Comfortable in my Natural State

Picture of the Day

2012-02-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

"Sophia"

2012-01-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

My first drawing for 2012...

Hairstyle-Locs

2012-01-21T16:37:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted updates of my locs. I wanted to treat myself today since it's my 2.5 years loc-versary and decided to get them professionally done and I came out looking like a million bucks!

Hair by Aldrine's Beauty Salon Salon

Portrait-Badu

2011-12-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

I feel like doing charcoal paintings forever now. I find it funny how I was in a rut for a while to the point where I thought I lost my passion. In fact I felt like I was going insane and lost my identity. Guess I was just bored with acrylics...I really feel so much better about myself now. It's an amazing feeling...

"Attitude"-portrait

2011-12-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

I started getting bored with acrylic paint so I decided to rekindle my relationship with my first love, charcoal. I haven't used charcoals in 3 years and I missed its versatility. I have a lot more to learn with charcoal thus I will be exploring with the messy black powder for awhile...

Sister M Summer Collection

2011-12-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

source

So inspirational

2011-12-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

via:rubyshimmer

New Painting

2011-12-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Process...

Beauty!

2011-12-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

Just sharing my knitting skills

2011-12-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

Stay inspired!

2011-12-06T14:46:00.001-08:00

Mos def

2011-12-03T16:47:00.001-08:00

Set Fire to the Rain

2011-11-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

Beauty of the Day-Badu

2011-11-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

Black Natural Barbies

2011-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

by JIL Creations a.k.a- The Flying Ewe

More dolls
Love it!

I wish I was able to play with black natural hair dolls growing up
I think I may start collecting black dolls...

Beauty of the Day

2011-10-24T19:45:00.001-07:00

Question for thoughts

2011-10-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Why is it that most people believe saying "I Love You" first is a competition of who has the power in the relationship?

Let this thought marinate for a second.

Growing up the majority of women are told never to say "I love you" first to a man or else that means he controls the relationship and wins. Wins what?

If you love, you love so what if YOU say it first. Let go of the Fear and Be vulnerable.

I believe the person who doesn't care about sayings "I Love You" first clearly wins...

Just thoughts

2011-10-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Some people think I'm a poet to the point where I've been asked several times if I wanted to participate in an open mic.
Who me???
"I draw and paint; I don't write poetry"

No Tarra. You're a poet too....

I ask myself, what is it that makes people think so.
Or maybe the question is why do I think there's a difference between an artist and a poet?
Isn't it the same thing?
Besides, we're all creative beings trying to figure out our human/spiritual journey in our own psychedelic ways.

At the end of the day we're all visionaries.

To be honest. I don't even know where I'm going with this blog post right now. I just wanted to say something. anything. Not everything needs to make sense I guess...
I'm starting to feel like I'm abandoning my blogs. Hence my reason for writing random of the random-est.
Well not only my blogs but all my social media sites.
I rarely use them nowadays.
Maybe abandon isn't the proper word.
It could be that I'm taking a moment to unplug.

Maybe it's true what they say. To stay connected, sometimes you have to disconnect...

Sometimes you need to unplug in order to find your outlet...

Almost fully recharged

Be On Purpose

2011-10-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Good morning virtual friends.

Just wanted to say remember to BE ON PURPOSE!

I will be back soon...

A Letter to my readers

2011-09-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I'm beginning to feel like I'm a bad blogger. I noticed that I'm losing followers and this doesn't surprise me at all. I haven't been updating and been MIA for a long time. From apartment hunting, moving, and other personal matters, I had some pretty hectic and stressful months. I'm at a point in my life where I'm feeling stagnant. I feel stuck and I don't know how to pull myself out of this runt. I'm guessing I'm experiencing an existential crisis but I'm not feeling like my Self at all. It's to the point where I'm finding comfort in sweet foods and of course gaining mucho weight. Funny because I never had a sweet tooth so I know my body is giving me signals that something ain't right. I also found out that I'm severely anemic and been doing a lot of blood work lately to figure out the cause. I've been extremely tired and sluggish. I've lost motivation to paint, write, draw, and sometimes even to read. These past few months I've been living my life as if I'm a robot. A lot has to do with not liking my environment, friends moving to different States, other's getting married and starting a family, not liking my 9-5 jobs, and not knowing how to launch a career with my passion. I feel really lost right now and I apologize for the silence on this blog. I'm pretty sure I'm going through a phase, however I need to take some time to myself and sort out my emotions and thoughts. I don't know how long this condition will last, but I'm sure it's a process that I have to go through in order to grow. Once again, I'm sorry for not updating or sharing but I will be back when I'm ready.

