Kehinde Wiley | The World Stage: Israel

It's crazy how time flies and I'll look back and I'll see that my last post was in March...and it's May now. Just like that. Crazy. Coordinating hundreds of people to get ready for San Francisco Carnaval Parade. Planning a wedding. Getting used to holding down a family/household. Chasing a speedily growing baby who at 9 months is giving me a run for my no-money. Trying to maintain some level of physical and mental health. and on and on...

Ya it's spring time and my life is just that. Still, I am going to trying to check this out before it ends on May 27, the bills at the BART station has been catching my eye for months. I was firstly intrigued by this bright image (of course), but mostly drawn by the Yoruba twin name Kehinde....but was like wtf does a Nigerian first name with a non Nigerian last name, got to do with Israel... I was hella confused.

But I did my research and found out. And I'm there. Someone who's all about putting images of black men into the "high" class of art and culture. So the shi shi pinky up side of me thinks I ought to dress cute and get out to see this, and nod my head solemnly and ask my hubby what room he thinks one of these may look good in.

Read about it

Check this article about him in GQ

This Igbo Boy can Draw!

Why take digital photos when you could just spend 100hrs drawing realistic images?
read more
You know how we like to claim ours. Yeah! Gotta rep Igbo. Nigeria. *Shrug* Very cool especially from a culture that typically doesn't support art as a professional endeavor.

I was losing hope in the concept of music videos

And then Ramon & Jessica took me to church.

This Show Rocked my World

 Thank you! Our Daily Bread show for being so awesome! Thanks to Amara Tabor-Smith and an amazing cast and CounterPulse for sharing life with us and bringing us amazing shit. I balled my eyes out. This weekend is sold out, but I really think there needs to be a few more weekends of showings. A special bow for my dear dear friend and fierce woman Tossie Long. Her singing makes me want to change my life for the better! 

p.s. this is where the 'Sneeze of Shame' took place. *cringe*

Marissa Arterberry: Superhero Style Goddess

This is major cool! My friend Marissa Arterbery who really lives up to her name got featured in nymag's look book. She's one of few people whom my first time meeting them is very memorable. I remember she came up to ask me if I'd be interested in doing something for a zine she was working on at the time and I was thrilled. She also one of few people who really inspire me as a black woman to stay strong pursuing my various artistic endeavors. It's a bummer that she's in NY now (again!) but I guess that just means I have to go visit. :) Check out her tumblr.

Peace!

Holiday Design Bazaar Benefit for Harvey Milk Creative Arts Academy

One3snapshot will be here!! Stop by and begin your holiday shopping while supporting Artisan and education for youth

Crawling the Art of the Twin Cities

I've been playing this game of: if not one in the Bay Area ...in what other cities could I see myself possibly living? I may have just added the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul), Minnesota to my short but growing list. I've had hints of an interesting arts/culture scene coming from this area but never was quite convinced and since I hadn't visited and explored it as an adult it was never really on my map. Hmm...

From the homey streets, nostalgia-inducing buildings to the menu boards at Golden's Deli, an eatery that boasts fresh, local and tasty all wrapped in pretty. I was mildly smitten.
(I have been intrigued with the mysterious-to-me art of Menu signage and this place has one of the best I have seen in the country/world?)

After my delicious garden omelet and fresh squeezed lemonade I was able to get a sneak peak of the St. Paul art crawl which I unfortunately didn't get to check out in all its glory because I had other engagements elsewhere, but the little I did see made my heart pitter patter, and maybe my love for this place became full blown.

I met two artists/artisans who had items that I adored and I'm sure you will too.

The first was Storm

I think Storm is my Mid-west Jewelry concept counterpart...I always wish that I had the patience or diligence to make necklaces but I may have just been inspired to actually do it.  love the found pieces put together to create something new and fresh. I started making earrings from using old/broken jewelry and random found object things so this is really cool to me. From a little e-birdie I've found out she's a May baby. Lightbulb! Of course she is... her work is fabulous (not that I'm biased or anything). She is definitely a May Fly!

The second was "Deli Girl"

I love the bright colors of her pieces, and her unique style. She had originals, prints and sketchbook and journals. I meant to purchase a journal book (addict that I am) but had a brain fart and planned to go back but ended up not having time.

