The Freedom of Creation.

After I released my debut poetry collection, I received a motivating amount of support and praise from friends and strangers. The love was beautiful, and it inspired me to start work on my second collection. I brainstormed poems and wrote pages of pieces that wound up in the recycling bin. I became so consumed with the idea of topping myself and meeting everyone's expectations - that the act of writing poetry felt more like work. The creative process stopped feeling genuine as I gathered poems in preparation for another book. I never took into account that the first collection was the product of years of writing. Poetry was a passion and a creative outlet - never a job. The pieces compiled for [If] Life's Rotten, Write to the Core were never written for the purpose of allowing the public to read. Publishing was an act of faith and grew out of the belief that I had something important to share. The entire process was fully organic - and it felt good.

Tonight, I decided to step outside of my creative comfort zone and paint. It was so therapeutic to create something without the burden of expectations. This is what I need poetry to feel like - pure freedom. This is my goal for 2011.

Here's a sneak peek of the piece. It's nothing amazing, I assure you. I used acrylics on a piece of wood that I found near the trashcan in my subdivision. I titled it 'Defying Expectations.'

Loving an Artist.

As a writer, it so happens that the energy I attract is often that of fellow artists. I've dated and shared time with many known and lesser-known creatives. There has always been a beautiful tug-of-war between us, passion, time and those productive, creative moments. Two artists coming together can produce an inspiring and invigorating connection. Loving an artist is electric.

There are times where my only desire is to focus on a piece and zone out. It takes an understanding person to allow an artist their space when it's necessary to transcend the 'now'. It's very rare that I connect with someone without a creative lifestyle who doesn't feel neglected when I'm moved to isolate myself. Loving an artist takes patience.

Artists are full of ego and doubt. Practicing a gift and honing a talent requires the confidence that you have a unique ability. However, most artists are always engaged in the quest towards untouchable perfection. One thing I've learned about myself (as I've accepted myself as a writer), is that in spite of my ego, I need support. Loving an artist requires you to be their #1 fan.

Being an artist comes with the burden of questioning whether you're fulfilling your purpose. Being an artist means that struggle may be inevitable. Being an artist means dealing with rejection and criticism. Loving an artist means dealing with all of these heartaches with grace and empathy.

Life Lessons that You Shouldn't Apply to Writing.

The beautiful thing about writing is having the freedom to take risks, enjoy the luxury of having no boundaries and as an art, it's a place where you can ignore all basic rhetoric of "life lessons," such as:

Test the water before jumping in. In going about our day to day, it's not always wise to act on impulse. Many scenarios involve a process of critical thinking so we can come out of the the situation victorious. For writing, the opposite applies. It's a must that you jump in. Over-thinking the writing process can stifle your creativity. Allowing words to flow as they come to you in the absence of your own criticism will allow you to produce pieces that may have never made it to paper. Refuse to engage in the tedium of editing while you should be maximizing your creative talent.

Share. We've all heard this since preschool. Share your toys. Share your feelings. We're encouraged to share everything from material possessions to being open about our emotional disposition. It's healthy. It's polite. But in art, sharing isn't always necessary. Sometimes your work never turns into a finished product, but serves as a solid foundation for greater pieces. There's nothing wrong with keeping your writer's notebook and/or sketchbook private. I get completely vexed when people don't understand when I'm not open to divulging everything I write. [No, I'm not opposed to discussing drafts.]

Follow Through. It's not always a bad idea to be a quitter. I'm confused by artists who think they have to absolutely commit to a piece that they've started. Creating any type of art in the absence of inspiration is called 'work.' When creating starts to feel like work, I ditch it. When I'm no longer moved by a character, I write them out. When I begin a poem that isn't flowing naturally, I scratch it. If I torment myself with trying to marry something I've started, I cheat myself out of creative time that could have been spent more productively.

Art is the ultimate expression of freedom. There are no laws, no rules, no rigid expectations.

A Positive Poetic Reminder

I may need to post this phrase on my wall. This is the right way to approach positive thinking. Don't take language for granted. The words you release into the universe will manifest in your life. Change that "if" to a "when" when needed. That's all for today, loves.

10 Design Quotes {That Apply to All Artists}

Ran into this post while browsing FreshBump, one of my absolute favorite creative blogs. I frequent FreshBump for visual inspiration, so I found the artistic element of these quotes pretty dope. Love the one above, mainly because it's true.

