Week 4 : Post 3

There are an enormous variety of tribal masks in Africa. These masks are hand carved in great detail and hold special meaning to all who adorn them. They are carved of wood, ivory, copper, bronze and many other textiles. They are used in religious ceremonies in an attempt to contact spirits and ancestors. Many African masks imitate animals; it is believed that this helps communicate with spirits living in fields or open savannas. The shape of the masks along with facial characteristics gives us an idea, as in case with all art, of what is considered beautiful in that culture. The photo on the left is a reproduction of the Guro masks found in the Ivory Coast of Africa. Guro masks consist of narrow faces, large foreheads, almond shaped eyes, teethy mouths and made of all hand craved wood. It is believed that these masks represent a female spirit named Gu, the consort of the mystical god Zamble.

Tranquility is shown in the masks of the Senoufo people of the Ivory Coast by creating masks with eye half closed and lines drawn near the mouth. The Temne of Sierra Leone use masks with small features such as eyes and mouths to show humbleness and humility. A bulging forehead is used to represent wisdom. Power is represented in some masks by exaggerated faces and broad foreheads. The Grebo of the Ivory Coast carve round eyes into their masks to represent anger and alertness, with a straight nose showing an unwillingness to give up.

Check out the following video about the Dogon people of Mali and the rituals associated with the Kanaga mask. The Dogon people consider the act of carving the mask equally as important as the ceremony in which it is used. These people hold a respect for the Kanaga mask and consider it all powerful.



The qualities of African art are today more understood and appreciated. This is leading them to be mass produced for the sake of tourism trade. Handmade, these reproductions still show the skilled craftsmanship used in traditional mask making but lack the spiritual character of custom tribal masks.

Week 4 : Post 2

Graffiti art and other types of street art consist of images, graphics and words spray painted or stenciled on public property. The most common “canvases” chosen by these artists are viewable walls, bridges, busses and trains. This form of art is commonly used to start social inquiry, subversion and in some cases, anarchy. Subversive art seeks to question aspects of society with no clear political goal in mind.

Although most graffiti (and sometimes the best) is done without permission and considered vandalism, this urban art has moved towards a money making venue. Store owners are paying graffitists to cover sides of buildings, and many companies are using the look of graffiti to market their products. One underexposed and underrated artist (in my opinion) who goes by “Persue’” has mastered the balance of keeping his “street credentials” and using his skills to pursue the advertising world.

Below is a wall he tagged with his name.


He has also stepped into the world of marketing and established himself with a portfolio of numerous companies.


Read an interview with Persue’ here. Follow his blog here.

Week 4 : Post 1

Before you discount body piercing as an art, consider that it is one of the most ancient and widespread forms of body decoration, also referred to as body art. Body piercing goes back to the Romans, who pierced their nipples to showcase their bravery and as a means to fasten their clothing. The Romans instituted body piercing in a symbolic and practical manner. Other cultures such as the Carafa Indians of South America, weave a small cane through their lower lip to show that they are in the prime of their life. Other common reasons for body piercings in primitive societies are as a reflection of status, a rite of passage or as an amulet to chase bad spirits away.

Despite the differences in culture and beliefs, body piercing has pioneered across many modern day societies. The increasing popularity and acceptance of body piercing is a result of the present disposable mindset of fashion and consumerism. Historically, body piercings told a story – the lifestyle of a person
(royalty vs. commoners), their life experiences (war trinkets) and character traits (bravery). Nowadays as people are more aware of tribal societies and their customs, they are mimicking these rituals in an attempt to apply the same meanings. Unfortunately, the true forgers of body art are slowly overlooking their ancient customs in an attempt to take on western standards.

Once limited to fringe groups like travelers, punks and members of the sadomasochistic scene, body piercings have taken a turn into the mainstream by way of the fashion world. First popularized were eyebrow and navel piercings. Once the fashion world publicized body piercings, it dictated to the mainstream that piercings were fashionable and set off the boom.

In my few years, I have had many piercings. I have experimented with all combinations of lip, nose, labret, monroe and other facial piercings. I’ve used hoops, studs, silver, gold and even put a dolphin stud in my nose once. I used body piercings as a means to express myself, though I couldn’t tell you exactly what it was I wanted them to say. I’m sure many will disagree with my statement that body piercings are art, but I feel I have captured the thought that art is subjective.

