My name is Bokiso, and I’m an artist and designer. Recently, I had to make the hardest decision of my life, to self-deport from Los Angeles to Mexico due to the political climate. This meant leaving behind my home, my community, my studio, and all the tools I built my career with.

Together with my partner, Júlia, we made the choice to start over in Mexico. We sold nearly everything we owned and moved here with our two cats. Now, we’re standing at the beginning again, rebuilding not only our home and daily life, but also the place where our art is created.

It’s scary to ask for help. I was taught to work for everything I have, so putting a number like $10k on this fundraiser feels heavy. But we also know we can’t do this alone.

This support will help us cover the basics that give us a chance to create and build a foundation again:

• A used car so we can move and work freely

• Rent for the first few months while we restart

• Rebuilding a studio with the supplies and tools needed to make art again

Our art has always been handmade, rooted in time, patience, and honesty. But with the costs of shipping and tariffs affecting Mexico, even the simplest step forward now comes with weighty expenses.

If you choose to support us, you’re not just helping us survive — you’re helping us return to our practices, rebuild our foundation, and share work that carries our story of resilience.

Every donation, no matter the size, is a piece of that story. Thank you for being here with us as we begin again.

With gratitude,


Bokiso & Júlia