Hope you understand.

Sincerely,

A girl going through some changes

Searching for my balance

Photo of the day

2011-08-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Black Women Art Festival in Philly

2011-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hello blogger family! I mentioned in an earlier post that I was invited to participate in the BWAF in Philly. It was a good experience. Met a lot of artists, exchanged information, etc etc. It was interesting. It was also my first time in Philadelphia so it was glad I was able to take some time off for this.

Well there's so much I want to say about this show but it's one of those "you should have been there". Anyway I'm definitely going to try to do a show here in Boston. Traveling with a heavy portfolio is no fun...

On an another note. I apologize for not blogging as much as as used to. Besides from being busy, I've been writing in my journal and keeping a lot of things private. It's hard to share certain thoughts when people around you such as friends and family don't accept what you do and try to kill your dreams with their negativity. So I decided to lay low and keep to myself. And believe me when I say there's a lot of things in my personal life that I wish to share but in order for me to stay positive and trusting my instinct, I have to stay quiet for a while. Whether it's taking breaks from social media, turning off my phone, staying home, it's something that I have to do in order to accept the changes around me. I grew up in a very negative environment where my family members don't get along with each other. There's a lot of hatred, jealousy, gossiping, and I didn't know that being around that type of environment would create inner turmoil and negative thoughts. The past couple of years I slowly drifted away from family members and close friends who drained my soul and started training my mind to think positive. Not a lot of people accept change and will try to pull you back into what they know and think is right. It hurts and it's scary to break free from your own blood, but at the end of the day I have to do what's best for me and trust my instinct...

Hope this all makes sense...

Picture of the Day

2011-08-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

Photographer James Petrozzello's gorgeous portraits capture the strong beauty of the FELA! dancers paying tribute to the original Fela Queens. "I have long been a fan of Fela Kuti – the musician, the political figure, the icon," James told Okayafrica. "The first time I saw his 'queens' I was struck by their radical style. I wanted to make these photos to pay homage to their beauty and to bring attention to the women who contributed so much to Fela's life." (Portraits of the original queens can be found here.)

FELA! has just returned from a triumphant "homecoming" in Lagos, and has upcoming dates in Amsterdam, England and in select US cities including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

more pictures here.

Orion-Carolyn Malachi

2011-07-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Watch out for her...Another underrated artist

Beauty of the Day

2011-07-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

I want to be there...

2011-07-23T14:36:00.001-07:00

My 2nd year loc-versary

2011-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Guess what y'all? Today is my second locversary *throws e-confetti*. Time surely flies! Wow. I didn't even take much pictures this month because I didn't realize July 19th was approaching so soon. I don't even know what to say. During this year's journey I had a slight thinning of the locs scare, no bueno, experimented with different products, and experimented with different styles. In regards to products, OMG. I fell in love with Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products

Let me tell you. She is the truth. My hair never felt so lively before. I noticed that CVS carries a few of her products, but to find more of her collection it's best to go to a black hair store. If your hair needs some uplifting, some soul into it, I definitely recommend using Taliah Waajid or EO Products.
*Side note: These people do not, I repeat do NOT pay me to advertise for them. I'm simple a good Samaritan who loves to share time and money worthy products*

Anyway, EO which stands for essential oils is 100% organic and you can feel the difference in your hair. Very refreshing. I only use the Rosemary and Mint conditioner and it leaves my hair feeling soft, healthy, squeaky clean, and smelling good. I found it at TJ Maxx, and I've been using the same bottle for 5 months now.
I also use castor oil on my scalp and a little bit of "Nature's Blessing" pomade on my hair to keep it shiny.

Well. Like I said earlier, I didn't take a lot of pictures this time around. Been so busy preparing for the art festival in Philly and time seems to be super speedy this year. Gosh lol. Anyhow, I don't know what else to share other than pictures so enjoy!

P.S. I won't be doing monthly updates after this. I'll post different styles here and there but monthly. negative. I want to focus more on my art now and less on my loc journey so I figured to discontinue the monthly updates.
Anyway, I hope you check out the two products I've mentioned and stay inspired!

