Progressing Along

I finally feel as though things are starting to push off... Now the next step is to get going. Right now I'm feeling very inspired and can sense that this is the best time to start sketching, and get all of my ideas on paper. I've very excited that I may have found a studio mentor, Jane Marsching, who actually is in the area. After talking with her I know more ideas will start to flow. I also think its perfect that she is familiar with my MFA program, which I feel will be a great benefit for me.

Everyone knows I'm working on something, because I started to ask alot of my family and friends about the topic of my piece. Its a normal practice that I do when I'm getting ready to work on a project. I've started to ask everyone around me what they think about the affects of colorism or their personal experiences. My mom has even started to forward links that would be helpful, thats when you know you have a support system. I don't know how many families are that supportive of artists in their families, but I'm blessed. I've gotten such great response from everyone, and I didn't realize how the subject of colorism would hit home for some many people around me. Originally it seemed like it would be impactful but I'm starting to realize how important it is. Having everyone's participation is very wholesome for me because it helps me to stay grounded, and I feel alot more confident and connected to what I'm doing. There are many layers that I feel I'm uncovering and there is so much that I can say. Now I'm just choosing my words wisely.

Here we go now

I have to say that things are starting to heat up quickly. After the residency I made a decision about where I wanted to go for the the rest of the semester. But even better... the rest of the program. But I will just give a hint of what's to come. No need to overwhelm everyone with all of my ideas. I definitely will start with one thing at a time. Though I do find myself inspired by the littlest things.

I will be dealing with discrimination within the African-American culture through colorism. Some may not be familiar with the word, but it deals with discrimination within a particular culture or race of people because of skin tones. It's a subject that hits me quite personally, and I'm sure that there are many other people of color who have experienced the same. The goal is to look at the African-American culture more specifically because it's what I personally know, but the bigger picture is to question what colorism does to culture. It is also important to address how discrimination still raises its ugly head in many ways. I'm really excited about this project and how found its been very life changing for me already.

As a african-american woman I've found myself caught between the fire of colorism since a young girl. To address these hidden issues have not only been healing for me, but very mind provoking. I am aware that people "perish" for lack of knowledge. I soon became aware that by not addressing affects of colorism in my own life that I wasn't truly allowing myself to be me. To tell a story that relates to me but is not about me.  So this semester will highlight this heavy research. I don't see it as a self-expression piece. I realize that there are many people within my culture that can identify with what I want to say, and I think its wise to communicate something that is understandable to me as well as others.

It was suggested that I take a class on African- American artist history this semester, which by the way is a miracle!! I have to be honest in saying that I'm impressed with AIB for its inclusion of cultural arts. There really are not many classes with that title, at least in my experience at art schools.  A friend and I almost protested this issue at our art school in Texas, but both found ourselves studying in Europe. Which ironically many black artists evidently did according to my african american artist class . How scary!!! I knew that I felt more comfortable studying in Europe (mostly because I didn't have to answer questions about why my subject was a black person) but I didn't realize how many other artists in history had experienced this same abuse in similar ways. Nevertheless, it has been by far the most captivating art history class I've ever had. There are mainly many artists that I have never heard of (at this point) that look and speak (visually and artistically) very similiarly to me. I was almost mad that this type of course is only offered every 2 years. But then I looked around the classroom and noticed that many of the other students weren't as interested in the subject as much as I was. Perhaps because I find it liberating to see work produced by people within my own culture( which doesn't happen very often), and to others it just didn't relate. That could be another essay all by itself. But in other words, I have discovered  more layers that certainly can be addressed. Honestly,  I'm excited to be talking about it. 

A new start

What can I say... Its alittle weird to be publishing my thoughts on the web. I'm very use to the art of journaling yet this is definitely the start of something new. But I'm definitely looking forward to using this blog as a tool to help me communicate to others. My advisor, Adam McEwen says that I communicate more clearly through my writing than when I speak. I don't know if thats a complement or if I should feel iffy about that.lol. But anyway its great to be back to normal after spending 10 days at the Art Institute of Boston's low residency MFA program in Visual Arts. It definitely took alot out of me, and was extremely frustrating. I believe most of it was because I didn't know what to expect nor what was expected of me. You live and you learn.

I am very excited about this semester because I'm working on a project that is very close to my heart. I'm looking forward to the next residency and showing what I'm truly made of.