Thursday, June 25, 2009
DC Folklife Festival Opens
WASHINGTON (Map, News) -
Under a hot sun, hundreds of artists and visitors on Wednesday weaved through venues featuring everything from barbershop stories to clog-making for the opening of the 43rd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall.
Others stood in line for a taste of cawl, a Welsh stew and a bite of Southern style peach cobbler, or were lured to a dance floor by the lush rhythms of a Colombian currulao band.
This year's festival celebrates African-American oral traditions, the industrial past and new technologies of Wales and the diversity of Latino music. The free event runs Wednesday through Sunday, takes a break and then opens for its second leg July 1 through July 5. Officials expect a million people to attend.
As Smithsonian Institution Secretary Wayne Clough walked through a Welsh exhibit Wednesday, he acknowledged that the festival's featured cultures may seem to have little in common. But he said when he looked around, he realized that all three represent "groups that have had some oppression in the past, and have used their culture to maintain their humanity, their dignity and the continuity of the generation."
Under a hot sun, hundreds of artists and visitors on Wednesday weaved through venues featuring everything from barbershop stories to clog-making for the opening of the 43rd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall.
Others stood in line for a taste of cawl, a Welsh stew and a bite of Southern style peach cobbler, or were lured to a dance floor by the lush rhythms of a Colombian currulao band.
This year's festival celebrates African-American oral traditions, the industrial past and new technologies of Wales and the diversity of Latino music. The free event runs Wednesday through Sunday, takes a break and then opens for its second leg July 1 through July 5. Officials expect a million people to attend.
As Smithsonian Institution Secretary Wayne Clough walked through a Welsh exhibit Wednesday, he acknowledged that the festival's featured cultures may seem to have little in common. But he said when he looked around, he realized that all three represent "groups that have had some oppression in the past, and have used their culture to maintain their humanity, their dignity and the continuity of the generation."
Celebrate folklife, make your own peach cobbler. The recipe's right here.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Barkley Hendricks
Post Soundtrack: Stevie Wonder, Creepin’So, art is my thing. I love to paint and serve on a few boards and committees for arts organizations, the purpose of which is to promote and support the arts in my community.
My passion is making sure that people of color are included, and that our percentage of the audience at shows, performances and openings increases. If we aren’t present, we are silenced. And, when policy decisions are made concerning the arts, we’ll always be left in the cold and relegated to Black History Month and gospel plays. OK, maybe that’s a strong statement, but it’s how I feel.
My passion is making sure that people of color are included, and that our percentage of the audience at shows, performances and openings increases. If we aren’t present, we are silenced. And, when policy decisions are made concerning the arts, we’ll always be left in the cold and relegated to Black History Month and gospel plays. OK, maybe that’s a strong statement, but it’s how I feel.
I like to time to time post about artists whose work I really enjoy. 
One of my favorite painters is Barkley Hendricks. I have always been fascinated by depictions of the everyday man or woman in paintings, and Hendricks is a master in this genre. I love his work because in his paintings you can see folks who remind you of lovers, family members, neighborhood thugs, and teachers; and, he is so technically gifted.
From Wikipedia, "While he has worked in a variety of media and genres throughout his career (from photography to landscape painting), Hendricks' best known work takes the form of life-sized painted oil portraits. In these portraits, he attempts to imbue a proud, dignified presence upon his subjects, most frequently urban people of color. Hendricks’ work has been noted as unique for its matrimony of both American realism and post-modernism."
You can also see that he influenced one of the most celebrated Black, gay, contemporary artists – Kehinde Wiley. Wiley recently discussed his sexuality and his painting in an interview with the Advocate.
One of my favorite painters is Barkley Hendricks. I have always been fascinated by depictions of the everyday man or woman in paintings, and Hendricks is a master in this genre. I love his work because in his paintings you can see folks who remind you of lovers, family members, neighborhood thugs, and teachers; and, he is so technically gifted.
From Wikipedia, "While he has worked in a variety of media and genres throughout his career (from photography to landscape painting), Hendricks' best known work takes the form of life-sized painted oil portraits. In these portraits, he attempts to imbue a proud, dignified presence upon his subjects, most frequently urban people of color. Hendricks’ work has been noted as unique for its matrimony of both American realism and post-modernism."
You can also see that he influenced one of the most celebrated Black, gay, contemporary artists – Kehinde Wiley. Wiley recently discussed his sexuality and his painting in an interview with the Advocate.
Hendricks' work is so representative of the times in which he painted. His backgrounds are amazing, and play a supporting and informative role to the main subject. You can compare this to an artist like Wiley who now often uses brightly colored patterns as a foundation for his portraits.