Passion Flame...

2011-07-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for ink. I love drawing with ink. I also now have a thing for string gel. It's simple AMAZING. Anyhow, I just finished a painting that took about 5 hours. Here's the result.

Ink, acrylic, and string gel on 18x24 flat panel

The creative process...

That's it folks!

Stay positive

"Earth"

2011-07-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's me again lol. I wanted to share my most recent painting as well as the process. I actually finished it last night. I'm naming this

"Earth"

Acrylic on 18x24 flat panel

Honor the tree of life...

Knowledge

Stay positive!

"New vibration"

2011-07-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I've been painting/creating a lot these past few weeks and of course wanted to share my work as well of show my creative process.

This piece is on a 18x24 flat canvas panel. I used acrylics, glass beads gel, and lumiere acrylic. I want to call this piece "New Vibration" because I believe we're in a stage where we're going through a social change. Metamorphosis.
Human Evolution...

We've all heard it. Once again the world is supposedly ending soon but this time we're following what the Mayans predicted. Although I agree that the Mayans were highly intelligent beings, I don't believe what the media is saying is the accurate interpretation. I believe that we're entering a period of conscious revolution. A time where people will stop being afraid of the unknown, leaving their cocoons, becoming free, and embracing unity and love. Funny enough, I started noticing a shift in human consciousness via social media and non-mainstream music. More and more people are becoming open minded and being in tuned with their Higher Self.

Higher Vibration....

I don't know what will happen in 2012, or how a social change will happen. But what I do know is that people are discovering themselves and recognizing their mind power and listening their hearts.

Focus on the positivity...

Sweet Dreams

2011-06-30T19:27:00.001-07:00

I have news for you lovies....

2011-06-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello my blogger family! So I have great news. I got accepted to participate in the Black Women's Art Festival in Philadelphia this year. I'll be a featured artist at their 8th annual festival happening July 27-31st.

Black Women's Art Festival-Philadelphia

This is my very first showing. This is my first "yes" actually. I'm still shocked (I received the invitation yesterday morning). I've been rejected so many times (especially in Boston, well only in Boston) that it was to the point where I would ask myself "why are you still doing this?". Every time I submitted sample of my artwork to exhibitions or festivals in Boston, they either don't respond back, or, make it very clear that my art is not the kind of art they want to show. However, drawing, painting, anything artsy is my life. Without it I feel robotic and nonexistent. It's my necessity so I never took the rejections so personal to the point where I decided to quit and be complacent...No way Jose.

I feel very blessed and honored that I was picked to join many other artists in Philly. The theme is "Healing and Joy"-very ironic considering the changes I personally gone through.

Anyway, I had to share this news on my blog. I will keep you posted.

Thanks everyone for your support. Also, those who've been in my position or currently experiencing it, don't give up please. Remember, do it for yourself, appreciate what you do, don't be afraid to stand out or be an outcast, be patient and everything else will follow.

This is only the beginning...

Bwafphilly.org

23 months locs

2011-06-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

I know I know I got really quiet on my blog. I have no excuses or a good reason. I just get really tired after work and spend my leisurely time on twitter. Anyway. Yesterday made my locs 23 months. 1 year 11 months. I can't believe it. It's true what they say, time flies. I started styling my locs more as you will see in the pictures after these lines. I brush my locs every night and it keeps my hair soft, removes lints, as well as stimulates my scalps. I'm over my "omg my locs are getting thin" crisis. Apparently I over dramatized that whole ordeal lol. My locs are fine. I joined two of them and now I'm satisfied with my locs agains.

Sidenote: Well it's still relevant but can I say that I love being called a nubian princess, or rasta queen, princess, empress or simply queen when I'm walking down the streets? LOL I love it!

I'm loving this current length as well. I can do so many styles now it blows my mind. Locs are very versatile and this has been an amazing journey thus far!

Goodnight

2011-06-01T20:16:00.001-07:00

Artist spotlight

2011-06-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

So I was on tumblr doing my daily browse when I fell upon these magnificent painting.

Gorgeous huh?

What makes it even more dope is that the artist Minjae Lee from South Korea is merely 22 years old. Oh and self-taught.
I'm stunned because his style is phenomenal and knowing that he uses only markers, pens, and crayons is just mind-blowing.

