I just Wanted to take time out to show the interior of a wheel thrown ceramic vase I was making. It wasn’t the correct shape I wanted. I made a bunch and cut them all up. This is a good study because it shows if a handmade ceramic piece is well made. A well made piece should have even wall thickness and feel light weight. A thinly thrown piece can be beautiful but lack some durability Vs. a thickly thrown piece will be to heavy and uncomfortable to use. Balance is the Key to Life in everything including pottery!

So I have finally put my ceramics on etsy.com for sale!!! This shop contains some of the work that I produced during my first year of grad school while studying female circumcision/female genital mutilation in Africa.
I became aware and interested in this issue while auditioning for the Vagina Monologues in undergrad. After performing, I decided to investigate further--doing a research project and seminar to teach educators about this issue.

PLEASE VIEW AND PURCHASE THIS WORK! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET THIS OUT AND TO CULTIVATE DISCUSSION!!!!!!

I'm not sure which link works best so I'll include both

suburbansoul.etsy.com and/or http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5653511

More work will be posted soon!!!!!

I ask this question because...well..I am always questioning myself. Is there something wrong with me that I'd rather teach art to a group of kids rather than in a university setting? After all, I AM in a graduate program being trained to do just that. Is there something wrong with me because I would rather pick through fashion magazines rather than "real" art mags? Where does my true passion lie, I ask myself. Art is me. But not in the way that it seems other artists take it. Am I not as passionate as I should be? Why am I bored with it? Am I bored with it? What part? Academia. Being required to read philosophy in order to be taken seriously. Being required to know about eevvveerrrryyyybody in order to be taken seriously. It's exhausting and I am not passionate about that part. I want to change peoples lives. Young lives. So again, is there something wrong with me? Something wrong that I'd rather read beauty reviews and makeup art than works of fine artists? I am jaded. I know that. I feel jaded because I know that the artworld has little to do with talent and much to do with how creative you are in setting yourself up to be seen. I want to inspire children.

Come and check out the show, if you can!

Majestic Women: Paintings by Tamara Natalie Madden
June 14 to July 20, 2009
Opening Reception: Sunday, June 14th, 3pm

Winston-Salem Delta Fine Arts, Inc.
The Delta Arts Center
2611 New Walkertown Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 722-2625

I recently found out about this new market opening up in the beautiful Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn and thought I would share info.

*Opportunity to sell your work and promote your business in a storefront in Prospects heights on Sat and Sun.*

Vanderbilt flea @633 is looking for 50-60 vendors to create a small business/community partnership!

contact: Martie 718 398-1519
martie@memoriesoutofthebox.biz

Greetings,

I've been apart of several Yahoo Art groups for at least 2yrs or more now, and I haven't came across one that represents us and all the talent we have to offer. I wanted to ask for direction as well as share what's going on with me- ATC's are Artist Trading Cards that are mini representations of artist work. They are only 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in size and are not sold only traded. I have started a real blog for the first time and have images of my work I'd love to trade with other black artist. I also have set up "Swap's" which are themed cards that you create and trade among a group. My little mini me's (both of my children) are encouraged to express them selves thought art. So I invite all of your seeds ages 3-5 and ages 6-10 to come and create with us:) I'd like to host "Swaps" on this site as well so if anyone can direct me in the right direction, I'd be more than grateful.

I'm so excited about this new journey and would love for you to take a peek and leave some constructive feed back- I'm steady growing so any and all suggestions are more than welcomed.

http://meccaoasis.wordpress.com/
Thanks for taking a peek,
Peace Mecca

I WILL POST EARRINGS EVERY WEEK WHICH GIVES ME A CHANCE TO WORK ON OTHER BUSINESS ADVENTURES.. CHECK IT -PLACE AN ORDER- BUY SOMETHING LOL. LOOK FORWARD TO DOING BUSINESS WITH U SOONER THAN LATER PEACE.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
deslascreation.etsy.com

I've been getting into writing poetry more and more. It helps a whole lot when it gets hard for me to make sense of what i am thinking. This and painting are my concious and subconcious speaking, enjoy:

