Tag: Courage

Self Reflection

Sabreehna S. Essien, MPH

The Front View has been a fascinating development for me as an Artist who has experienced deep trauma. In this season authenticity and speaking my truth is required for my wholistic state of being; The unfortunate things to speak my truth indirectly cast shade or light on the interpersonal relationships which surround my life.

I have found in my observation of each facet of this piece a deeper process of grief manifest which stems from my childhood. If you have been following my process with the View series you know I photograph my process. I review and study my photos and make design decisions for next steps.

I was disappointed at first with all the seemly distractions and life issues which diverted my energy into survival mode. However I appreciate the deep healing and self reflection that has occurred.

A deeper look at this piece brings me to the topic of self hatred and the resilience of the Black Women.

Next time more time will be spent on the development of the hand

Melanin Popp’n

Sabreehna S. Essien, MPH

This past weekend was amazing. First I enjoyed a magnificent concert Friday night at the Moore Theatre with Soweto Gospel Choir. I’ve heard their previous albums and knew it was a must to hear them live and what a true blessing. I cried, I clapped, I sang, I listened, and my entire body was shaking with the positive vibration by way of South Africa released into the atmosphere. The drummers, the solos, eye contact, and the tribute they did to African Americans had me lit 🔥.

Next my family and I headed to matinee Sunday to see WAKANDA…..oh my my my…..again blown away with the beautiful explosion of culture, color, vibrations, and the great story line. The film was full of powerful messages. One is that we must be willing to sacrifice all to uplift and empower the next generation by all means. Create space for them to shine and watch them thrive. 🙏❤️

Black is beautiful indeed and my heart just overflowed with all the love and celebration of all that my people encompass 🙏

Transition

Sabreehna S. Essien, MPH

Well Hello,

One important life lesson I’ve come to value and appreciate is transition from one level to the next. I have made myself receptive to change and allow it to instigate growth versus apprehension.

I closed my store front August 31, 2022 with hopes to revise my business plan, implement new marketing strategies, and save up for a more suitable location for 2024-2025.

In the mean time between time…I must relocate my Art studio so if you know of an affordable space or anyone who would like to share cost please let me know.

Here is a toast to upward mobility, progress, and elevation on all levels. 🙏

The Front View

Sabreehna S. Essien, MPH

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.

This is a Black woman with a shield and spear.

Trust the Process

Sabreehna S. Essien, MPH

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”.

Taking the World By Storm

Sabreehna S. Essien, MPH

Taking the world by storm

Never conform to the most horrific lie ever told

Lucifarian counterfeit clowns

Cut down with the relentless sword of truth

I thought you knew…taking no prisoners…the violence take it by force.

For our weapon of war are not carnal but mighty

Pulling down, uprooting, and destroying with principle

Planting seeds of right doing, right living, and right speaking

Child of the Everlasting Kingdom

Ambassador with a message for all ears to hear

Blazing a trail this world has never known…receiving divine directive daily

 God is commander and chief

On the battle field of life no relief

It seems at times I’m weak on the brink of collapse

Then my guardian angel pulls his wings back

Whispering heavenly messages of hope

Hold steady while the battle is raging

Keep your position never mention your doubts

Only trust in the refuge of Gods strength

Front-lines gett’in shook but won’t break

Defeat comes to all those who rise up against

The Army of the Lord of Host

Victory is ours.

-lsthurman- 13 March 2013