Baltimore in December w/United Sisters

This past weekend, I flew out to Baltimore, MD for a snowy weekend with the Executive Director of the United Sisters Mentoring Program, Grace Kolawole Wiggins. Grace has been a dedicated client since the top of the year. I've been blessed to be called upon to write press releases for exciting events, such as the USMP HIV Call-Out and Fuel for the Arts. Unfortunately, with miles and states between us, I was unable to support these events in the physical. However, I got a chance to chop it up with Grace regarding the future of USMP during my visit. As someone who's professional life is supported by a strong web presence, the vision of USMP as an E-Mentoring program has an allure that other organizations don't. By basing the program online, the organization strives to keep in tune with the ever-evolving use of technology. Dope.

While in B-More, I had a chance to visit Mund Park, the spot where Fuel for the Arts was held (in partnership with an art collective, Steady Baltimore). During the event, Steady Baltimore crew did live graffiti. An element from the cause will always stand on Greenmount Ave. We took a few shots at the park, surrounded by the historic row homes of the city and stark white sastrugi.

As one of the faces of USMP, I enjoyed a photoshoot directed by Grace and executed by a talented artist, Stefan Ways. I'm sure we got some great shots to be used for the site and other materials that I can't disclose. I'm looking forward to seeing a few flicks and sharing soon.

My last day of Baltimore was one with a touristy agenda. With the snow cleared and a great guide in my new pal Adrian of Steady Baltimore, I headed to Fells Point. We had a nutritional lunch at a vegetarian spot, Liquid Earth and copped some nice albums at a hole-the-wall vinyl shop, Own Guru Records. The area was doted with plenty of unique and eclectic shops for every taste.

I'm so glad to have finally made it to B-More meet Grace face-to-face and build upon the foundation that we started to cement in January '09. As a freelancer, it's difficult to come across faithful clients who value your work. I'm grateful to have found that dynamic in Grace and United Sisters Mentoring Program. As Grace bounced ideas off of me over the weekend, I've come to admire the passion in this woman's work. It's going to be exciting to see the USMP mission unfold.

Muchos besos, Baltimore!

Street Art in Honor of Hafiz

About Hafiz:

Hafiz wrote about 5,000 poems, although unfortunately these were never written down and therefore there is some scholarly dispute about the authenticity of some poems. In the West Hafiz has only become famous in the last century. One of the most important early translations was by Gertrude Bell in 1897. Recently there have been new translations and versions by authors such as Daniel Ladinsky. These have helped Hafiz become a well renowned poet in the West. The poetry of Hafiz has a universal attraction. It is said Hafiz once stated, “No one could ever paint a too wonderful picture of my heart or God.”

Read more here.

Judging Books by Their Covers

Confession: I judge books by their covers.

I was recently pulled in by the simplicity and tone of the cover art of Sold by Patricia Mccormick and was impressed by an amazing story. Right now, on my current Amazon Wish List, I have a copy of Things Fall Apart (my 3rd) by Chinua Achebe, Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde, and Home: Social Essays by LeRoi Jones. These are all incredible authors that I would love to support regardless of the aesthetics of their literature. However, it has always been so much easier for me to scoop a book when I knew it would look good on my book shelf. And these bundles of joy are certainly easy on the eye.

In all of my book cover vanity, I realized how important it was be for me to choose the perfect artist to design the cover of my first novel, A Teaspoon of Fiction. Thus, I approached Atlanta-based artist, Goldi Gold.

I recently wrote a bio for Goldi and in knowing his work and having documented his passion, I am looking forward to putting my vision in his creative care. I'm hoping to unveil my cover soon and truly be able to show that there does exist a beautiful marriage between visual and written art, because there's certainly nothing wrong with judging a book by its cover.

Latest Tattoo Courtesy of Miya Bailey

Body art is an expression of individuality. Tattoos are a representation of who we are in the moment, paying permanent homage to our own beliefs, values and thoughts.

I've been tattooed five times. I have two (West African) Adinkra symbols, the Eye of Horus, a dripping star symbolizing success on my forearm and a gorgeous Dove on my chest (my latest piece).

Sometime in 2007, I set my eyes on the artwork of Miya Bailey, owner of the City of Ink, amazing fine artist and phenomenally dope tattooist. Up until I got familiar with Miya and other City of Ink artists, I wasn't completely aware of the artistry that went into creating body art. I wasn't privy to "freehand" tattooing or viewing my temple as a canvas for someone else.