I have included a couple of images of Hendricks' paintings, including his iconic self-portrait in a white kangol and tube socks – a favorite of mine.
What do you think?
Check out the travelling exhibit Barkley Hendricks: Birth of the Cool.
Also check out this interview and slideshow with Hendricks from WNYC.
Monday, June 22, 2009
All About Me!
Birthday: 5/13/72
Birthplace: Tennessee
Current Location: At Work
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Height: 6’3”
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: African American
The Shoes You Wore Today: Tommy Bahama Low Boots
Your Weakness: Cheezits
Your Fears: Praying Manitses
Your Perfect Pizza: Spinach, lots of cheese and olive oil, ooh and lots of garlic.
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: Finish the new house renovations. take a historic preservation course.
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger: LOL. Ok right.
Thoughts First Waking Up: Thankful to wake up another day.
Your Best Physical Feature: For those who like the big teddy bear type, everything is perfect.
Your Bedtime: 10:00 PM
Your Most Missed Memory: Spending time talking with my Dad.
Pepsi or Coke: Diet Pepsi.
MacDonalds or Burger King: Neither, Arby’s
Single or Group Dates: Single
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Lipton
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee: Coffee
Do you Swear: Yes, but I’m trying to control it.
Do you Sing: Only when my fans request it.
Do you Shower Daily: Of course!
Have you Been in Love: Yes
Do you want to go to College: No, I’m finished; now I just want to pay for it.
Do you want to get Married: Maybe.
Do you believe in yourself: If I don’t who else is going to?
Do you get Motion Sickness: No.
Do you think you are Attractive: I guess, I’m OK.
Are you a Health Freak: Um, that would be a no.
Do you get along with your Parents: Yes
Do you like Thunderstorms: Yes, love them.
Do you play an Instrument: Does the tambourine count?
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: Yes
In the past month have you Smoked: Yes.
In the past month have you been on Drugs: No.
In the past month have you gone on a Date: No.
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: No, I hate malls.
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: No, not a whole box.
In the past month have you eaten Sushi: Yes
In the past month have you been on Stage: No
In the past month have you been Dumped: No.
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: No, but it sounds like fun!
In the past month have you Stolen Anything: Does copy paper count?
Ever been Drunk: Yes
Ever been called a Tease: Yes.
Ever been Beaten up: Not yet.
Ever Shoplifted: Yes, when I was a teenager.
How do you want to Die: Hmmmm, use your imagination?
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: Able to retire.
What country would you most like to Visit: Egypt.
Number of Drugs I have taken: Four.
Number of CDs I own: maybe 300, but I only use my iPod, now.
Number of Piercings: Two.
Number of Tattoos: None, do stretch marks count?
Number of things in my Past I Regret: Nothing, I’m not getting the past back, so I just move forward.
In a Boy/Girl…
Favorite Eye Color: Brown/Black
Short or Long Hair: Short
Height, Tall or Short? Doesn’t matter
Physique you like -Muscular, Athletic, Slender, a Few Extra Pounds, Large, Obese: A few extra pounds, large.
Hairy or smooth? Grizzly.
Tagged by DarkTomahawk at Wielding the Axe
Birthplace: Tennessee
Current Location: At Work
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Height: 6’3”
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: African American
The Shoes You Wore Today: Tommy Bahama Low Boots
Your Weakness: Cheezits
Your Fears: Praying Manitses
Your Perfect Pizza: Spinach, lots of cheese and olive oil, ooh and lots of garlic.
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: Finish the new house renovations. take a historic preservation course.
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger: LOL. Ok right.
Thoughts First Waking Up: Thankful to wake up another day.
Your Best Physical Feature: For those who like the big teddy bear type, everything is perfect.
Your Bedtime: 10:00 PM
Your Most Missed Memory: Spending time talking with my Dad.
Pepsi or Coke: Diet Pepsi.
MacDonalds or Burger King: Neither, Arby’s
Single or Group Dates: Single
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Lipton
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee: Coffee
Do you Swear: Yes, but I’m trying to control it.
Do you Sing: Only when my fans request it.
Do you Shower Daily: Of course!
Have you Been in Love: Yes
Do you want to go to College: No, I’m finished; now I just want to pay for it.
Do you want to get Married: Maybe.
Do you believe in yourself: If I don’t who else is going to?
Do you get Motion Sickness: No.
Do you think you are Attractive: I guess, I’m OK.
Are you a Health Freak: Um, that would be a no.