To see more of Minjae Lee's artwork visit these following links

thecoolhunter

greno89.deviantart.com

22 month locs

2011-05-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I'm still worried about my weak roots. I haven't twisted my hair in over 2 months to see if my hair will thicken. I also started using castor oil to see if that will help thicken my hair. By the way I had no idea that castor oil is what us Haitians call huile maskreti...I used to pick the seeds for the grown ups when I was a kid in Haiti. Memories

Anyway. My edges are thinning. Maybe it's in my imagination but I've heard stories of locs breaking and I'm afraid that will happen to me soon if I don't do anything about it...

On a good note, a good friend of mine will sew a few of them together for me so hopefully that will ease my worries. I can't believe I'm 2 months shy away from celebrating my 2 years growing locs. Time flies... I started styling them a bit lately

J'adore the versatility of rocking locs. There's so much that you can do.

Well that's it folks. That's all I can say for now. Have a good night!

Beauty of the day

2011-05-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

I have a tumblr account now

2011-05-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

I caved in. I opened up a tumblr account. Now my attention is divided amongst several outlets. That's the beauty of the internet. Anyway if you're on tumblr here's a link to my page

tarralu

This blog is still my baby tho so I will still keep this account. Just felt like joining the tumblr family and expanding...

Yesterday I Cried

2011-05-07T12:42:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I cried.
I came home, went straight to my room,
sat on the edge of my bed,
kicked off my shoes, unhooked my bra,
and I had myself a good cry.
I cried until my nose was running all over the silk blouse I got on sale.
I cried until my ears were hot.
I cried until my head was hurting so bad
that I could hardly see the pile of soiled tissues lying on the floor at my feet.
I want you to understand,
I had myself a really good cry yesterday.

Yesterday, I cried,
for all the days that I was too busy,
or too tired, or too mad to cry.
I cried for all the days, and all the ways,
and all the times I had dishonored, disrespected,
and disconnected my Self from myself,
only to have it reflected back to me in the ways others
did to me the same things I had already done to myself.
I cried for all the things I had given, only to have them stolen;
for all the things I had asked for that had yet to show up;
for all the things I had accomplished, only to give them away,
to people in circumstances, which left me feeling empty,
and battered and plain old used.
I cried because there really does come a time when
the only thing left for you to do is cry.

Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because little boys get left by their daddies;
and little girls get forgotten by their mommies;
and daddies don't know what to do, so they leave;
and mommies get left, so they get mad.
I cried because I had a little boy,
and because I was a little girl,
and because I was a mommy who didn't know what to do,
and because I wanted my daddy to be there so badly until I ached.

Yesterday, I cried.
I cried because I hurt. I cried because I was hurt.
I cried because hurt has no place to go
except deeper into the pain that caused it in the first place,
and when it gets there, the hurt wakes you up.
I cried because it was too late.
I cried because it was time.
I cried because my soul knew that I didn't know
that my soul knew everything that I needed to know.
I cried a soulful cry yesterday, and it felt so good.
It felt so very, very bad.
In the midst of my crying,
I felt my freedom coming,
Because...

Yesterday, I cried
with an agenda

-Iyanla Vanzant

Picture of the Day

2011-05-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

via: exiledsoul

The human heart...

2011-04-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

“The human heart stripped of fat and muscle, with just the angel veins exposed.”

via: hotcupsoftea

Oh Lawd!

2011-04-28T18:21:00.001-07:00

what a beautiful man
*faints*

"Torture"

2011-04-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ink on 16x20 flat panel

I'm a lazy artist. I like to procrastinate. I'm telling you, this piece been sitting in the corner patiently waiting for my attention. I sketched this out last October or November

and just ignored it...

Torture..

Well since I decided to start focusing more on my portfolio, I decided to finally paint it. The process gave me a headache

went from white lips to purple

to white again...

I couldn't make up my mind especially with the colors. I haven't done black and white in a long time so I was itching to add some vibrant colors. However, I think leaving it black and white says a lot more...

Happy Sunday

2011-04-24T07:34:00.001-07:00

Ms. Toni Morrison speaks the truth

2011-04-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

You think he belongs to you because you want to belong to him. Don’t. It’s a bad word, ‘belong.’ Especially when you put it with somebody you love. Love shouldn’t be like that… Could you really love somebody who was absolutely nobody without you? You really want somebody like that? Somebody who falls apart when you walk out the door? You don’t, do you? And neither does he. You’re turning over your whole life to him. Your whole life, girl. And if it means so little to you that you can just give it away, hand it to him, then why should it mean any more to him? He can’t value you more than you value yourself.

