Engage. Inspire. Create.
Yesterday, I had brief moment to paint. The Front View is my current piece at work. I studied the photos last taken of the piece over a two to three week period. It was a release to get the ideas from my mind.
I look forward to add the minor details, colors, and other components that will complete this beautiful narrative piece.
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.
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.
Today I contemplated the magnificent power that is women. My view of myself during my single life was bittersweet. I spent most my entire life trying to prove my value. I volunteered thousands of hours in my community and even though my resume is excellent people doubt my value or language that describes my own self.
Why is it easy for some to assume fault in someone without personal knowledge of the person.
I have experienced rejection for so long that the need for outside validation is never a pillar for stability of mind. I have been maligned, crucified, publicly humiliated, and betrayed time and time again. My values compel me to forgive, let go, and strive ahead.
I started motherhood in my late thirties which is consider “old” or “high risk”. All the same I carried both my two pregnancies successfully and delivered two beautiful boys for my husband.
The mere process of pregnancy is amazing.
What a woman can do man cannot.
Read it again.
We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made. Just imagine the breast milk our bodies produces to empower our small babies growth and development.
Back to my original thought…there was a point I couldn’t see my value as a female child growing up. I thought it was a curse to be female due to abuse of authority from toxic masculinity. So I strived for perfection which is grasping for straws in sand.
My value as a woman can be quantified in what Christ is to his followers eat and drink. A woman is sustenance to her unborn child, after she gives birth her body remains a place of refuge and sustenance for her growing baby. A woman is also a refuge and sacred space for her husband, her life’s companion, she brings life.
A woman truly presents herself a living sacrifice daily for those she loves in mind, body, and soul. We do this 24/7….365….rain or shine….sickness or health. We give up ourselves and put those we love first always.
What a woman can do man cannot.
In 2009, I was afforded the opportunity to study abroad in Ghana West Africa. It was my senior year at the Evergreen State College Tacoma. I was invited by a Director of a private children’s home in Ghana. She asked me to create curriculum for her students. The subjects she wanted them to learn were Art, Music, and Leadership Development. Being a student at TESCT allowed me to create my own course with faculty sponsor. The name of my course was Cultural Studies and Curriculum Development.
Being an Artist, Musician, and Leader within my community made the task to create curriculum on Art, Music, and Leadership a breeze. My students, k-8, were amazing and it was a joy teaching all of them. During my off time is when I would explore the local area, market, and learn about the foods.
I would frequent a small Internet cafe in the nearby village. It was owned and operated by a young Ghanaian orphan. He gifted me my first lesson book to learn the local language of Twi. Anytime I stopped by the cafe to check my emails he would quiz me on my skills.
These memories were stirred up recently during my studio time. I started to paint with the color black, added white, and used a lot of water this time around. The process gave the piece a water color feel and look. The development of the piece has been very contemplative over several weeks. I have named the piece “The View”.
Part of my artistic expression is to take photos of my process and the various stages of my work. Later I observe and make creative decision on next steps. “The View” was created horizontally and one day I just decided to turn the piece vertically. What manifest was a beautiful woman deeply in gaze at the distant shore. Immediately my mind remembered my Ancestors, the stolen ones, from the shores of West Africa. I thought about the castles during my cultural studies tours and the tears that poured down my face while a strong wind from the Atlantic kissed my cheeks.
A signature piece that will be auctioned off this evening at the 100th Monkey hosted by Tacoma Art Group (TAG).. I am the featured Artist this year. The event is tonite at 7 pm at the Tacoma Washington State History Museum. This piece and five pieces from my Noire Femme Collection will be for sale.
SABREEHNA S. ESSIEN 