As the dream gets closer and closer to fruition, romantic drawings continue to past my time-- in between speech practicing. |
Big names like Henry Louis Gates (host of PBS's Finding Your Roots), Misan Sagay (writer of Amma Asante's Belle), Julie Dash (writer/director Daughters of the Dust), artists Lyle Ashton Harris, Zanele Muholi, Alison Janae Hamilton, Rashaad Newsome, and others are attending and presenting. Panels entitled Imaging the Black Female Body, I dream in colour”: Imagining and dreaming as subversive postcolonial masquerading strategies in the visual artworks of South African women-of-colour visual artists Mary Sibande and Senzeni Marasela and Venus on my Back, Girls of Color, Inheritance and the Hottentot Venus Narrative are among primary interests. Post-conference receptions will be held at the renown Goodman Gallery and MOMO/MoCada.
This is major.
Excitement has boiled. My GoFundMe has been fully funded. Everything is almost booked.
I made a couple of mistakes including debating whether to add an extra hotel day (my plane arrives in Johannesburg at 11:30PM on Tuesday evening though my hotel reservations are set for Wednesday), purchasing air shuttle service (why did I think this was complimentary), among countless random little preparations.
Hardest part seems over.
Dreamy, romantic pencil and watercolor sketches feature Yinka Shinobare inspired fabrics. These are a metaphor for my truest, deepest feelings within about this upcoming travel. |
In the meantime, a few weeks ago, I had a ball as a guest feature on Stephanie Renee's MOJO-- a Philadelphia based morning-afternoon radio program on 900AM WURD. I discussed Black Portraiture [s], a brief reflection on my paper, and excitement over this upcoming experience with Stephanie, a phenomenal host who sounded just as enthusiastic. This was so great and fun-- a different way of interacting with radio DJ beyond trying to score concert tickets or a free CD.
For now, I will continue practicing in the mirror. No faltering allowed.
Also, since I also have opportunity to attend panels (before they get booked), I plan to read over each listed and go on from there.....
I'm so happy for you! You have such a beautiful way with words, you have a way of making things beautiful! This will be such an exciting journey for you. Self doubt can cause a lot of damage, it's stopped me from a lot in my life. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so thrilled. It's coming up so soon.
DeleteYou're right about self-doubt. It can hither happiness. I want my attitude to change accordingly otherwise let uncertainty take over my whole entire being. We can't have that!