Black Star

Blessings Beautiful People,

I'm happy to say I'm safely back in the states, even though it was emotionally difficult to come back.

I was in beautiful Cape Coast, Ghana (Africa) for 2 weeks!

If there's one thing I can recommend for ANYONE and EVERYONE that would be to 1 day in their life to go to Africa or at least to another country. It's an eye opener to see what other people value, to see witness another culture, their living situation, love of the ARTS, as well as, to appreciate what one has as an American. 

I lived with a host family with my roommate from California named Ellie, where we both volunteered at a school for 2 weeks. Ellie and I both have a love and passion for the ARTs so we decided to have an after school program for the kids. 

In the curriculum, there was little creative time for the kids. So we brought colored pencils for the kids to draw their family and what they want to be when they grow up. The kids were so EXCITED and PROUD of their artwork that they would show each other what they drew, as well as, Ellie and I. They were more excited when they found out that they could take their drawings home to show their parents. 

Besides drawing, I wanted the kids to express themselves in an artistic way so I decided to have a talent show. When I mentioned a talent show they weren't too sure what that meant, but when it was explained they were ALL for it! In the beginning they were shy to perforn in front of each other, but after the 1st day their talents were BEAMING, as well as their smiles and the laughter. Even some of the teachers were surprised to see how the kids came out their shells because it's a side they've never seen. Also, some of the teachers performed. 

We had some kids who sang, recited a poem, rapped, but it was mostly dancing and drum playing.

My Stage (Class) 2

Ellie and I in our African dresses

iPad = New Art Platform

The iPad, probably the year's biggest new gadget made quite a stir when it hit the market. But who would have thought it would become the modern day canvas for many artists. Videos have been popping up all over the web of artist creating beautiful work. Check out the vids below:

"Art will never die, it will only adapt with the times and continue to inspire." - be.

Young Girl making a difference through ART

Click here for more about Olivia and how to donate.

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration

Blessings Beautiful People,

Saturday, April 10 I when out to BedStuy, BROOOKLYN!!! 

to show love to Dante and the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration team.

It was a calm environment with music in the background with a live drummer and DJ, 

who was bringing us back to the tribe with vibrant sounds. 

I seen a few people vibing out with their wine, while others viewed Dante's work with side conversations.

I must say Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration is bringing a new aspect to the BedStuy community and what better way than through ART.  

When speaking to Dante I new he was not a New Yorker so I asked where he's from and he's from the A-Town (Atlanta). He's been traveling throughout the U.S. in showcasing his work, even though it's a side thing for him.

Dante's work deals with body images which can be seen with his light paint brushes and vibrant colors. 

Check out Dante's work:

Dante

"...to create art that mimics true life experiences, by embracing what pleases me but also that which disturbs me. Even those experiences that are not so positive, I aim to articulate in a beautiful way." ~Dante~

Alexa Meade

Blessings Beautiful People,

I was told by a friend about an artist named 

Alexa Meade.

On Friday, April 2 I went out to 19th street to 

Postmasters Gallery to check her out.

Let's just say you have not seen any painting like this before...seriously!

When I saw it online it seems as if I was looking at a live picture or an actual human being in front of me. I couldn't believe this was a painting.

When I went to the gallery to visit Alexa's collection it was jaw dropping to see how detailed she is with her paintings.

To give you alittle background on Alexa, she's 23 years old from D.C. who worked on the Obama Campaign. She graduated with a Bachelors in Political Science from Vassar's College.

Instead of pursuing her Political Science career her artistic hunger took over, which has lead her to her painting journey.

Alexa talks about her painting in stating, she "invented a painting techinque that makes 3 dimensional space  look flat, blurring the lines between illusion and reality."

Check her out:

(The camara or your eyes isn't bugging out...that's how the painting actually looks)

This work is from another artist (I don't know the name...oops!)