Still as much as I crushed on Twin Cities..Cali trumps... Weather, Racial & Cultural diversity, unlimited fresh healthy food options at low prices. So I won't be moving to the Twin Cities any time soon. I'll be back to visit though!

Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy looking for Artists to Donate Art & do Live Demos

Dear Artist,

Would you be willing to donate a piece of your artwork or an hour or two of your time to host an art demo to help raise money for arts education?

The Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy is organizing a Holiday Design Bazaar that will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 12-6 PM at the school, located at 4235 19th Street (one block up from Castro). The proceeds of this bazaar will go towards our developing visual and performing arts program. The event will have 30+ local vendors selling their handmade art-wares. In addition, we plan to host an ART AUCTION. We also want to have live ART DEMOS throughout the day celebrating what the arts is all about.

In 2010, this event grossed roughly $10,000 and with the donations received, we were able to partially fund the school's Visual Arts Program. We are raising money specifically to fund 10 art classes per year in each of our classrooms.

Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy is a small, public school located in the Castro District of San Francisco. Our mission is to empower student learning by teaching acceptance and non-violence, celebrating our diversity, achieving academic excellence, and fostering strong family-school-community connections. Our kids need art, and the San Francisco Unified School District has virtually eliminated arts funding. This is why we are asking you, our San Francisco art community, for your help. Young children are our investment. What we give them now sets the foundation for the future. We hope you will consider our request and take this opportunity to help fund an innovative, urban public school arts program.

We will feature gorgeous, hand-made crafts, yummy food, art auction, live art demos, childcare, a presentation on the value of arts education, and more! This is a beautiful event and a real community builder, plus a great opportunity to support our little school!

If you are interested in participating please let us know by replying to this email, or contacting us at <artsdesignbazaar@rocketmail.com>.

Thank you so much for considering our request,

Design Bazaar Committee

artsdesignbazaar@rocketmail.com

 http://harveymilk.com/

Thelonius Monk’s advice to saxophonist Steve Lacy (1960)

This is old (duh) but the music and design hag in me has a doublemint appreciation for it. My pleasure is definitely doubled. It's on the list of Top things that can make my day.

 

Visual Inspiration: Art by Anneli Akinde

I'm constantly amazed by the artwork our resident artist, Anneli Akinde creates. I don't care if she ever tires of me saying: Anneli, your work is amazing! I will still say so anyway because it really is. Check out some of her print work available for sale at anneli.one3snapshot.com

The Murmur of Oakland...A Place to Be

First Friday of the month just went by and I can't believe it has been a month since I went on my first First Friday Red Bike & Green ride.  This post could be very long but I'm not able to do that these days, but I just want to say that some of my thoughts and feelings that color this post are very well written by Chinaka Hodge in this blog post. Where she talks about Red Bike and Green and some of the things it opens up for her.

Well last night I went out on my first Oakland Art Murmur stroll (*collective gasp* from the people). I love living in Oakland and for the past few years have been internally passionate about creating a social connection here mostly in the form of trying to get my SF friends to come out this side of town to party, and hosting parties and other events in Oakland. I still am not up to par as far as really being immersed in the political, youth development, and art world that is unique to Oakland. I wish I was...but as a lot of my work and connections are in SF right now...well that's the way it is.

Artwork by Scott La Rockwell from the Smashbox Contemporary 1st Year Anniversary

ANYWAY so I went to Art Murmur because ms Tossie called and made me aware that it's possible to actually get dressed and go out and be involved, and see, and talk. Gosh. Sometimes I forget that. I am really such a homebody it's ridiculous.

 Oakland is changing y'all...or trying at least. And I'm still in the 'I don't know how I feel about it' phase. I'm not a native, nor have I lived here long enough to say 'I am Oakland'. But for the past four going on five years I've paid rent here, partied, thrown parties, have a lot of friends and 'community members' that also live here, and more recently ride my bike to the BART station. The look and feel of it has radically changed even in just the past 2 years.

Can't wait to get my Los Rakas Cd!

 Art Murmur was awesome, the persuasion being the inclusion or increase in display of Art from Black people and other people of color, hence increase of color in the stroll.

