Transformative Visions 09: ArtistsMarch 14, 2009 at Studio One Art Center
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Art is an absolute liberation of my imagination, a tool I use to communicate and share my "inner-light." Living with this artistic expression is ritualistic in act and meditative in thought... Because of this, the very act of creating fine art is imparted with the relationship and responsibility I have with THE CREATOR. "The purpose of my existence."
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| Malik Seneferu |
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| Refa One |
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This particular illustration beckons the viewer to interpret the meaning as well as the intent. The work speaks to the social plight of this American nation as it rallies around the slogan of change. On the quest for peace the question remains, "Change for Whom?”
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The media I've explored as an artist have varied, transformed, even evolved, yet my intention has only grown more pronounced with its unmoving governance: discovering or uncovering truth as relevant, creating beauty with viable resources as available. This process has always been certain to confront obstacles and challenges, personal and impersonal, sometimes minor, sometimes monumental – but the end result has infallibly brought meaningful insights on "sustainability" and "fulfillment" through my own conscious commitment made to the noted cause at hand.
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| Nancy Loquellano |
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| TaSin Sabir: Human Nature - Hope / Power / Spirit |
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| Shaken into change, the earth has taken its last breath and is now dying with us. Releasing its last bit of energy to show us how to save ourselves. Painting in the sky clear colors of instructions, steps and actions. Sending out its messengers to howl, bite, kick and slither new meaning into our minds. Reminding us of simpler times and redefining its definite pattern. It's cycle, it's core, it's simple ingredients in order to sustain.
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This altar was created based on the healing qualities of water in the Dagara cultural tradition. It reflects a peaceful sense of clarity and serenity to calm the mind and spirit. In times of uncertainty, challenge and stress, the Peace of Mind altar generates a feeling of harmony, balance and beauty that is sacred and healing.
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| Harriet Tubman Wright |
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| Pablo Soto Campoamor |
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My work often includes symbolic images of liberation and spiritual illumination inspired by the Indigenous and African-based spiritual traditions of the Caribbean diaspora. A window into a dreamed landscape, this painting reveals the existence of fear and joy residing within us and how, without these influences, we would be unable to overcome obstacles and realize our potential.
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These pieces are part of a series based on an Ifa system of divination where the diviner throws 16 Cowrie shells, reads the patterns in which they land and associates the pattern to scripture. I throw 16 shells on canvas and the reading is the finished painting.
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| Eesuu Orundide |
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| Salma Arastu |
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My work, paintings, sculpture or poems, speak of human universality. It is the flow of humanity with its universal inspirations, faith, pain and joy. It is moving, lyrical, melodious, and harmonious. There is one original design, one blueprint. By acknowledging outer differences amongst people, the deeper realization is that we are the same in essence, that we are all seeking harmony.
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Keep open the door of thy Heart.
It matters not how many doors are closed against thee.
~ Howard Thurman
Transformation begins within the heART. From this center, a resounding rhythm of Love binds us with the wholeness of the Universe and it feels good. It is within your power to keep open the door to thy heart and love unconditionally and fearlessly.
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| Graciela Hernandez |
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| Francesca Roccaforte |
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My healing vision of community, care, serenity, joy, beauty, light and divine justice is a daily practice and devotion through the eye of the camera lens. Photography is the medium that is both magical and mystical and crystallizes forms, light, darkness and color. The digital media process adds an otherworldly dimension to this process with its required patience and stillness. It is a reminder to all who look at these images that we do live in a beautiful world and we can preserve our earth and act as responsible stewards.
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This portrait of Obama is equally as much about the image of him speaking to the people as it is the people themselves. I have tried to incorporate a collage of images that represents a hopefully motivated and determined collective mass of folks and animal spirits that may carry us into a better place.
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| Lorraine Bonner |
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| "In Her Hands" |
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There are times when I think there is no point, that the enormity of suffering is beyond any of our capacity. There are times when I hear people say that we are "all" capable of acts of ghastly immorality, and I want to give up. Yet I know in my heart that cooperation, collaboration and unfettered creativity are our birthright.
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| "Sister Thea Bowman" (bleach on paper) |
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| TheArthur Wright |
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Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan nun and the first African American woman to receive a doctorate in Theology from Boston College said, "I think the difference between me and some people is that I'm content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we'd have a tremendous light." (~ editor)
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| Joesph Besoabewie: "Royal Justice" |
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Creativity is something that need not be copied because the canvas is a mode of expression that speaks about one's personal feelings, thoughts, and ideas... As long as dreaming creations occurs, art is a continuous journey, binding spirit to canvas.
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I am an artist, it is not a choice I made, it has always been my only reality and as I grew older and wiser and figured out how to use being a woman on the planet, I also realized how to use being the creator. The creator of my own reality, the creator of children, the creator of something from nothing was a blessing and curse. I am a Black woman in a male dominated race conscious society, being a creator has always been my own personal freedom. My mind could dictate abstract worlds into my hands, and I could manifest them in the concrete. ~ Ayanna Bassiouni
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| "A Piece of My Memory" |
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| Jamila Johnson: "Periphery" (soft sculpture and text) |
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The images explore the struggle, healing process and future of a people. They probe into our collective memories and cause us to reflect on the history that connects us as humankind. (Individual Works: 1. Smothered by Shadows, 2. Mute Mahogany, 3. Internalized Pain, 4.Turned to the Inside, 5. What is One Really?, 6. Imagine the Whole) ~ Jamila Johnson
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| Elizabeth Carter: "joy: as above so below" |
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The majority of my paintings are reflections of women of color around me who have been left out of our everyday images. Through painting I explore the growth of the individual, which I believe impacts the rest of the world. Painting is the most fulfilling way for me to get inside the individual and capture that intimate moment in time. My own desire to have a child gave birth to a series of paintings of pregnant women. My passion became to reflect the inner and outer transformation of one of the most powerful experiences of redefinition a woman can have. This journey of possibilities not only changes her, but the world around her, like ripples in a lake.
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"Apology Accepted"
(Batik framed in a shadowbox)
We are offered apologies from our ancestors and motherland for the suffering we endured and the lack of protection we were awarded. We survived because we knew that it was not man, but the one power of God above all else, that got us through, encircling us in grace.
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| Mildred Thompson: "Apology Accepted" |
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| Tomye' - "Under Watchful Eyes" |
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An artist text and title can influence the viewer. Allow the contemplative, serene mood to seep into you. As you view this image, the pace of your heart should slow. Keep it peace-full. Let a smile radiate from inside out. The gift of wholeness is miraculous (merely a cue) lost if not observant to all your senses.
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Image Series: westOaklandBayArea BOHEMIA
This series of images celebrates westOaklandBayArea artists, activists and revolutionaries who are committed to strengthening community through works which promote justice, sustainability and peace.
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| Jeff Straker: "Khalil" |
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All artwork and words copyright to the individual artist. Photos link to artist websites where available.
Please click to visit Transformative Visions 09 WORD and MUSIC.
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