Fumbling Towards Watercolor Ecstasy

Just in time for Women's Month, I am charting on a journey to self-discovery in art-- my identity as a woman, as an artist, as a writer, as a black body, as a vegan. The newest works have been brewing inside for a while. These aren't necessarily finished ideas. They're roots of something larger. I am hopeful that the ripened fruit is exceptional. 

I have always had an interest in combining writing and visual art making together. To weave these separate entities is dangling a hope for conversation between left and right sides of cerebral, to get creative counterparts to integrate on the same wavelength. This quest is still going through a maturing process right now like a breathing baby crawling into awkward adolescence phase before reaching the cusp of onerous adulthood.
For starters, I am enrolled in a continuing education class at PAFA taught by renowned watercolorist James Toogood-- whose last name speaks for itself. So far, I've been learning remarkable things about watercolor (like grisaille underpaintings can be achieved for example)-- unexpected treasures from a medium deemed "too difficult" or "not sophisticated enough" in varied art circles.
Watercolor on wood is beautiful. Thoughtfully engaging transparencies over the natural grain integrity makes for a more intriguing composition. Artist Audrey Kawasaki is well known for her sultry oil and ink paintings that show hints of the wood grain and notable degrees of light layering. Thus, I was invested in using her as another teacher next to Mr. Toogood.
I found reasonably priced fine wood panels at Artist & Craftsman. I also bought vegan friendly watercolors (brands like Windsor & Newton & Holbein have plentiful animal free colors) and synthetic brushes. Plus a classmate mentioned a great alternative to the sable brush. She, a vegetarian, too is against animal products in art making practice.

Before I began my drawings (self portrait renderings suspended on fragments), haunting words came to mind, awful sentences from childhood reformed in another kind of way in my life now. The upended phrase "if you didn't have those" pertains to an infinite amount of what could be negatives and what if attributes. I wrote this out in a uniformed repetition with a B pencil. I then drew the portrait over the text, making sure to leave the residue of mantra visible.

This is the full on graphite version-- second coating using only a 6B pencil. Progress similar to repeatedly writing the fragment, this took hours, but felt incredibly gratifying. I rarely slept. Once the roll started, to stop seemed to torment me. I would sleep dreaming about drawing/writing/finishing. Honestly, I spent more time sharpening pencils than anything else last week.

The finished version of "if you didn't have those." Also, I must admit to reminiscing about Johannesburg often. The patterns, the atmosphere, that world clings to me like a second skin, a secret weapon that comes out at wherever I choose to wield its power. I used distinguished colors in the design of this portrait fabric, having wanted to carve out my memories of South Africa in some manifested fashion.

"if you weren't so dark" is the second piece. This pertains specifically to flesh tone. Colorism is a huge martyr in black community. It can stain a fragile mind longing to find beauty and worth in themselves. Often times, the refusal hurts a million times worse when it's your own community performing the sacrificial ritual-- telling a person that their brown is too brown, too close to ebony, too close to "ugly."  In this portrait yields a tenderness and appreciation for design principles, a defiant determinedness. The fragment is in cursive, slanted at diagonal intervals, with the face again layered overtop and watercolor coated. 

They made their public debut in at PAFA's Insider III show in Gallery 128. These are the beginnings of an idea, an idea slowly gaining traction and picking up an ample amount of steam. For me, it's important to decipher meaning in what people have said or write about me, about people I know, about complete strangers. I'm also searching through this quiet, versatile medium for myself as an artist trying to survive without oils and acrylics. Can I make this work in my post-graduate school world? 

Happy Single Awareness Day & Fair Trade Approved Chocolate Avocado Pudding

A sweet divine treat to celebrate another year of 2/14.