Week 3: Post 3

Major live events and holidays were punctuated in Morrocan villages by feasts, festivities and Henna. At first glance, it appears to be an array of random design and lines. Far from that assumption, Henna is anything but random. Different styles are applied for different occasions and each design is unique. For more information on the representations behind paticular design, read this. For example, flowers represent fertility. Henna is applied in the form of a paste from the plant, Henna. Although Henna is most commonly known in connection with brides and weddings, the most elaborate celebrations including Henna were Id al-Adha, male circumcision, and “Night of the Henna”. The purpose of Henna is found in understanding the application of it for these three disimiliar events.

Id al-Adha is an Islamic holiday celebrating Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing his son Ishmael on behalf of God. In commemoration of this, the head of every household would sacrifice one of their male domestic animals, such as a goat or ram. The animal, sacrificer and participants of said event were adorned in Henna.

Circumcision is a requirement is Islam. This surgery was performed on boys aged four to fourteen in 19th century Morrocan villages. Again, the son, family and all participating guests were adorned in Henna for the celebration.

"Night of the Henna" is an elaborate celebration for a bride before marital defloration. It is the most celebrated and familiar activity associated with Henna in the modern sense. Although the use of Henna has declined since the independence of Morroco in the 1950's, it is still a part of rural Morrocan culture.

Week 3: Post 2

The above photo of a magnolia flower was taken by a dear friend of mine in her own backyard. It is a beautiful photo, and beautiful sight to see with or without a camera. A companion photo to this one follows.



This is the same magnolia flower. This photo was taken by her son (with her help) from his perspective, sitting in his wheelchair. The first photo is detailed and shows the blooming of a flower in all its beauty. The second looks like a faulty photo, one that was rushed or not in focus. You cannot see into the flower, see the bloom or the way its petals peel back.

These photos at face value, tell a simple story: beautiful and ugly, good picture and bad picture. These values remain beyond the photo and represent much more about the limitations and disadvantages faced by some. This photo has taught me so much. Have you ever stopped to look at a bird on a tree or a butterfly sitting on a limb? What if you couldn't speak to tell the person pushing your wheelchair to stop so you could get a closer look? Stopping to smell the flowers could be a struggle if you are unable to bend at the waist. Not being able to turn your head voluntarily prohibits you from looking out the window at the sun setting.

If anything you take from these photos, try to see the world from other's perspective and lend a hand to those who need it.

Check out Disability.gov, those goal is to connect the disability community to information and oppurtunities.

Week 3: Post 1

Tattoos range from small butterflies on ankles to full body coverage. Some people adorn tattoos like trophies, soaking up the art and culture of it. Others scoff at the idea of impairing their career goals and reputation. No matter your side of the story, tattoos can be beautiful art. On skin or paper, these pieces are metaphoric, thought provoking or simply striking.














I believe tattoos to be another medium to express oneself. And like all art, some attract me and some make me cringe. Despite the controversy of the forever factor of tattoos, tattoos have had meaning and purpose throughout history. The history of tattoos is as diverse as the people who wore them. A five thousand year old tattooed man “otzi the ice man” was discovered in 1991 in the mountains between Austria and Italy. His body was covered by 57 tattoos to include a cross on the inside of the left knee and parallel lines running above the kidneys and across the ankles. The locations of said tattoos suggest they were applied for therapeutic reasons to treat believed arthritis. Tattoos were also used to reflect status in different regions and cultures. A mummy discovered in the Altai Mountains by Russian archeologist Sergei Rudenko was tattooed with images of many different animals and monsters representing social status. The below image depict Maori chiefs of New Zealand and their facial tattoos known as ‘moko’. Full faced moko’s reflect distinction and status; it recalled exploits in war and other passing life events.



I have four tattoos in counting, which I will share below.


My first tattoo is a Bob Kaufman quote “to all those ships that never sailed”. Check out my previous posts which I explain the poem and meaning behind it. I like the image (it is in my handwriting) and the meaning behind it.


My second tattoo, behind my right ear, conveys the feathers of a bald eagle. I used this to represent the pride I have in my Native American heritage. I like the image (I drew it) and the meaning behind it.