—

Toni Morrison

Alone With Everybody

2011-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

the flesh covers the bone
and they put a mind
in there and

sometimes a soul,
and the women break
vases against the walls
and the men drink too
much
and nobody finds the
one
but keep
looking
crawling in and out
of beds.
flesh covers
the bone and the
flesh searches
for more than
flesh.

there's no chance
at all:
we are all trapped
by a singular
fate.

nobody ever finds
the one.

the city dumps fill
the junkyards fill
the madhouses fill
the hospitals fill
the graveyards fill

nothing else
fills.

by~Charles Bukowski

Quote for the day

2011-04-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."

- Bob Marley

21 months locs

2011-04-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

So eh strange but usual phenomenon happened to my locs. They started thinning at the roots. Frontal weakness. I combined some of them at the root. Figured I can always sew them together in the future. But...

they already unraveled.

Sigh

It's slightly stressing me out because I really don't want them to break especially since they're weak at the roots. I twist my locs only once a month so I don't know if that's still considered as "over twisting". I really don't know what to do. I didn't think I'd start having this problem anytime soon. Anyhoo, here are some more pics

Well that's it for this month. Sowwy it's not one of my golly "I LOVE MY LOCS" post...I have to figure out what to do about my weak locs and the best way to combine them...

Goodnight!

2011-04-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Kim Holtermand

I'm blue

2011-04-16T20:16:00.001-07:00

Paint by Giuliano Bekor

Moments like these are needed

2011-04-16T20:05:00.001-07:00

Addiction

2011-04-16T19:56:00.001-07:00

Stunning!

2011-04-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

T.S. Abe.

via:protejai

So many talented people in this world...

For Women-Ursula Rucker

2011-04-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

For Women

My skin I brown
My hair is platinum blonde, today
Burgundy tomorrow
My nails is long
I know no sorrow, cause
Ain't nothing I care to know, but…
where my check so I can get my tix for the Jay-Z show
And
I do aspire to be a video-ho do
and I know
Pop-eye got shot last night
But
that's how it go, in da ghetto
in da ghetto
What do they call me?
Read the tattoo on the left breast
My name is…Lexxus
yeah girl
my name is…Lexxus
get it right

My skin was young, so young
It burned and tore
My hair was pressed and curled
and tied with ribbons that Sunday morn
September 15, 1963
I screamed
In the basement of the church, I screamed
The last day I would ever see
Ma and Pa would never know the woman I would grow up to be
I was an involuntary offering for humanity
Why did they hate me?
Why dey hate me, so, so, sooo
What did they call me?
Four Little Girls
Four Little Girls

My skin is tough
This woman
This
Lunch and home, mistake and love maker
double shift worker
sometimes warrior, sometimes weak
This wife
This single soldier
God-given, God fearing, God doubting
This, bearer of wisdom and fruit and pain
This
once girl…sometimes still
saint, sinner, teacher, multi-tasker, friend, this everyday wonder
This…woman
This…nation-builder
This…raiser of leaders, of losers, of babies, of boys who will become men
Girls who will become women
This…woman
Some call me mama
Hey mama
Hey mama
Hey mama

My eyes are a rainbow
I reflect the spectrum
I have seen much
My heart weighs heavy
Even with joy I feel so much
My hair is electric
I am ablaze, I am the source
I can feed you or starve you
Breath life into you or bleed you
I can fuck you or love you
I don't care how they call me
I know who I is
Call me…
crazy, divine, Ma'at, true honeybun, Supreme Pontifica, electric lady, holy prostitute
I don't care what you call me
I know who I is
I know who I is
I know who I is
I know who I is
I is…
Mammy, mulatto, welfare mom
Matriarch, mid-wife
I IS

Happy Sunday!

2011-04-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

This makes my heart smile

2011-04-09T18:55:00.001-07:00

Stay Blessed!

2011-04-09T18:53:00.001-07:00

Stay inspired!

2011-04-05T17:50:00.001-07:00

Stayed inspired

2011-04-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

via:hi-imcurrentlyobsessed

So much fierce-ness...