After admiring Miya's work for two plus years, I was ready to be adorned with one of his originals. The Dove on the left is his work and I am absolutely in love with the piece. As many people know, the Dove is a messenger of peace. The Dove is generally accompanied by the Olive Branch, a symbol of peace. I decided to pair my Dove with the Adinkra symbol on my chest, Nyame Dua, which means "tree of God" (a symbol of God's presence and protection). The execution here is amazing and the colors are vibrant. Miya's art melted unto my temple like I was born with it.

I am so appreciative of the time, creativity, energy and care that Miya gave me on my visit. It would have been negligent to not blog about my experience at the City if Ink. Thank you bro!

Emory Douglas: An Honorable Artist

Emory Douglas was the ultra-talented Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from 1967 until the party's demise in 1980s. Colette Gaiter, Associate Professor of Art at the University of Delaware, described Douglas as "the Norman Rockwell of the ghetto, concentrating on the poor and oppressed." Douglas' work has been memorialized in a book titled, Black Panther: The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas.

With harsh illustrations, Emory Douglas visually interpreted the struggle in his community and beyond. Douglas' subjects were real and people are still able to relate to his artistic commentary. His work continues to be celebrated and influence artists who hope to use their talent to challenge society and its many ills.

You can check out more of his work and commentary on the Museum of Contemporary Art site.

Roadsworth: "Getting Away" With Art

When the artistic icon and pop-art innovator, Andy Warhol, said that "Art is anything you can get away with," I'm sure he wasn't taking into account all of the dope street artists who cover the urban landscape with socio-political aesthetics and colorful pieces. As no surface can be deemed an untouchable canvas, artists all over the world color walls, streets, etc. with art that catches your eye and/or sets your conscientiousness in motion. These artists, unlike writers, traditional fine artists, sculptors, dancers and musicians, are in constant danger of legal repercussions. For this reason, I'm a big fan of street art. It's completely anti-establishment. Creating something in a public arena that defies creating on behalf of capitalist goals, on the chance that it very well may be destroyed by stiffs who prefer blank space, is a beautiful and admirable act.

So, I love the work and expression of Roadsworth.

"Roadsworth began painting the streets of Montreal in the fall of 2001. Initially motivated by a desire for more bike paths in the city and a questioning of "car culture" in general, he continued to develop a language around street markings and other elements of the urban landscape using a primarily stencil based technique. In the fall of 2004, Roadsworth was arrested for his nocturnal activities and charged with 53 counts of mischief. Despite the threat of heavy fines and a criminal record he received a relatively lenient sentence which he attributes in part to the public support he received subsequent to his arrest. Since that time, Roadsworth has received various commissions for his work and continues to be active in both visual art and music."

In spite of numerous charges, Roadsworth maintains his passion and continues to create. In all the artists who inspire me to write (a seemingly less dangerous profession), I must give kudos to all of the street artists who create in a climate that doesn't completely embrace what they do. Much love to every Roadsworth, Banksy and Dondi. Your work is most definitely appreciated. Thank you.

When All Else Fails: Revise.

Writers and other creative people are never completely satisfied with their own work. It takes a lot of courage to step away from a piece and deem it worthy of being presented to the masses. So, when I walked away from my first novel, A Teaspoon of Fiction, I was quite proud of myself. However, I recently gave my work of art another once over, and realized that it wasn't a book that I would boast on my bookshelf. Back at square one, and I'm learning that it takes even more courage to pick up a piece that was once considered complete.

A Teaspoon of Fiction was supposed to be my golden ticket into the exciting world of publishing. I'd written what I thought was a killer query letter, compiled my list of relevant agents, and shot out my call for a representative. I took the rejection letters in stride and blamed the undesirable responses on the failing economy. Then the inevitable occurred: I realized that the manuscript I penned was simply not up to par.

Now, I'm not only undertaking the task of writing novel #2, but completely revising #1.

As a word to fellow writers, please don't fear multiple revisions and edits. While it's a challenge to lay down a piece, it's also very difficult to pick it up again. It's very easy to give up on a project when it's not shaping up to what you want it to be. However, I've concluded that a piece worth starting is a piece worth completing.

Wish me luck!