My third tattoo, behind my left ear, is of a wind chime. To make a long story short, I decided on wind chimes and the location through trailing down the following thoughts... sobriety, life changing, motivation, mother, mother’s advice / words, hearing those words, behind ear, hearing, mother loves wind chimes.... it all just clicked to me. Although this tattoo has a lot of meaning to me, I am unhappy with the image. Although I drew the initial design, the tattoo artists did not ink it the way I would have liked; the lines are crooked, shading is bad and the circle is uneven.


My last tattoo is of my boyfriend’s name. I won’t explain myself but am not regretful of this tattoo. I am happy with the meaning, but not with the design. This tattoo was an impulsive one and I did not spend as much time considering fonts and design as I usually would. My plan? I will be covering this up soon and have his full name redone elsewhere in his actual signature.

Week 2: Post 3

Once I get started on Saul William’s, I can’t stop. So, I am devoting this post to Saul Williams, again. I exposed you to his acting and his poetry, and finally I will give you the gift of Saul William’s music. The following video of Saul’s song “Black Stacey” is one of my favorites. It’s based on his experiences in high school with discrimination and his own insecurities.



Lyrics…

I used to hump my pillow at night.
The type of silent prayer to help myself prepare for the light.
Me and my cousin Duce would rank the girls between one and ten
and the highest number got to be my pillows pretend.
Now I apologize to every high ranker.
But you taught me how to dream and so I also thank you.
I never had the courage to approach you at school.
We joked around a lot and I know you thought I dressed cool.
But I was just covering up all the insecurities that came bubbling up.
My complexion had
me stuck in an emotional rut, 'like the time you Flavor Flaved me and you called me
"Yo Chuck, they say
you're too black, man".
I think I'm too black.
Mom, do you think I'm too black? I think I'm too black.
Black Stacey.
They called me Black Stacey.
I never got to be myself 'cause to
myself I always was Black Stacey, in polka dots
and paisley, a double goose
and bally shoes, you thought it wouldn't phase me.
I was Black Stacey.
the preachers' son from Haiti
who rhymed a lot and always got the dance steps at the party.
I was Black Stacey.
you thought it wouldn't phase me, but it did 'cause I was just a kid.

I used to use bleaching creme, 'til Madame CJ Walker walked into my dreams.
I dreamt of being white and
complimented by you, but the only shiny black thing that you liked was my shoes.
Now, I apologize for bottling up
all the little things you said that warped my head and my gut.
Even though I always told you not to
brag about the fact that your great grand
mother was raped by her slave master. Yeah, I became
militant too.
So it was clear on every level I was blacker than you.
I turned you on to Malcolm X and
Assata Shakur in my three quarter elephant goose with the fur.
I had the high top fade
with the steps on the side.
I had the two finger ring, rag top on the ride.
I had the sheep skin, name
belt, Lee suit, Kangol, acid wash Vasco, chicken and waffle.

Now here's a little
message for you.
All you baller playa's got
some insecurities too, that you could cover up, bling it up, cash in
and ching ching it up, hope no
one will bring it up, lock it down and string it up.
Or you can share your essence with us, 'cause everything about you couldn't be rugged
and ruff.
And even though you tote a
glock and you're hot on the
streets, if you dare to share your heart, we'll nod our heart to
its beat.
And you should do that, if nothing else, to prove
that a player like you could keep it honest and true. Don't mean to call your bluff but
mothafucka that's what I do.
You got platinum chain
then, son, I'm probably talking to you.
And you can call your gang, your posse and the rest of your crew.
And while you're at it get them addicts and the indigent too. I plan to have a whole army
by the time that I'm through to load their guns with songs they haven't sung.

One thing I love in Saul William’s art is that he does not hesitate to display his insecurities. In the last verse, Saul advocates for other musicians to expose the true them, and not hide behind materialism. This is a message that I have seen Saul (and many other artists to include Promoe and India Arie) push before. I feel music has this ability to reach people on a deeper level, change moods, express yourself and become beautiful art. However, many have changed music from an art to way to promote themselves and a façade image.

