Watch Out for the Big Girls!

I've been meaning to blog about this phenomenal woman Kendra C. Johnson for weeks now after noticing her for the first time on the season premiere of "The Game" starring Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall. For those of you who haven't seen the last episode of the season here's a recap.

Malik played by Hosesa Chanchez runs into Renee who is the character played by Kendra, an old flame who wants to show the world that their a couple. Behind closed doors he's loving ever inch of her body from her head to her toes and can't get enough. But Malik gets cold feet and is not sure if he can be seen in public with an "overweight"(yeah right) female. In the end Malik realizes that he's ready and willing to let the whole world know that he loves him some voluptuous Renee. Kendra C. Johnson performance on "The Game" has given the show an amazing twist on what is to come in the following seasons. Some of you may have already seen it but if you haven't you can see Kendra amazing performance again and again here.

As a size 14, which is the average women's size, Kendra is representing for all the real women out there like myself who have been waiting to see a real women on the screen doing her thing. Kendra has been in the industry for a while now working as a stand in for Queen Latifah in “Last Holiday,” “Taxi,” “Beauty Shop” and even Cover Girl commercials. She has also co-starred on shows like“Bones,” “The Shield,” and Strong Medicine. Many of you probably recognize Kendra from the movie "Phat Girlz" where she played the role of a mousy, plus size department store manager who learns to appreciate her assets after meeting a Nigerian doctor. Kendra C. Johnson is an amazing performer who is taking the world by storm and representing for the Big Girls!

Mood:Anticipation!

Kendra C. Johns with Hosea Chanchez and Mara Brock Akil, creator of "Girl Friends"and "The Game"

“The most important thing in life is to persist in your passion”~Kendra C. Johnson

Get Em' Jazz!

Yeaaa! Jaslene has proven herself worthy of the title Americas Next Top Model. A girl who didn't give up and tried out for ANTM not once but twice and because she didn't give up she has become America's Next Top Model. Go head girl!

Mood: Satisfied

Here are some of my favorite photos of Jaslene from Cycle 8.

Who Will Be America's Next Top Model!

Renee

Natasha
Jaslene

Who will be America's Next Top Model. Three beautiful girls remain to finish the competition. It's gonna be a tough choice we have Renee who take great pictures, but does she have what it take to the next Top Model, then we have Natasha who no one understands and who just so happens to get a great shot week after week, but is her mind really in it? To me she seem lost, and then there's my girl Jaslene aka Jazz who screams ANTM all over. She's the jack of all trades when it comes to this competition, the girls got major skills. Great shots week after week, never a dull shot. So who will it be Renee, Natasha, or Jaslene. I guess we just have to wait for tonight's show but, you all know who I routing for Jaslene all the way.

Get 'em JAZZ!

Mood: Anxious

Niggers, Niggas, Niggaz by Julian Curry

Check out this clip from Def Jam that my sister introduced to me! Thanx Netta! We need more men like Curry that will stand up and speak the truth.You'll think twice before you ever use the N word again!

Reflections of an Artist: Nappy is Not a Negative Word!

The other day at work, one of my high school students, a black girl that I teach brought up a question, "Why is black people's hair so short and nappy? Why doesn't our hair grow long and white people and everyone else's hair is automatically longer and more "manageable" than ours"? I tried to answer her question to the best of my ability, telling her what I had learned in college as a psych major! I begin to tell her how as decedents from Africa which is very hot we didn't "evolve" with longer hair because the climate in Africa was much hotter than the climates from which other races evolved and then I went on to tell her that Europeans who lived in colder climates "evolved" with extra hair to keep warm which is why they are hairier than others. Can you imagine how hot we would have been with longer hair on our heads and bodies I asked, She stopped to think about it, and then she went on to say how she hates black hair and how's it's short, kinky and nappy as if it where something to despise! I was stuck on stupid for a while, I didn't really know what to say to her. As the conversation got heavier it was time to go, so I ended the discussion by saying "there's no such thing as good or bad hair, hair comes in all different textures and lengths who's to say which is better than the other. Hair is hair and that's just the way it is".

