Move #1

[Alexis]

My dream: to become the best me I can be spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, artistically. It sounds lofty and crunchy at first, but I've learned that, for me, in order to make any kind of mark in this world and have the revolution I wish for, I need to first become the change I wish to see. I'm not talking bout no Black Panther Party, guns-in-the-street type revolution either. I believe in the power of LOVE to transform and transcend people. (not that LOVE will make civil war, poverty, aids, etc magically disappear, but...rather, love will compel us to act in the best interests of our fellow human beings). But I realized I didn't love myself, which, in a way, hindered me from so much. I realized that lack of love for oneself can lead you to become complacent and apathetic. Why do you put up with the homophobia? the sexism? the racism? why are you silent? it's because, maybe, on some level, you believe what they say to be . Fix it. <---that's what I had to tell myself.

So. I made a list of things I need to do. I have several steps that I'm juggling simultaneously (call me Lakshmi! lol). I won't divulge all of them here at the moment. But. The thing that I've been working on a lot lately is restoring my creativity. I want to get back to the place where creating was just like breathing for me. I'm trying to do it all--paint/shoot/write/whatever. It's a long and arduous process, but it's ultimately cathartic. I'm working on this painting right now.

STEP 1:
Finish this painting of Nina Simone. I've been working on it since February. I've been monitoring my progress as a way to encourage myself. It's working so far (I'm not as far along as I'd like to be but I'm juggling a lot at the moment. Gotta get in where I fit in). I hope to complete it by the end of this summer.

[Hanifah Walidah]

Wow, I really love your color palette! I also like the idea of showing your progression. It does make a difference, even as I look at it I feels good to see with your own eyes how you've moved from point A to point B.

[Alexis]

thanks :)
yeah experience has shown me that...
having a visual/physical record of progress helps me on my journey, specially when i feel like giving up or like everything has been done in vain. it makes a helluva difference.

[Hailstonez]

Amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing the end product...Keep on doing what you're doing, you're doing an amazing job!

[Lunakiss]

I dig your paintings. True talent. Keep evolving.