Saul William’s has admitted to bleaching his skin in the past and going through a phase of trying to change himself to fit in. He went from hiding his skin to embracing it and making it the focal point in this song. It is an inspiration to see people embrace themselves and their unique qualities. I am a firm believer in beauty in mistakes and flaws. My little sister’s bushy eyebrows remind me of caterpillars and truly make her gorgeous. I love my boyfriend’s gap between his two front teeth. This song is a reminder of how beautiful our differences are.

Week 2: Post 2

This three dimensional sculpture titled “Three Figures on a Bridge: Denial, Despair and Determination” is one woman’s depiction of her struggle with accepting her risk of cancer. This woman is Cynthia L. Green, who witnessed her mother and father simultaneously battle cancer. Unfortunately her father passed within a few months, unable to rejoice in his wife’s victory in overcoming the battle.

This figurine reminds me of the three monkey’s figurines with the implication of “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil”. Unlike those, this piece really speaks to you and tells a story. When you look at it you can sense the time passing, even though it breaks down to metal and acrylic. The denial of the risk in Green’s life is felt through the way the figurine seems to be scratching for a way out. The middle figurine –despair—was perfectly illustrated in the seated position. Only after the despair and acceptance of her father’s death, mother’s chemotherapy struggles and the presence of cancer in her life was Green able to motivate herself to remain healthy.

The emotional theme here can translate into any situation in addition to cancer. Everyone has found themselves traveling the long river of denial, finally throwing themselves overboard in despair, only to swim to shore with determination. This sculpture is so simple, yet speaks volumes; it is a very relatable piece.

Learn more about the benefits of art therapy.

Week 2: Post 1

Slam is an independent film written, directed and starring musician, actor, poet and author Saul Williams. The story line for Slam is set in the ghettos of southeast Washington, D.C. It is a tale of a drug dealer/aspiring rapper, Ray Joshua (Williams) who is able to find meaning in him and life through poetry. Ray finds himself in jail after getting caught up in a drug deal gone bad. It is there he meets Lauren Bell (Sonja Sohn), a writing teacher who embraces him and shows him the path of his salvation.

The extraordinary idea of this movie is that it really isn’t meant to captivate you by its plot line. There are no twists and turns, and it ends with many questions unanswered. But this is okay. The movie draws you in through its raw emotion and poetry. This movie was shot in southeast, D.C., in a southeast D.C. jail and very few people knew there was a film being shot. There are a handful of true actors in the sense; many of the characters were real inmates and people just grabbed off the street.

This movie is a fresh take on a tired theme. For example, in one scene, Saul Williams explodes into a freestyle poem in the midst of hundreds of inmates, who at the time had no idea what was going on. The looks on their faces are true and real and could not be mimicked by actors. Play the video below to see this scene.



I recommend with all my heart that everyone watch this movie and then watch the director’s cut, which gives all of the movies secrets away. While you’re at it, read some of Saul William’s poetry, here is a clip from the movie below in which he recites one of his poems. On a side note, it is through one of Saul Williams books, She, that I became aware of Bob Kaufman (see two blogs down).

Peter Darren Moyle 1:3

This photograph titled Anneke, shot in 1993 by Peter Darren Moyle, is an example of his amazing work and inspirational story. Moyle was well known on the streets of Woolloomooloo, Australia for his beautiful portraits of homeless people, his ability to capture their character and ulimatley give the faceless, a face.

Moyle was so dedicated to the notion that the way to reveal the true characters of these people was to embrace their lifestyle, that he lived among the streets ten plus years. He set up dark rooms in squats, warehouses and cars. To be sure he could afford film, he ate out of trash cans and slept on couches on the side of the road. His relentless devotion to his work created some of the most profound, sotry telling black and white photographs that document a social history laregly absent from the greater conciousness.

Moyle had earned the respect of people from all walks of life, from the down and out guy sleeping in the shed, to the business man in the suit and tie. His work behind the lens has forever changed the way I view homeless people. It is easy to get wrapped up in the stereotypes placed on homeless by the media but you must remember one is not defined by his posessions.


