This piece is a tribute to American poet Amanda Gorman who wrote and performed "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2021. To me Gorman became the Queen of Hearts, changing the way the game is played.

At twenty-two years old, Amanda became the youngest inaugural poet ever, captivating our minds and captured our hearts.

“The Hill We Climb” became a powerful call to action focusing on themes of hope, unity, healing, and resilience. Her words resonated and refocused our understanding of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization.

I was deeply touched and enamoured by all of it: The power of her words, her poetic syncopation, the expressive gestures, her confidence and physical comportment, the warmth and positivity of her yellow coat and the regal crown of braids adorned by that fiery red headband.

I sculpted her bodice from a deck of cards.  On the cuffs and collar of her yellow jacket you will find the entire poem written out, essentially wearing her heart on her sleeves.  The inside of her cape, along with the Elizabethan ruffle collar are sculpted from vintage dictionaries.