2011-04-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

for a young girl

Beauty of the Day

2011-04-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

via: vibe

Beauty of the Day

2011-04-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

New artwork and announcement

2011-04-03T07:09:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Here I am once again sharing my latest painting. I used oil pastel, acrylic, and glass beads gel for this piece. I'm still having trouble naming my pieces. I'm just not into that.

So I have great news. Well.... I decided to apply for art school. *Throws e-confetti*

I realize that I've been kidding myself and that working in an office just doesn't satisfy my soul. With that said, since I don't have a background in art, I enrolled in a non for profit school of painting and will start sessions next week. I figured that's the best way for me to work on my portfolio. So yes I'm really doing this. I'm very nervous about it because I don't have a BFA thus I have no idea if I'll be able to get into a MFA program. I don't know. We'll see what happens.

I finally feel like I'm being on purpose...it just feels so natural

Results-new art

2011-03-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

Completed this one today while suffering from strep throat. Been so sick this year. I used to be someone who rarely gets sick. Going to the hospital so many times this year made me realize how screwed up and inefficient our (Americans) health care system truly is. Anyhoo, I don't have much energy to get into the politics of it all. On the brighter side, I took this day to focus on completing one of the many uncompleted art pieces I have chilling in the corner of my room. I collaged the background with magazine paper, cut the subject and mod podged it on the magazine collage. I like how it came out. However, this shall remain unnamed for now...

18x24 Oil Pastel collage

Have a Happy Sun-Day!

Stay inspired

2011-03-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Only Badu

2011-03-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Erykah Badu's jumpsuit

music from my island-Haiti

2011-03-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

I can relate...

2011-03-26T16:23:00.001-07:00

oil & water

2011-03-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

oil & water by Mariah Jalena

!!!

2011-03-26T14:15:00.001-07:00

Rihanna-Cinderella

Beauty of the Day

2011-03-26T14:13:00.001-07:00

Lauryn Hill by photographer B+

20 months locs

2011-03-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

I celebrated my 20 month locs-versary yesterday. Time flies. I believe in my last locs posting I said I started using Dr Bonner's Castille soap. Well my friends I had to put it down in a heartbeat. It's no bueno for my scalp. Too harsh. I only shower with it. Now I'm using EO Rosemary and Mint products. So far so very nice and lovely. I really like it. I encourage everyone who's into organic products to check out EO brand. No complaints. I'm also using Infusium 23 leave in conditioner. Excellent excellent excellente. Infusium 23 has become my new best friend. It keeps my hair moist and soft. I love it.

don't mind my foolishness...

my studio. thought I'd add that in somwhere...

Well hope this inspires people to go on with their locs journey. Peace and Blessings!

Pix of the day

2011-03-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

"Someone Like You"-Adele

2011-03-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

This song is so beautiful it makes me cry...

Adele is overall incredible. Not enough words to describe her talent...

I heard that you're settled down,
That you found a girl and you're married now,
I heard that your dreams came true,
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you,
Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light,

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it,
I had hoped you'd see my face,
And that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over,

Never mind, I'll find someone like you,
I wish nothing but the best for you, too,
Don't forget me, I beg,
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love,
But sometimes it hurts instead,"
Sometimes it lasts in love,
But sometimes it hurts instead, yeah,

You know how the time flies,
Only yesterday was the time of our lives,
We were born and raised in a summer haze,
Bound by the surprise of our glory days,

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it,
I had hoped you'd see my face,
And that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over,

Never mind, I'll find someone like you,
I wish nothing but the best for you, too,
Don't forget me, I beg,
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love,
But sometimes it hurts instead,"

Nothing compares,
No worries or cares,
Regrets and mistakes, they're memories made,
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you,
I wish nothing but the best for you,
Don't forget me, I beg,
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love,
But sometimes it hurts instead,"

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you,
I wish nothing but the best for you, too,
Don't forget me, I beg,
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love,
But sometimes it hurts instead,"
Sometimes it lasts in love,
But sometimes it hurts instead.

in progress...

2011-03-06T07:58:00.001-08:00

Artwork in progresss

Til the End of Time-Timothy Bloom ft. V

2011-03-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

That was pure

sketch in progress

2011-02-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Another sketch done today.