Here's an article from the Sydney Morning Harold about Peter Darren Moyle

All Those Ships That Never Sailed - Bob Kaufman 1:2

Bob Kaufman, a well known American beat poet from New Orleans, rarely wrote his poems down. He often spoke his poems against the backdrop of jazz performers. Kaufman took a Buddhist vow of silence after hearing of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He broke his ten year silence in 1973 at the end of the Vietnam War by reciting the following poem entitled ‘All Those Ships That Never Sailed’

All those ships that never sailed
The ones with their seacocks open
That were scuttled in their stalls...
Today I bring them back
Huge and transitory
And let them sail
Forever.

All those flowers that you never grew-
that you wanted to grow
The ones that were plowed under
ground in the mud-
Today I bring them back
And let you grow them
Forever.

All those wars and truces
Dancing down these years-
All in three flag swept days
Rejected meaning of God-

My body once covered with beauty
Is now a museum of betrayal.
This part remembered because of that one's touch
This part remembered for that one's kiss-
Today I bring it back
And let you live forever.

I breath a breathless I love you
And move you
Forever.

Remove the snake from Moses' arm...
And someday the Jewish queen will dance
Down the street with the dogs
And make every Jew
Her lover.

The beginning of this poem centers on the ship, a strong image for African literature. Nevertheless, these ships are powerless and immobilized. Only by way of the poet – “Today I bring them back”-- are these ships able to retain their functionality as vessels of the memory of Africa’s history. Symbolically, these ships sail between Africa and the Americas, thus reinstating the African ancestral association.

Although the poem in its entirety is a great metaphor for acknowledgement and triumph of struggle, I only dug deep into the first verse. The first verse, to me, sums up the entire poem and is such a strong stanza. I relate to this poem so well that I actually tattooed the first line of this poem on my forearm in hopes of following up with the entire first stanza. This poem represents embracing, not repressing, ones struggles and battles. It is these times that make us who we are, as a person or as a culture. I also take from the lines – “Today I bring them back, Huge and transitory, And let them sail, Forever.” – that it is never too late to take that first step.

"Under the Bridge" - Red Hot Chili Peppers 1:1

“Under the Bridge” was released on March 10th, 1992 by the alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was the second single on the Blood Sugar Sex Magik album. The lyrics were first free styled in poetry form by front man Anthony Kiedis while driving back from rehearsal late one night. From there, he transferred them into his notebook in song structure. There it stayed until his producer discovered it and edged him to purpose it as a single to his band mates. Its slower tempo was unlike any previous Red Hot Chili Pepper song; they were known for a mix of hard rock and funk. Ironically, this gentle ballad was the breakthrough into mainstream music. Although it extended their fan base and landed them headlining the 1992 Lollapalooza Tour, band member John Frusciante preferred to remain underground and ultimately left the group.

In Scar Tissue, the autobiography of Anthony Kiedis, he devotes much space to this song and its meaning. It is a very personal song that uses references to Anthony’s own experiences overcoming drug addiction and isolation. The bridge mentioned in the song is in reference to a bridge in downtown Los Angeles he used to shoot heroin under. Anthony had to cover as the fiancé of a gang member’s sister to enter the notorious gang territory. The opening line “Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a partner” shows how lonely Anthony felt. He blames this on drugs and the role they played in his life. Hillel Slovak, former band mate and friend, died of a drug overdose four years before. His remaining band mates, still using drugs, were together growing further from a three year sober Anthony. Anthony regretted choosing a life of drugs over his ex- girlfriend Ione Skye. He stated “the loneliness that I was feeling triggered memories of my time with Ione and how I’d had this beautiful angel of a girl who was willing to give me all of her lover, and instead of embracing that, I was downtown with fucking gangsters shooting speedballs under a bridge.”

Under the Bridge is an extremely emotional song for me. I have witnessed addiction firsthand and have been involuntarily whisked into its thrash. The idea of a person being fully aware of the damage their addiction is causing not only others, but themselves… and yet to still use, is very hard to wrap my mind around; and I have been try to do so for years. The reference to Ione in the ending chorus, where it sings “Under the bridge downtown/forgot about my love.”, has so much meaning to me, as I know what it feels like to have been forgotten because of drugs. Overall, a beautiful song proving that the ugliest of times can inspire a beautiful ending.

Lacking the original personal feeling and depth, All Saints did a cover version of this song. Sung by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this song is about pain, addiction and loneliness. Sung by All Saints, it is about a bridge. Two thumbs down.