In the words of of Lin Manuel-Miranda, "love is love is love is love is love is love is love......."
Happy Single Awareness Day for my darling attachment free friends.
Happy Valentine's Day to lucky ones joined at hearts with someone to adore and treasure whether that's a beloved beau or an adorable furry pet.
Originally, my plans were to make Food From Africa's illustrious Berbere-Spice Chocolate Pudding. Berbere, a spice blend used in Ethiopian cuisine, includes ginger, garlic, chili peppers, cumin, coriander, cardamom, fenugreek, and other ingredients. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a cheat sheet Berbere anywhere. Frontier, a popular brand for great organic spice blends, actually makes one that can be purchased on Amazon. I enjoyed reading Enem recounting a friend's Ethiopian mom handcrafting an ancient spice blend. Plus Enem's eloquent pictures are quite seductive and captured in a brilliant light. Still, her recipe saved for another day, a day in which I'll share how amazing a touch of spiciness brings to classic chocolate pudding.
There are not enough words to speak on the greatness of mixing creamy, ripened avocados with chocolate and homemade date syrup.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding Ingredients and Preparation

I used Equal Exchange's Organic Baking Cocoa which provided ample chocolaty flavor. In the meantime, I'll be searching for the perfect fair trade cacao/carob powder for future chocolate dessert recipes.

2 ripened avocados
1 11oz So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk  (or 1 can of 14 oz coconut milk)
1/4 cup Raw Date Syrup (or maple or agave nectar or Bee Free Honee)
3 tablespoon fair trade cocoa powder (used Equal Exchange)
pinch of cinnamon

Date syrup!

Almost perfect avocado.

Blend all ingredients together, whipping it to velvety consistency. You may or may not see a heart or two in the blender. Eat promptly at warm room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for later.

Trying to make a heart, but failed. Chocolate avocado pudding is topped with Nature's Path Love Crunch Premium Organic Granola in Chocolate & Red Berries and pieces of Tazo Chocolate's Raspberry Crunch Bar.

Yummy blissful dessert waits for no one. Enjoy.

The Food Empowerment App For Your Chocolate Needs

This free app is a grocery store treasure, making shopping for cruelty free, slave free chocolate easy as pie.

The resourceful Food Empowerment App is a handy guide that allows grocery shoppers to find ethical chocolate while perusing the aisle at the same time. Great features include looking at the list in three different modes-- the recommended list, the not recommended list, and all brands. Plus, it's rather nice to read up on the FEP philosophy and how the brands are given ample amount of response time before generating to respective place on each list.
People need to know where their chocolate comes from. I cannot stress this enough.
I strongly enforce during Black History Month that all black lives are important on this very earth we stand on. As our cultural landscape worsens due to monsters in office, we have to be strong and resilient together more than ever before. One primary goal is to make sure that we support companies that disclose information about where their cacao beans are sourced from. Child labor and slavery is wide and rampant throughout Western Africa. I've read stories from children who work day till night, receiving less than penny earnings (sometimes not even being paid on time). Their backs often are injured. They are harshly punished. They don't see their parents or siblings often enough. The statements go on and on-- each worst than the last.
Lately, it has been an upsetting struggle, watching people discuss value of black lives and attending marches/protests while stuffing a Snickers or a Twix bar in their mouths. How can a person not care about where their chocolate comes or the pain involved in the making of it? I want everyone to understand that this is a global issue, a colossal concern that we must consider respectfully with some form of endearment and compassion. If collectively we hurt Hershey, Mars, Nestle, etc, perhaps they could see the impact and shoot for change. Maybe. Just maybe.
Until then, it's wonderful that a company like FEP has rigorously campaigned and opened eyes to this huge, under looked problem.
Please install the Food Empowerment App. It is free and simple. Plus, a lot of chocolate brands are affordable. They might not be available in the office vending machines, but they are in certain grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Shop Rite, Kroger, and even CVS and Walgreen's. There is no excuse for continuing to give money to those greedy corporations inflicting violence on innocent brown bodies.

Proud of Daiya for being included here. It's one of my favorite vegan brands after all.

Remember that only the So Delicious organic items are Food Empowerment Project recommended. 

Speaking of Taza.....

Since these were on sale for $1.69 each, I bought all three vegan flavors, thrilled and overjoyed to do my part in purchasing chocolate created from kindness and sustainability. Funnily enough, this chocolate is underneath Salazon and Altar Eco-- these two are also on the recommended list.

Thank You Hurraw!

This is the first order from Hurraw's direct website. In the past, American Apparel sold them upfront.

