Yesterday, I spent some more time on this piece. Once again the evolution of the piece has left me in awe. Being a visionary and creative …blank spaces speak and little by little an amazing story is coming forward.
The Front View Part II
Artist: Sabreehna S. Essien
The Front View
If you follow me, you know that I always take pictures of my work process. My newest painting is amazing to look at in its raw state. What I’ve seen in observation of the piece a Black woman adorned with noble attire with both hands holding an object. I look forward to the final manifestation of the full thought.
Manifest Greatness
Today after work, I briefly stopped at my Art studio to prep my newest idea. It felt amazing. Considering the current stressors in my life the gift of being a Creative is a godsend. No matter what comes, I am determined to pass safely through to the other side with my joy and peace intact.
This piece speaks volumes…….in this raw state. I am looking forward to the development of thought.
The View: Final Look
It has been an amazing journey to manifest The View. In my reflections today, I came to the aha moment to the final added components of the piece.
When this piece was first primed, l looked at the canvas and saw birds…very distinctly. However, I decided not to focus on the birds and kept painting without acknowledging the birds. The message of my Ancestor who took her final look at her homeland before being catapulted into the atrocities of the Atlantic Slave trade speaks volumes.
The bird totem speaks to the freedom and strength of mind of my oppressed Ancestors. The song that came to mind was the old Negro Spiritual “ I’ll Fly Away” which speaks to ascending away from the pain of body and soul to a Heavenly home where there would be no sorrow or separation from those you loved so dearly.
The final unique component of this piece is the tribal mark on her neck which denotes this woman, this ancestor of mines, she was from a noble people.
Trust the Process
I have been a working Artist officially since 2015 at the launch of my small business and it has been a tough journey. I have shown my work throughout the Puget Sound and met amazing people touched by my work. My heart is full when I remember the results of my labor.
Unfortunately, the joy of creating and the impact my work has made within my community has rarely been monetarily compensated. This fact has made it difficult to fund my work through the years.
It is a struggle to express the importance of my work as an Artist to those closest to me. The years I’ve invested in my craft are life changing and I have grown as a person through the varied obstacles and challenges faced. Although I have yet to be financial successful in my craft, to create art is like breathing so to stop is absurd.
To those fellow Artist establishing your niche in the world and in hope of your big break…I say Bravo to being what we call in Statistics the Outlier.
I may be one in thousands but my light shines so bright anyone can see.
Upward and onward….and like my former advisor told me once as a budding Psych student at Tacoma Community College, “ upward mobility”.
Summer Fest Recap
Summer Fest was a blast. Lakewood is a beautiful city, the community is diverse, and it was a joy watching the young people paint.
ND Art Studios donated 55 canvas plus and when we ran out we used paper plates and when that ran out we used notebook paper. The young people enjoyed painting and being creative. The messages they had to share where heart warming and authentic.
ND Art Studios @ Summer Fest
Hey ,
I am excited for this event as a small business owner and an Artist. This is a family fun event for all ages. Come out and support by your presence.
ND Art Studios will have a booth with Arts Activity free to the public while supplies last.
Hope to see you there .
Change Your Frequency
In this life we can be bogged down with the negative goings on in society to the extent paralysis overtakes us. Meaning we absorb the negative energy and become depressed which creates stagnation.
What I have learned is we must change our frequency….Especially us empaths. To understand another persons plight and care enough to do only what is within your means to elevate the person is commendable . However we must never internalize other peoples negative choices or experiences. Be a problem solver. Be a solution giver.
Self loathing is always counter productive. Our lives matter and so do our neighbors. So for sure we are stronger together.
If your spirit is bogged down change your frequency. Refocus. Recalibrate.
Nature is a great place for this to happen.
We have been given all we need in this life for our success. Doubt and self defeat are illusions of the mind…change your frequency.
New Business Logo
Today was a productive day at the Legacy Building Urban Residency. I unearthed my sketches for my new logo and enjoyed working on it. It’s not done but great progress was made.
When it comes to graphic design, I prefer to design by hand and build up my designs without the use of digital media. Once I am done then my product can be digitized.
Love Yourself
It’s hard enough to love others let alone oneself; however, to neglect or deprive yourself of self love is to leave room open for whatever comes your way disguised as “love”.
What I have learned is the world is full of miserable people who hate themselves. This self hatred or self loathing exudes in their interactions with others. It is unfortunate the saying’, “Hurt people… hurt people”.
My value system is based in Protestant teachings which says, “ love your enemies”. Imagine the task of loving your enemies. Human nature doesn’t allow us to love in such circumstances or compel us to give water to someone who knowing hates us.
I have concluded to love is divine. The gift of choice has been given to us all. In my human nature I chose to surrender to love. In that moment love spills through my brokenness and heals me and all those around me. Hatred just like MLK said, “ is to great a burden to bear”.
Love yourself so others can be healed.
SABREEHNA S. ESSIEN 