I am not what you see
A block of mass
Cutting into your air supply
I am
In what you breath
In what you are
We Cross Paths because we have the same one
But through mirrors
they look different
You feel that don't you?
You don't have to answer me
Because i know
Because i feel it too
So that my mirror does
I feel the vibrations

Through conversation and meditation
I see revolutions revolve around you
through vibrations
as you speak and move
waves escape your environment
They hit me
Merge with my own
Clashes
Slides
Into your inner metronome
Through crossed eyes you see us becoming one
Not sure of your visions
By applying incision
you pull us apart
Yet you feel it in your heart
Now say OHM

This is a poem i wrote after not writing after a long time. enjoy!

Long time passed
Since I spoken, wroten, written, spitten
Never wanting to ask
Because of the choke
So I be hitting my chest
Couldn't cope
With what was in my throat
No Hope
Dazed Eyes
Confused
Verbs Misused
Couldn't Spoke
Correction
Speak
Eat
To Defeat
My Worries
Nightmare Stories
No Ease

Until I blanked out.....

For what seemed a century
Must Find a Remedy
Then it hit me
Coughed up the choke
No remedy
Refused to float
Realization
Letting it Sink into me
Drowning
That Intermission?
Yes I drowning
Taking gulps
Gasping
Never Asking
Taking too much
Until....
I stopped

Floating in the light mist of blue
Water current moving soothing
My body moving through
violently excitedly
passionately exactly
As i should be...
Lasting?
Never but to the shore
Depending on the weather....

I have just created my very own art gallery on-line. I have five pieces for sale ranging from 500-750. I was blessed to have sold one entitled "Emancipation of the White Lily" so far that is worth 1,000. I am hoping that people will be inspired my work and/or words that are in my artist's statement. I would love to hear some feedback either here or on the site. http://www.artvibes.webs.com/

Greetings! I am a new sister that just joined this site and i mean wow! i never knew there was a site that had this many insightful and inspiring sisters in one place! it's truly overwhelming. So overwhelming that i hardly know where to begin! inspiration is hitting me left and right. So guess the best way to start things off is to introduce myself:

My name is Ariel Jackson and I live in New Orleans Louisiana. It is truly a blessing to live here. My school is in the region of treme' (so much history; this is where many great blacks during the reconstruction came up and became powerful and free even before the civil rights) and right by the french market (so much authentic art/clothing/food/misc. objects from around the world) where i spend my time mostly. Some nights me and some friends will go and listen to some great jazz music at what is called "Snug Harbor" where they sell some of the best burgers and present some of the city's best and authentic jazz New Orleans has to offer.

I NEED HELP!!!! i was just given a sewing machine. i would love to sew but I don't have a clue as to how to get started. I don't even know how to thread it. Somebody any body please help me! Where do I go to get help?

So I just had the most enlightening conversation with my professor. He has basically released me from doing art that does not truly show my personality. If you view my blog (mallorydover.blogspot.com), you will see paintings and sculptures that are very nice...but still are not me. I've been doing a lot of commentary on social and political aspects when it comes to African American women and their hair, Female Genital Mutilation in Africa...and just about imagining having something that you do not actually have. He was just like, you are not an angry person, you don't seem to have any political agendas....but you are the type of person that likes to do things so that people will feel good. And he said that with the "wig" pieces, I seem to be getting a little closer to doing what you ACTUALLY want to do...except, I need to really embrace the hat thing and really start constructing these different identities.
*

this is some B.S.

BUT...

i've plowed though three pages of items that needed product descriptions and got them posted.

i have three more pages to go...

i have new photos that i need to take

and THEN

on to fix up the look of my shop and blog and carryin on...

and as exhausting as this is

i LOVE what i'm doin!

i added a bliget that will allow you all to take a peek at my jewelry blog from my profile page...

