Yazz Atmore: Elssa

A collage & interview series honoring the Black ass Women we call home. Inspired by my late grandmother this series celebrates the multifaceted, layered & vastness beauty of the Black women we call home, love, joy & ancestor. Series participants offer memories & stories of life with such extraordinary women giving us a glimpse of the many ways love shows up time after time. The collages consist of photos, magazine snippets, colors & patterns that embody the essence of the women we call mother, grandmother, aunt & friend.  I hope this series reminds you that you too will become the new home, peace, love & ancestor for the next generation. We’re Art. The women who have come before us are Art. The ones who will come after us will be Art.

Elssa Ghezaee

Interviewee: Asmeret Tesfay, Daughter

What do/did you love the most about her?

The most I love about my Mother is her strength and her ability to do almost anything. Her range of skills blows my mind.

What was something she taught you?

She taught me resilience. She also taught me without her noticing-her eye of fabric and fashion.

What’s one piece of advice did she give you that you’ve held onto & live by?

Don’t have any expectations. Always do good by those even if they have not done good by you.

What’s a favorite memory or story you have of her?

My favorite memory of my Mom is anytime she is laughing and joyful.