On the ride home from work I couldn't stop thinking about some of the statements made in class and I how much I wanted to say more, and I begin to ask myself why does she feel that way about herself and and other black people. Then it hit me that everyone you see in the media who's viewed as gorgeous or beautiful has long flowing hair. So people who don't know any better can't help but to think that the person on the magazine or in the videos or movies hair is what is perceived as "good" hair or the hair to be desire. Then I asked myself, what if where the other way around and natural hair or kinky, and nappy hair was the hair that everyone who was viewed as gorgeous or beautiful on T.V., on the cover of magazines, or in the movies had, would her and others attitude change about what is quote on quote "good" hair or "bad" hair? and would she still hate black peoples hair?

Creative Juices: Not Much of a Painter!

Here is a painting from a series I did a while back for an AIDS benefit. I was trying to stress the importance of safe sex which is why I displayed the figures in black and white and the condoms in a bold bright colors and also the background in color to set the mood. My professor actually love the idea but I thought I could have done them a little better maybe next time.

Mood: Reflective

Reflections of an Artist:More Blogs to Come!

Boy, I haven't blog in a minute. I've just been so busy with work and everything else in my life that I just hadn't had the time, but next week I'll definately have some more fun creative blogs for your viewing pleasure.

Get Creative With It : African Inspired Shirt Dress!

Every year for black history month my church has an African-American luncheon where we dress up in our African garbs, feast on the most delicious African, Caribbean, and Soul foods, (yummy) and celebrate our African heritage. With nothing to wear and little money to spend, I decided to create my own African inspired garb for under $20.
I've gotten so many compliments that I've decided to make a step by step guide on how to create this one of a kind shirt dress. So you too can recreate this fun loose fitting dress with waist definition and butterfly sleeves given by belt which creates a flattering look for all shapes and sizes, and the best part of it is, there's NO stitching required.



Things You'll Need:

• Funky Afro-centric fabric (choose length based on your individual size.)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Chalk
• Waist Belt
  
  

Step 1: Fold Fabric into one large square.

Step 2: Find the center of the fabric from left to right.

Step 3: With the chalk, draw an 8" line horizontally in the center at the very top of the folded piece of fabric being sure to leave an even amount of space on either side of the line.

Step 4: Cut at the line to create and opening for the head.

Step5: On the front of the fabric draw a triangle starting from each end of the cut in Step 4.

Step 6: Cut out triangle to create a V-Neck. Step7: Place fabric over the head like a smock, bringing arms out at sides. Pull each side of the fabric front and back together and quickly place belt around your waist to in order to keep the fabric in place.

TA DA!
Pair it up with your favorite pair of jeans or some funky leggings, whatever you do just GET CREATIVE WITH IT!

A Dream Come True!

Yea! Jennifer Hudson takes home an Oscar for "best supporting actress",what a dream this must be for this very talented young women. Sunday night Jennifer Hudson became the 4th African-American woman to receive an Oscar and she deserves every bit of it. Go head Jennifer! Maybe it wasn't the couple of Oscars I spoke about in a previous post Dream Girls but it was just as satisfying!

Mood: Elated

Check out this amazing photograph I came across while searching for pictures of Jennifer Hudson. I thought this picture showed off Jennifer's true essence and beauty so I decided to post it.

Creative Juices: No Excuses!

Today I decided to go down town to the art supply store to purchase some more art supply. I've been having this burning desire to create, but haven't had the time. With work, the gym, and some classes I've been taking my art has kind of been put on the back burner. But last night I was restless thinking about some really great ideas for some of my future works of art, so today I went out and bought all the necessary supplies I need to produce my linocut prints. Now I have no excuses, I don't have to worry about going out to the art studio to use their supply because now I have my own and I can be in the comfort of my own home. I can't wait to put my ideas on paper or linoleum rather LOL. Look for more of my work at a blog near you LOL!

Mood: Anxious!

Happy Singles Day!