DO check me out y'all!
i've been working HARD!

peace and blessings!

http://selewa.etsy.com
http://selewa.wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/selewa

Hiya all I have new affirmation Cards for women of colour
on Etsy http://mjfontaine.etsy.com

Hello all -

It's been a while since I've been able to post, but we're starting the new year with a fun new Fabric Challenge contest! It's based on one of our all-time favorite African fabric prints, imported from Mali.  It's black and beige tones make it versatile for any culturally relevant creative project you can think of, and I personally have used it several times as a fabulous quilt border.  You can enter your quilt, home dec item or fashion/accessory design, as long as you incorporate a recognizable amount of the print.  Check out the details, and enter to win one of seven CE prizes!     ---   lisa

Whilst browsing 75 (a South African photographic journal commuity site) I discovered George Mahashe, the South African photographer whose created these powerful images. They are raw, strong and unique. The styling is great and I would love to work with him one day. One day... His company, Visual Uprising, has an inspiring gallery to browse. It was difficult to find some info of George but Resolution Gallery had an bio on him, be inspired:

" George Mahashe was born in Ga-kgapane in limpopo in 1982 and started photography by being an assistant to the local roaming photographer, when I got to grade 8 I got a camera of my own and well the rest is history, my interest with the professional photography developed when I became addicted to a men’s magazine called direction (which then developed into FHM) and the love for exotic looking women. Today my photography is more concerned with society particularly in the cultural social war between western and African concerns. "

Conscious creativity. Artist Anthony Harmon's creates images of spirit and conciousness that inspires. Would make a great wall hanging.

link:

http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Consciousness-Series/91042

Godis : Dance

A celebration of women through music, movement and myth

Godis : Dance - a celebration of women through movement, music & myth is a FREE series of dance and folklore workshops designed to encourage women to rethink western standards of beauty and reshape their attitudes about femininity by introducing them to the ancient art associated with the African goddesses Yemonja; the deity of the ocean and motherhood, Osun; the deity of abundance, love and fertility and Oya; the deity associated with ancestral knowledge and change.

Iya Renee "Oyin" Hardy, dance instructor and priestess of Yemonja, will lead the class through a series of movements, traditionally used to embody and evoke the goddess energy during ritual and celebration. No prior dance experience is necessary. Bring a wide skirt and a willingness to learn.

All classes will be held at the Lonnie Young Community Center located at 1100 E. Chelten Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19138 at the corner of Chelten & Ardleigh

Each class will focus on the following goddess energy:

Yemonja - Saturday Jan. 10 at 10 a.m.

Osun - Wednesday Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.

Oya - Saturday Jan 17 at 10 a.m.

I now make and sell plus sized waistbeads at my online store: KeenasCloset.BigCartel.com.

Since I've been rocking mine, I'm now more in tune with my femininity than ever before. My journey began shortly after my previous blog here on YMIB. I thank all of the ladies that contributed and continued to encourage me. Now I want other women, particularly plus sized women, to feel the same way.

Peace

I am doing a three woman show starting tomorrow at the Old Dillard Museum in Fort Lauderdale. If you are in the area the reception is tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. One of the artist (Sista Idya) and myself will be performing at the reception. Love to see you there. See the flyer below for more details.

Nzingah
P.S. NEW AND IMPROVED SITE DECEMBER 15!!!!
WWW.SANKOFASCHILD.NET

My birthday was this past weekend, and while Codi was visiting we took a moment to film some footage of new art that I'm working on. Here's part 1 and if you click on the link below it will lead you to the rest of the videos. I hope everyone enjoys it :)

NY Studio Pt 1 from Marissa Arterberry on Vimeo.

link to all my footage:
http://vimeo.com/1990803

Greetings:

My creative energies are flowing and I have been creating (if I must say so myself)
beautiful quilts and quilting projects. I have just finished a "fabric challenge" for
my quilt guild. I did a miniature quilt and I am pleased with it.

It was so humid here (central Florida) this summer and my studio does not have
air conditioning, so I did not do a lot of work this summer. The humidity is moving out and I have been enjoying the time I spend in the studio. I am also working of a Kwanzaa quilt that will be on display by the Clara Ford Foundation.

Proverb Series


Artist Statement: Nzingah Oniwosan