. The art work is all my own and captures my intimate dreams and phases of my life as a regular valley gherl carving her own path in the trenches of life. Ask anybody in PQ … 

I make art!