If your single like me, Valentine's Day can be a real drag. You know February 14th is coming and you've have yet to find a Valentine or significant other to share it with. You do everything you possibly can to avoid the fact that Valentines Day even exist. Well not anymore cause today I'm celebrating Singles Day and you can too. Singles Day is a day to show yourself how much you care for you. A day to treat yourself to a few of those items you've been eyeing for months. A day to pamper yourself and sit back an enjoy you. So what will you do on Singles Day?

Happy Singles Day

Reflections of an Artist: My B-Day

Today I turned 24yrs old. Thank God for yet another year of life. Seems like just the other day I was so hype to be 21 and before that 18 and before that 16. They say "your only as old as you feel", well I still feel like I did when I was 18. It seem like when you where younger, you lived free, and the world was in the plam of your hands. You could relax take you time and do whatever it was you wanted to do, no rush, no pressure. Umh, but all that changes when you get further up in age. Now it's a "race to the finish line." It's like you have to get all these things accomplished, like get married, or have kids, by a house etc. etc. and you only have a limited time to get it all done. You hear the older folks say when I was you age I was pregnant with my third child, and I was married at this time, and so forth and so on. Well today I'm going to take the time out and thank God for all the many years he's blessed me with. Today I'm going to reflect on the things I have accomplished and keep in mind the things that I hope to accomplish in the furture but for now I'm enjoying me, because "I'm in no rush"!
Mood: Relaxed

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Reflections of an Artist: Black Doll, White Doll, which do you prefer?

A while ago I came across this short film directed by a young 17 year old girl named Kiri Davis called "A Girl Like Me" produced by Reel Work Teen Filmmaking a free after school program supported by HBO that Kiri attended. In this film Kiri reconducted the "doll test" which is and experiment originally done by famous husband and wife psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark which was used in the desegregation case Brown vs. Board of Education. The Clark's Doll experiment, found that black children often preferred to play with white dolls over black dolls, and when ask to fill in a human figure with the color of their own skin they frequently chose a lighter shade than was accurate. The Clarks saw that the black children viewed white as good and pretty, but black as bad and ugly. The Clarks viewed this as evidence of internalized racism caused by stigmatization. Now over a half a century later the outcome remains the same. Black children are still prefer the white dolls over the black Dolls and we are still seeing the same color issue as we did before.

After viewing this documentary I for one was a little confused about the whole thing. I guess I never really knew how serious this color issue was in our very own race this day and age. I mean, is that whole brown bag theory still going on today?Am I missing something here? What is going on in the minds of our youth and what are we as a society doing wrong to make them fell this way about themselves? Now we must ask ourselves what can we do to change it and actually stand up and do something about it? Mood: Ruminative

Reflections of an Artist: In Honor of Dr. King

Today I wanted to take the time out to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicated this blog in his honor. As a child I can remember every year around this time, in honor of Dr. King, a special would come on television and me and my family would sit and watch it for what seemed like hours on end. I can remember seeing this kind of small man who spoke with a mighty and powerful voice that made him larger than life. A voice with a spirit of triumph and determination, like no one could ever make him loss his ground. A voice so profound that when you heard it, you couldn't help but to sit quiet and listen because you knew that what he was about to say was important. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has had a major impact on this country and still does today and for that he will never be forgotten. Thank You Dr. King Mood:Stirred

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Creative Ambition: Nikki Chu

While reading an article in Jewel Magazine, (like always) I notice the most beautiful interior designed by a women named Nikki Chu. After reading the article I decided to google Nikki Chu and stumbled across her website at http://www.nikkichu.com/ and was inspired by her Bio.
Nikki Chu first arrived on the scene as a fashion designer, designing everything from men's ties to vintage clothing. Some of her design can be seen on some of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood like Hillary Duff, Mischa Barton and Kelly Osbourne, and more. You've also probably seen her appear on the Tyra Banks show sharing some of her fashion expertise.