Everyone in the world knows that Hurraw is my favorite lip balm-- more specifically the amazing Black Cherry Tinted flavor. Keeping lips soft, pliant, and moist, this perfect pout lip treat didn't make the Best Vegan Beauty Bets list for nothing. In fact, Hurraw's beautiful, sweet smelling, intense red colored balm is likely always going to be found on my list, staying a consistent aide to someone whose makeup routine is purely minimal.

The joys of balm.

Hurraw sent me the loveliest package:

As a treat-- which was completely unexpected-- I received a fetching new flavor (with a different package design) as a special bonus.

And they used the receipt to write the sweetest note. I see the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Thanks Hurraw for welcoming me to the family. I loved this brand for years now.

Styling & Protecting Two Strand Twists

2017 is the year of committing self to a hair appreciation and health.

A few weeks ago, I received my first trim of the year, a deep conditioning treatment, and two strand twists at Syreeta Scott's Duafe Hollistic Hair Salon, the amazing natural hair salon chosen by celebs such as Janet Jackson and Jill Scott. It's a nice, comfortable atmosphere. Camaraderie between the stylists especially engaging among the hypnotic, bumping tunes of Nigerian born musician Yemi Alade. There wasn't a time where patrons weren't laughing or dancing in seats, reading magazines under hooded hair dryers or having locs twisted during this pleasant excitement.
As my hair received much needed TLC, renowned NYT's bestselling author/nutritionist J. J. Smith conducted a book signing of her latest book "Green Smoothies for Life." I didn't get to see her speak, but she passed through the salon a handful of times, glowing and exuberant. Maybe I will do a cleanse sometime. It has crossed my mind.

To keep my hair healthy and shiny, I alternate days between massaging coconut oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil (on the scalp). 

Side view.

Partial back view. I love the parted arrangement. Geneva did a wonderful job again!

The back.

Amusingly enough, on my way out of the door, I discovered The Sable Collective, a funky, hip art gallery and shop-- recently reviewed by Philly fashion writer Elizabeth Wellington. Opposite hair salon, the eclectic space sells custom art, handmade jewelry, catchy slogan t-shirts, Black Girl Magic flasks, and vegan lipsticks by The Lip Bar (stay tuned for beauty product reviews!). I talked to the very kind co-owner, Shanti Myers (she runs the popular Around the Curl blog) and hope to soon be putting up drawings and paintings to sell there. After all, natural hair is a huge context in my work.
Below features a few post-salon care shots.
In the meantime, I'm using my favorite Shea Moisture brand products (the vegan ones without honey or silk, etc.), drinking plenty of water, and keeping my sweets consumption to a minimum (hard, hard, hard when you're self-certified doughnut girl). Also has anyone ever tried out Deva Vegan Hair, Nails, & Skin Vitamins pills? They're currently out of order on Amazon. I'm thinking about investing....

For a simple smooth back style, I used an old purple braided hair extension (yes, I kept a whole bag of old braids) and pinned it on the back so that it wouldn't fall by the wayside.

Scrunched faces are just another way of showing great joy for an easy style.

I also braided the purple extension in my hair too-- for that awesome pop of royal color.

At work, enjoying museum sights (like Jacob Lawrence!) and wonderful architecture.

Another style, especially for swanky events like NYC gallery openings (where one can meet amazing artists such as painter Kehinde Wiley), a satin scarf with a stylish cheetah cat print (a thrift store find) atop of head with a few curls sticking out or some baby hair magic is a definite plus.

On days that I want to bring out a beautiful printed Africa headwrap, I first tie on a satin scarf and then loosely secure on desired cotton fabric look of the day.

Sayonara for now.

Cinnamon Snail

Doughnuts and miniature cakes topped with cookies are just some of the wonderful creations offered at Cinnamon Snail. 

At last, I finally experience the beloved buzzed about former food truck turned hit restaurant near Madison Square Garden-- the infamous Cinnamon Snail located at Pennsy. If one gets there early, they have goodies such as fresh outta the oven cinnamon rolls and glazed doughnuts.
I arrived around dinner time, anxious to eat something wonderful before a huge show opening in Chelsea, wanting to dine somewhere new. Cinnamon Snail-- a place I heard about through many vegan grapevines-- was only a thirty minute walk from my location (I was reading at the Mid-Manhattan Library like a true bonafide nerd). Hunger was ignited by titillating thought of yummy vegan comfort food. This provided pep in my step, pumping up the
The behind-the-counter ladies were nice, but a customer (obviously a frequent regular) made my smile wider. She recommended every single thing in sight, exclaiming that the lavender-pear turnover was her most favorite. From coconut coated to maple bacon to tempeh sandwiches, I must say that the menu made decisions a long and difficult process.
Still, I am happy with what my order and will likely return to try out the rest.
Cinnamon Snail is a yummy place, a vegan haven. The food alone is pure pleasure.