Pat Evans

2011-02-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

She's one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen...

artwork in progress

2011-02-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

So I decided to go back to using oil pastel. Here's a project that I'm working on inspired by Nicki Minaj. I'm not sure what to do with the background yet... Any thoughts or suggestions?

Pic of the day

2011-02-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

via:artismyhustle

Cute!

2011-02-26T13:47:00.001-08:00

via:sloaneamelia

Esperanza Spalding

2011-02-23T16:58:00.001-08:00

Throwback

2011-02-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

I looked at other artists for inspiration and developed my own style, in my late teens early 20s. I fell madly in love with the arts of Frank Morrison, Maurice Evans, Tamara Natalie Madden, Larry Poncho Brown, Justin Bua, and Laurie Cooper. These artists really changed my life.

Here's a rendition that I did back in 2006 ("Air" by Maurice Evans) that I would like to share on my blog. It's one of my art pieces that I'm severely attached to...

I came a long way...

Art is...

2011-02-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

"Art is the suitcase of history, carrying the essentials. Art is the life buoy of history. Art is seed, art is memory, art is vaccine."

— Yann Martel

Solange Solange

2011-02-21T12:42:00.001-08:00

Check out that top!!!

"Coeur"- latest painting

2011-02-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

"Coeur" 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas panel.

19 months locs

2011-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

I know I just posted my 18months but I'm currently on my 19th months locs monthiversary. I recently started washing my hair with Castille soap and wow! Believe the hype people because that soap is amazing. My scalps never felt so healthy and clean before. It's a beautiful thang. I still twist my hair with Honey and flaxseed and I've definitely recognized a lot of growth.

I can do a ponytail now

I have bangs too.

Well folks that's it for my 19 months locs...I can't believe it's going to be 2 years soon

*swoons*

18 months locs

2011-02-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

My 25th birthday!

So so late with this one. That was 18 months...

Officially love Nicki Minaj

2011-02-19T18:56:00.001-08:00

Loc Beauty of the Day

2011-02-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

via: locluv

Beautyful!

Reminds me I have to put up some locs updates of my own....

Guess what!!!

2011-02-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to announce that I......

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GOT A NEW LAPTOP

*the heaven opens angels singing*

shhh listen

HALLELUYAH HALLELUYAH HALLELUUUUYAHHHHHH

Happy happy day for me finally got a new laptop meaning I can blog again, catch up on reading my favorite blogs, and go back to my regular internet browsing routine. So exciting. I'm now left with $5.24 in my account but it's still a wonderful day

Life of a temporarily-out-of-cash artist

Anyway!
Hello my dear friends hope all is well. Will start updating my blog more often again. I'm keeping this post short though because I've been very very sick lately and just took something for my sinus so it will be kicking in shortly.

So just wanted to show signe de vivre and I will be back with the latest.

Have a goodnight!!!

New Painting-"Black Rose"

2011-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with my own painting. Is that legal? jk. I don't know why but I absolutely love it. It's not the best painting I've done in terms of technicality but I love all of its imperfections...

"Black Rose" Acrylic on 16x20 canvas panel

First painting for 2011

Taking a small blogging break

2011-01-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Allo my friends! I know long time no hear. Lo siento *tears*. I've been swamped. I got a new job so trying to settle in, and I still don't have a new computer. That's really the reason why I can't blog. I don't have a computer and it's really frustrating trying to blog through my phone thus I've decided to take a small blogging break until I can't get everything all together. In the meantime here's a link to a beautiful fashion blog that I found for you lovely fashionistas. Enjoy will be back soon!!!

I would so wear this...Holy divine

http://ciaafrique.blogspot.com

life is art

2011-01-01T19:11:00.001-08:00

New Art Happy New Year

2011-01-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I accomplished a lot during 2010 and for 2011 I'm keeping my resolution simple. To have more fun. I'll be keeping this post short because I'm using my sister's laptop (still saving for a new one) but I wanted to share with y'all my last piece for 2010. I literally finished this one in 5 hours on Dec 31st, 2010. Like I said, keeping this post short so please bless me with your comments and thoughts.

Acrylic and black lava gel on 16x20 canvas panel

Latest inspiration

2010-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

Powerful picture

2010-12-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

Wish I knew the artist who created this

2010-12-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

via:thegirlwiththefro

This picture says so much...

2010-12-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Persicolor

via:afro-art-chick

"Go naked until you die"

2010-12-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

via:afro-art-chick