I went late (haha), and I'm still so shy with taking pics so there are not a lot of photos but I connected with some old and newly acquainted folks doing 'things'.
Anyka of www.bettiono.com celebrated the one year anniversary of Smashbox

Tossie and I ran into Alanna of www.uptownrunway.com who is hosting an event at Mosswood Park on Monday Sep 5.

 All in all it was a lovely time out. I didn't do the First Friday ride but I did bike to the Art Murmur...
Check out the rest of the photos on good ol' fb

Featuring our very own Nkei

NK Focus 7.7 from 77tele.tv on Vimeo.

Whymsical Warriors Collection

Womyn should be celebrated every day. Without us there is nothing. This month is Womyn's History month, where we pay special attention to the contribution of womyn that is a lot of times taken for granted. March 8 is International Women's Day. Inspired by this one3snapshot is releasing it's Whymsical Warriors Collection (see pics below) this month to celebrate! Coming soon to an event & website near you!

Art is Health. Health is Social Justice. That's what drives us to create, express and live.

one3snapshot
culture. art. expression

WHYMSICAL WARRIORS

 The Town. HerStory.

Lady Justice

ReVulvaLution

Visual Inspiration: The September Issue

Ghubar Magazine

Visual Inspiration: Africa In Style

I guess designers got tired of Asian-inspired themes lol.

Visual Inspiration: May Fly Ball

This does not look like a photograph taken at a house party in 2010!

Dresses for the Ball

Continuing from the previous post, here are some more ideas to inspire looks for
MAY FLY BALL house party #3 ...when the Prohibition went to Harlem

From the movie Idlewild:

Won't it be awesome to come dressed in this? You can drop $350 for a close look-alike by Sue Wong, shop vintage stores in your area or Forever21. Alternatively, you can mix & match a DIY feather skirt with a bustier top to recreate this look. The hairstyles are a great source of inspirations as well... chignons and buns accented with hair ornaments

From the movie Dreamgirls:

You can find Flapper dresses at Forever21. The look will not be complete without a short bob and a feather to the side to recreate the signature flapper look.

From Amerie's Essence Magazine Photo-shoot Nov '09

What to wear to the Ball

We are hosting a themed party in a few weeks... the May Fly Ball

the MAY FLY BALL house party #3
...when the Prohibition went to Harlem

Dress as though inspired by Idlewild, the Harlem Renaissance... the 1920s to the 1940s era... when prohibition was in effect and black artists were blooming.

dance party + speakeasy lounge + cinema+ Djs Cassanova, Dom Swinn, K lo K, Playcookie spinning Afro-urban, Dancehall, Hip hop, Funk, Salsa, Naija, Brazilian, Afrobeat & More

In anticipation of the party, with the help of my friend Tee, we will be doing a series of posts - similar to the visual inspiration posts done in the past to give ideas on outfits you can put together from the 1920s - 1940s era. Luckily fashion always comes back full circle so it should not be hard to put pieces together for an outfit after a trip or two to a few vintage stores and the likes of Forever21.  Here are ideas for accessories to inspire you:

From the movie Malcolm X, check out the hat and her pearl necklace.

From Amerie's photoshoot in Essence Magazine Nov. 09, check out her gloves, brooch, tights and her shoes.

This hat from Forever21 or this hat can be decorated using real or fake flower clips you can get from hair or beauty supply stores. Also there are many headbands out now that feature the feather and rhinestone accents reminiscent of the Prohibition era that will work. The idea is excess... gaudy.... flamboyant. For example if you wear pearls don't just do the single strand, long layers or tied knots would be fitting for the time.

Textured tights or thigh highs paired with a nice sheath dress in deep rich colors, or soft pinks and creams colors would create the look of the jazzy 1920's. To finish off you can't go wrong with peep-toe pumps or mary-janes.

Visual Inspiration: All I Need To Get By

I watch way too much HGTV so my head is usually in home & decor clouds. This article in NYT caught my eye about a lady in Seattle who converted her garage into her home after renting out the main house. Sometimes we think we need so much square footage to fit all our stuff but who says you can't live in a small space beautifully?

Happy May Day!

Visual Inspiration II

via Oheme Ohene; SheBreathes