Pandwe’s early work, particularly her self-portrait titled *They*, embodies a deeply spiritual exploration of identity and universal connection. Drawing inspiration from the Adinkra symbol Gye Nyame, which translates to "except for God" or "I fear none except God," the piece resonates with themes of divine omnipotence and human unity. The inclusion of a palm leaf, symbolizing the return of Jesus Christ, anchors the work in a biblical narrative, further enriched by Pandwe's eclectic spiritual upbringing. 

This formative period in Pandwe’s life unfolded during her quest to become a reverend, a milestone achieved in 2007. Her spiritual journey, shaped by the teachings of her grandmother’s church in Chicago—a congregation co-founded by Willa Strong-Block and Johnnie Colemon, a trailblazing Black woman in the metaphysical Christian movement—emphasized oneness and universality. Pandwe grew up immersed in a kaleidoscope of sacred texts, including the Christian Bible, Torah, Tanakh, I Ching, Bhagavata, and Koran. These influences are palpable in *They*, where the mirrored image of the messiah reflects not only Pandwe herself but also her belief in the interconnectedness of all human experience. 

The creation of this piece was profoundly informed by Pandwe’s time in Ghana, where she lived for a year, and her subsequent semester at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. These experiences provided her with a nuanced lens through which to view her identity, spirituality, and artistry, culminating in a work that bridges tradition, personal growth, and universal connection.