RIP Ernie Barnes

Like many people of my generation, I first learned of Ernie Barnes by watching reruns of "Good Times." Even then, I wasn't aware of the artist behind all of the beautiful pieces that JJ Evans claimed in each episode. Only after I started paying attention of the creative minds who blessed our lives with expression, did I uncover the name.

Ernie Barnes passed away today. And although I'm sure he's now enjoying his slice of paradise, I weep over the fact that his name may not be immortalized among the most "elite" of art connoisseurs. Such is the tragedy of black art.

So, in everything in me, today, I lift his name. RIP, beautiful. Thank you for your contributions.

More Art, More Beats + More Lyrics

We go for the complimentary Jack Daniels. We go for the amazing live music. We go because it's free. We go to view kick-ass urban art. There are ton of reasons to check out Art, Beats + Lyrics when it comes through your city, including the fact that it's organized by two very dope people, Dubelyoo and Jabari Graham. I had a blast in Birmingham a couple weeks ago and was also lucky enough to check out the show in Atlanta and Jackson, MS.

AB+L is a great event that highlights urban artists from all over the country, some of whom I have the pleasure of knowing personally, such as mr. soul (whom I frequently mention), Goldi Gold, Flux and Fabian, the Occasional Superstar. As a writer, I often pull from visuals for inspiration and AB+L showcases work that speaks to me and my generation. If you happen to hear that AB+L is coming to your city or a city a short drive away, I'd strongly encourage you to check it out.

*Note: We also go to take pictures by Hannibal Matthews.

Recent Images of Note!

My piece, "Puck the Folice," for the City of Ink's 2nd year anniversary show, "Enough Iz Enough: Artists United Against Police Brutality" :

The wall of awesomeness. The painting on the lower right, "I Pledge Allegiance," was designed by mr. soul, the artistic mind behind the design of my piece and the Creative Director at the City of Ink.

My lovely friend, Maven D, with a copy of my book, [If] Life's Rotten, Write to the Core. You can purchase it here.

ATL, Swing Over to the City of Ink.

Today the City of Ink will be kicking off their two-year anniversary with a socially conscious art show, "Enough Iz Enough: Artists United Against Police Brutality." My poem "Puck the Folice" will be hanging on the gallery walls tonight and the next 30 days. Please come out to support this very important message and check out some 30 artists who've artistically expressed their disapproval with past and current acts of police abuse. See you there! (Pics coming soon, hopefully)

Interview with Hip Hop Visualist: Goldi Gold

However expected, one may not be able to interpret the spirit of an artist by what he puts on his canvas. This isn’t the case with Jersey born and Atlanta molded artist, Goldi Gold. His use of clean lines and bold, vibrant colors mimics his own candor and energetic, bubbly personality. He’s not particularly incognito. One may catch him at the City of Ink— Atlanta’s best-dressed tattoo shop, a Hip Hop show at Lenny’s, or any other Atlanta hot spot where hipsters hang and artists of all mediums connect. Some of these folks may know that Goldi Gold was once Army strong and runs a blog that complements his clothing line, Jungle45: products of the konkrete jungle... [Read more on SchemeMag.com]

ATTN: Mitt Romney, from a Fed-Up Artist.

I'm not a writer but I had to say something about this madness. I was cursing aloud when my daughter asked me what was wrong and reminded me that I should not use language like this. I apologized to her and calmly went and sat down to write this note to you adults. If you don't like profane language, stop reading now. So what had happened was...

I went on CNN to catch up on the daily news and I came across an article written by Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, board member of an Winter Olympic committee, and former Presidential Candidate. Now, before I start talking about Gov. Romney, I have to explain how I went into a rage. I had just read an article about Obama telling Senate to cut the crap and get this bill passed already. We're in dire straits. (I'm paraphrasing but let me grab the quote.) Obama says, "Don't come to the table with the same tired arguments and worn ideas that helped to create this crisis." Right on Mr. President.

Now, everyday the news gets worse and worse and I keep seeing news conferences with law makers gathered in Washington hallways and steps to state their case. The Dems say they need to get this bill passed, the clock is tickin'. The Republicans say they want program funding thrown out because they don't create jobs. Some things I can see their point, but for the most part, these are limited funding regiments when you look at the majority of the bill. Typical political stances by both parties.