After seeing how well Nikki had taken on the fashion industry with her designs, her celebrity clients not only asked her to design their clothes but their interior spaces as well. Nikki Chu has designed interiors for celebrities like Tyra Banks which was featured on one of my favorite reality show America's Next Top Model, Tisha Campbell and Duane Martin, Boris Kodjoe, Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique and more. Some of Nikki Chu's interior designs can be viewed every month in the Luxe section of Jewel Magazine. You can also catch her on "Mail Order Make-over on the Fine Living Channel and on "Mobile Home Disasters" produce by Steve Harvey on the WB network.

Nikki Chu has taken on both the fashion industry and the world of interior and exterior design, but she didn't stop there. Nikki Chu recently launched her new lifestyle collection called none other than "Nikki Chu" providing both Accessories that includes watches, belts, purses, jewelry, make-up bags and luggage and a Home line creating things like candles, and skin care products. To learn more about Nikki Chu's designs and products and to see more of her work visit http://www.nikkichu.com/ Mood: Inspired

"Each product I create is a true reflection of my personal style."

"My philosophy and mission is to create an affordable luxury brand that combines fashion and lifestyle into one. This is the Nikki Collection" ~ Nikki Chu

Colors For Color!

I've decided to display some of my favorite cosmetics for all my sistas out there who have the slightest idea of what make-up to choose, and have made the mistake of choosing the wrong colored foundation only to come out looking like a pumpkin with that horrible orange glow, this blog is for you. After all your face is like a canvas. What will you paint?


L'OREAL TRUE MATCH
Choosing the wrong color foundation is something we've all experienced before I'm sure. To bad at the time you probably thought you looked HOTT, and later discovered, in a old photo that you looked a HOTT MESS. With L'OREAL's true match you can't possibly go wrong. It's supper blendable foundation literally( not literally but it seems like it ) changes to match your skin tone.

MAYBELLINE

Mabybelline XXL one of my favorite cosmetics, give you the added length and volume without the clumps or the pricey cost you'd pay for false eyelashes. I never leave home without it.

L'OREAL H.I.P.
L'OREAL H.I.P. which stands for high intensity pigments is the perfect item for those of you who enjoy that bold look you get from MAC eye-shadow but for less than half the price. The intense color stays on all day long.

L'OREAL TRUE MATCH BLUSH
Who said black people don't blush. Well now you can with L'Oreal's super bendable blush. Use to add a rosy finish to your face.

L'OREAL H.I.P BRONZER
To achieve that luminous glow that you've seen on some of the hottest celebrities, L'OREAL H.I.P Bronzer is a must have. I absolutely love this product. It gives me a sun kissed glow all year round.




CLINIQUE LIP GLOSS
Clinique's beach bunny(which is the name of the color I use) lip gloss is the perfect item to top everything off. I was introduced to this product by my lovely sister- in-law who gave it to me as a gift and it has been the a part of my life ever since. Although Clinique is a bit on the pricey side it's well worth it. One tube can last over a year, believe me I use it almost everyday.

Creative Juices: My Lino's

I've decided to start showcasing more of my work in my blogs. After all my site is called "Artist Statement" and I 'm an Artist. So look for more of my work to come in the near future.Here are a few pictures of my linoleum-cut prints that I did two years ago. Hope you enjoy 'em as much as I enjoy creating them!

Reflections of an Artist: HAPPY NEW YEAR?

Happy New Year?...my New Year happened to be a little bitter sweet. I mean don't get me wrong I had a great time on New Year's Eve. One of my girlfriends had a get together at her house which was a lot of fun I must say, but watching that ball drop to start off a new year was a little sad for me. Didn't 2006 just get here, and there it went. I felt like I didn't get anything accomplished in 06 like I thought I would. I had so many resolutions and goals set for myself and probably only got maybe two accomplished. This year went by so quick... I just got accustomed with writing 2006 behind every date and now 2007 is here. As a kid I use to get so excited about the New Year, and I'd here my mom say "This year I'm gonna do X,Y,and Z, last year I got nothing accomplished" and now I singing the same song. I guess I'm just getting older. This year I'll just have to pick up the pace! Mood: Bitter Sweet

Happy New Year!