Days 63-65: Spirits and Spirit Houses

I'm on some walls!  The Opening was Awesome!  It was a great turnout!  I made it over!  Artist Talk May 12th, if you'd like to come see the pieces in person!  I'm on some walls!

I was trying to merge Fine Art, Architecture, and Illustration.  I'm hoping that's coming across, is it?  Would you consider these to be "sophisticated concepts"?  I'm curious to know what you think? And there is a reason that I'm asking that question in particular.

All in all, I'm pleased with these pieces.  I know they are just the beginning of the next outburst of . . . being and becoming.   (smile)

If you'd like to purchase a piece let me know.  The prices vary and include shadow box framing.

Shout out to Rikiesha Hawkins for the awesome collaboration.  She made all the spirits (wire figures).
Shout out to Maya Freelon Asante who gave us the honor and pleasure of presenting our progress.  Shout out to my fellow artist's who also participated in the 100 Days of Art Exhibit and provided me with tons of inspiration, encouragement, and laughs along the way, Mrs. Stacie Powell and the soon to be "Mrs." Ashley Haley.  Thanks to Chris Metzger for the post card, the laughs, and the inspiration.  And congrats to Ashley and Edwin on their graduation from Morgan State University.  Keep spreading the word through your art!  To all my family and friends thanks for being my biggest fans and supporting always, ya'll are tha bomb!  To my fellow artist buddies, Lauren Brevner who gave me the audacity to think I could do 100 days straight of art making!  Whatever you were drinking, I wanted some too!  LOL!  And thank you God for showing up and showing off!  Gotta love YOU!  Here are the pics!

 

Days 60-62: African Indian Actually

With my new found grace and strength along came the voice from within.  She asked softly, "Do you realize who you are?"  I said, "Huh, Say What, Say Who."  Then I heard the women that birthed me speak.  Generations of them, telling me all that I am.  Joy set in.

Sometimes, I don't feel very American when I feel the hatred from racists who obviously don't want people of color to be here.  Trying to disclaim me, forgetting that I never asked to be here in the first place.  What is meant to be, just is.

But "they" lay claims to this place and try to deny me my right to be here?  When they weren't even the first.  But I know who was first.  My grandmothers from long past were here before them.  So if you taste a little hot sauce when I say I'm "African Indian Actually", you're tasting right!  Get a cup of water!  Shout out to my Cherokee Great Grand to the Infinite Power Mother and my African Great Grand to the Infinite Power Mother!  I see you ladies!  And I'm gonna represent you to tha fullest!  Hollahhhhhh at your girl!

Days 57-59: Sylph

After you get in a stance and those calf muscles tighten up and you catch a glimpse of your reflection, something . . . happens.  You hold that head up higher.  You get your contrapposto on and face the world like, "Ninja what!  I got this."

That faith, gives you a freedom indescribable.  The knowing gives you confidence.  And the truth of the matter is revealed.  You realize that you are a vessel.  His vessel.  His energy pulses through your veins.  Your skin is thicker, bloodline stronger and it's flowing to the source.  And you understand that . . . you SHALL live . . . and not die. 

You will live, you will produce, you will be a spirit house, you will be fruitful, and multiply.

A sylph is a slender, graceful woman.  In folklore, she is one of a race of supernatural beings supposed to inhabit the air.  Yeah, I'm a sylph.  A bad ass motha, shut yo mouth!

Days 54-56: Kept

This load didn't JUST get heavy.  It's been heavy for a grip, since birth!  That's when I have to sit back and really "Look Where He brought Me From."  I have to sang the song on that note!  "He brought Me Out of Darkness.  I'm Walking In The Light.  Look Where He Brought Me Frommmmm."  (And the choir is sangin in the background!)

So I painted this tree, with a visibly opened caccoon.  I'm out roaming, climbing, hanging on, and yes, still standing strong.  Hollah if you hear me!

Days 51-53: The Mother Load

And of course after that first one, I was bitten.  Bad, like a mosquito bite!  On to the next one, but wait . . . "Mommy, Mommy, Mom, Mom, Muhhhh..... oh please, let me be something more than Mommy!

This explains my second born, The Mother Load!  I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders all over again.  And I'm not just carrying mine, I feel this huge responsibility to carry every child on my back like that dude, you know the one holding the world up.   I think his name is Atlas, lol!

But you know, sometimes, that weight is like a crown.  Painful thorns, but a crown none the least.  Ain't no need in taking it off, I'll wear it proudly, because He did.

I'll pray, I'll meditate, I'll prostrate . . . all while the baby lives his life on the edge, clueless to the danger surrounding him, innocent and free from carrying the burden of knowing the truth.  (Another big ass sigh).  A mother's love....