Doughnuts!

With choices like seitan tarts and raspberry and cheese danishes, I admit to having a difficult time choosing. With mouthwatering temptation resting behind the glass, teasing and tantalizing my overwhelming hunger, I simply just wanted to devour everything in sight like a human vacuum cleaner.  I wish everyone knew how amazing veganism can be, especially at a place like Cinnamon Snail. They're making delicious things happen.

Cute doughnuts meet cookies galore! I purchased one of these adorable piglet cookie doughnuts for a birthday girl! (Wow, she shares the day with the great Elijah Wood awesome!)

This is the Beastmode Burger Deluxe-- an exceptional, thick cut ancho chili seitan burger featuring jalapeño macaroni & cheese, arugula, smoked chili coconut bacon, and chipotle mayo on a grilled pretzel bun. Easily one the most incredible vegan burgers ever eaten in my life. Just downright amazing!

It was huge, spicy, and fulfilling on many, many levels. The seitan juicy, the mac n cheese firm, creamy, and oh so cheesy, and the warm pretzel bun soft and tender-- all components necessary for an out-of-this-world experience. The coconut bacon and arugula added a delightful bonus to this messy, delightful sandwich-- which was a challenge to eat due to massive, intimidating size. Still, hands down-- a terrific burger! I highly recommend. Funnily enough, I met another vegan who sat across from me-- also eating a Cinnamon Snail burger. She gave me a list of other nearby restaurants to try out. I was so thrilled to have met her! I can't wait to try out these new places and share with you all.

This is the tasty, sensational lemon curd doughnut.

Its crusty, sweet, and divine on the outside.

Yet inside is an oozing, delectable middle of luscious lemon curd-- all creamy and zesty-- the stuff of wonderful citrus dreams!

For a lovely morning after treat, I ate this incredibly flaky pink lady apple turnover.  The filling was a tasty combination of chopped apples, cinnamon, and other spices. It made for an absolutely splendid breakfast. 

Chickpea Salad Melts

Is there any ingredient more versatile than the grand ole chickpea? I believe not.
Chickpeas have now graduated from savory menu items like hummus, salads, gravies, and creams. Its excitingly all-the-current-vegan-rage aquafaba (chickpea water) is now a major factor for perfect vegan meringue. I cannot wait to test out the properties of this amazing information. It would be such a dream to make Mom the perfect lemon meringue cookies if possible. May is around the corner. I can think of no other scrumptiously perfect Mother's Day/birthday gift treat.
However, this post is the savory category for chickpeas.
I readily admit to eating chickpeas every other day-- in a variety of ways. It's fascinating how extra garlic here or a pinch of lemon juice there can shift a chickpea recipe. In this salad, instead of vegan mayo, which was supposed to be used to make that exceptional "tuna" flavored appeal, I substituted with Hilary's Ranch Chia Dressing (which I happen to love very much). End results were an incredibly tasty, chunky salad between two thin slices of bread, my favorite vegan cheese melting perfectly over the textured filling.
I have zero regrets about eating two.

Chickpea Salad Melts Ingredients and Preparation

1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped and diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
2 tablespoon Hilary's Ranch Chia Dressing
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
vegan cheese of your choosing (I chose Field Roast Chao Tomato Cayenne)

Break up the chickpeas in a blender or processer-- make sure the consistency is not too smooth, leave it a bit chunky.
Pour chickpea mass into a bowl.
Stir in celery, red onion, mayo, salt, lemon juice, Old Bay, and black pepper.
Spread on desired bread. (Here I've used some delicious 3 grain seeded bread).
Melt cheese via way stove top, microwave, or toaster oven. Or make a velvety cheese sauce to save yourself this glorious trouble.