Then I go read this article by Mitt Romney... I fucking lose it. This guy comes with the same old argument of permanent tax cuts and spending the money on military supplies in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq, which no doubt will go to the same type of companies that got us in the ginormous debt we are currently suffering from. We've had major tax cuts for wealthy buttheads like good ol' Mitt and it has brought us nothing but misery. Oh and who was for deregulation... Mr. Romney no doubt. See what that got us on Wall Street? People like Mitt Romney don't get it because they are no where close to the tragedy that so many Americans are facing or are close to facing. This is this asshole’s philosophy: Give rich people tax cuts so they can hire more peasants. Cut the spending so we won't go deeper into debt, but if you do spend money, spend it on the motherfuckers that blew a majority of the money in the first place. Oh, and any of the programs that could actually help your broke ass, cut those because we can't afford to because we should spend that money on corporations and banks that can hire people and give loans. Only they're not hiring people and they're not giving loans. They're buying other banks and businesses. I want to punch this dude in the face. (Not to mention, how are you for war and not one of your five healthy sons are involved in it?)

Look, this tired old way of thinking is going to be the end of us. So if I had a vote, I vote that cut the crap, strip it of anything that isn't urgent right now and pass the damn bill already. Mitt Romney, please shut the fuck up. If the gargantuan spending that was the Iraq War hasn't tanked us, then spending money on the people of the US won't either. As a matter of fact, your conservative crowd is big on investing. Now it's time to invest in the American people. So fuck your Halliburtons who conveniently relocated their asses to Dubai so they could avoid whatever hellfire that is coming their way after the smoke clears in Iraq, or whoever would benefit from your military spending that you want in this Bill. Jackasses like Mitt Romney don't get it because he's never had to wake up and wonder how he's going to get money to pay for anything. Neither did Bush and that's how they govern. Fiscal my ass. Pass the bloody bill already and Mitt Romney sit down and be quiet... fuck!

Angry artist!

Fabian

RIP Amadou Diallo (Sept. 2, 1975 – Feb. 4, 1999)

On this date, ten years ago, Amadou Diallo was gunned down by four plain-clothed police officers in New York City. Officers approached Diallo using the age-old excuse that he "fit the description" of a suspected rapist in the area. The 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea was hit 19 times out of the 41 shots fired by Sean Carroll, Brendan Murphy, Edward McMellon and Kenneth Boss.

The four officers claimed to believe that Diallo was reaching for a weapon, which was later found to be a wallet, presumably to show them his temporary Visa. The four murderers were acquitted on February 25, 2000, after the jury deliberated for two days.

What. The. F*ck.

In '96, Amadou Diallo moved to NYC to start a business with a family member and to pursue a degree in computer science. As an immigrant, Diallo had a vision of the "American Dream," only to have that dream cut short by rabid, crooked cops. This wasn't the first high-profile case of police brutality. Everyone touched by Diallo's death had feelings reminiscent of those felt when Fred Hampton was gunned down in his Chicago home, when Rodney King was brutally beaten by the LAPD on video and when Malice Green died of blows to the head from a cop in Detroit.

While the uproar was fierce, officers who took their "authority" to the extreme kept on pushing. The deaths of Kathryn Johnston, Sean Bell, Oscar Grant and others followed. This will continue until the "Blue Code of Silence" is dead and officers who abuse their power are held more accountable for their actions.

On February 27, 2009, The City of Ink in Atlanta's famous Castleberry Hill District will be hosting its second anniversary show, "ENOUGH IZ ENOUGH: Artists United Against Police Brutality." If you're in the A, you can make a statement by simply gracing the gallery with your presence. Uhuru!

iHype the City of Ink.

If you're in Atlanta, a fan of body art and a lover of fine art, you must visit the City of Ink. I'm not just saying this because all of the artists affiliated with the shop are very cool creatives, but they also happen to be very dope. The City of Ink has hosted some phenomenal shows over the past two years. The next show, "Enough Iz Enough: Artists United Against Police Brutality," is the theme of the shop's second year anniversary show, which begins on February 27. I'll be posting bits of the press release that I wrote for the event soon.

Aside from the art shows and the atmosphere, people from all over the country are flocking to the City of Ink to be inked by some of the best tattoo artists around. Right now, they're running a $40 special (see flyer) on small, professional tattoos. If you're looking for a place to get your next tat or if you're feeling impulsive, head over to Atlanta's historical Catlesberry Hill District without hesitation.

Thank me later.