Do you get along with your Parents: Yes
Do you like Thunderstorms: Yes, love them.
Do you play an Instrument: Does the tambourine count?
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: Yes
In the past month have you Smoked: Yes.
In the past month have you been on Drugs: No.
In the past month have you gone on a Date: No.
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: No, I hate malls.
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: No, not a whole box.
In the past month have you eaten Sushi: Yes
In the past month have you been on Stage: No
In the past month have you been Dumped: No.
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: No, but it sounds like fun!
In the past month have you Stolen Anything: Does copy paper count?
Ever been Drunk: Yes
Ever been called a Tease: Yes.
Ever been Beaten up: Not yet.
Ever Shoplifted: Yes, when I was a teenager.
How do you want to Die: Hmmmm, use your imagination?
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: Able to retire.
What country would you most like to Visit: Egypt.
Number of Drugs I have taken: Four.
Number of CDs I own: maybe 300, but I only use my iPod, now.
Number of Piercings: Two.
Number of Tattoos: None, do stretch marks count?
Number of things in my Past I Regret: Nothing, I’m not getting the past back, so I just move forward.
In a Boy/Girl…
Favorite Eye Color: Brown/Black
Short or Long Hair: Short
Height, Tall or Short? Doesn’t matter
Physique you like -Muscular, Athletic, Slender, a Few Extra Pounds, Large, Obese: A few extra pounds, large.
Hairy or smooth? Grizzly.
Tagged by DarkTomahawk at Wielding the Axe
Mark Making
Check out this new blog from time to time. It's called Mark Making and is about public art in Chattanooga, TN. http://createpublicart.blogspot.com/
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Jill Scott = Emmy?
Those who know me know that The Number One Ladies Detective Agency is one of my favorite TV shows. Three-time Grammy champ Jill Scott may have something to sing about when Emmy nominations are unveiled July 16. As the critically hailed star of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," she could be nommed for best TV drama actress and, if she wins, make Emmy history as the first African American to claim that category.
In our podcast chat, Scott shares her view of her role as an unflaggingly upbeat detective determined to right everyday woes in her African homeland: "She wants to heal Botswana's ills. She's a woman of substance. She's a lady. She doesn't curse. She isn't violent. I personally think she's got it going on! And I think it's inspiring for all of us. Everybody, all the people who aren't so cool. She proves an average person can actually make a difference."
In our podcast chat, Scott shares her view of her role as an unflaggingly upbeat detective determined to right everyday woes in her African homeland: "She wants to heal Botswana's ills. She's a woman of substance. She's a lady. She doesn't curse. She isn't violent. I personally think she's got it going on! And I think it's inspiring for all of us. Everybody, all the people who aren't so cool. She proves an average person can actually make a difference."
In its review of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," the L.A. Times hailed Scott's performance as "a revelation" while portraying "Precious, an earth mother in brightly colored batik, with her abiding belief in the basic goodness of life." The HBO series is so good, insisted The Times, that it is "clear that this show will restore the premium cable network to its former stature as the most surprising place on television." Such huzzahs mean that the program is a real contender for best drama series too.
Listen to our podcast chat to hear Scott reveal what it was like to work with baboons ("they smell terribly and I was about four and a half months pregnant — I had to shoot quick and run to the trash can") and the late, great director Anthony Minghella (Oscar champ, "The English Patient"), who championed the series and helmed its pilot before dying of a hemorrhage while battling cancer in early 2008.
"He was so generous with his energy," Scott recalls, and he was tough, but when things got really heated under the African sun, "he would sing" and everyone would join in crooning Motown songs. "He only got angry at me once," she confesses. Why? Listen to her tell the tale of the day "my shoes melted on my feet" and production had to halt.
Listen to our podcast chat to hear Scott reveal what it was like to work with baboons ("they smell terribly and I was about four and a half months pregnant — I had to shoot quick and run to the trash can") and the late, great director Anthony Minghella (Oscar champ, "The English Patient"), who championed the series and helmed its pilot before dying of a hemorrhage while battling cancer in early 2008.
"He was so generous with his energy," Scott recalls, and he was tough, but when things got really heated under the African sun, "he would sing" and everyone would join in crooning Motown songs. "He only got angry at me once," she confesses. Why? Listen to her tell the tale of the day "my shoes melted on my feet" and production had to halt.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Chemistry of Color
Aug. 21-Nov. 1: The Chemistry of Color: The Sorgenti Collection of Contemporary African American Art. The 70-piece exhibition traces developments in African American art through the 20th century. "It allows us to compare the vivid work of late 20th-century African American artists with that of their predecessor (Robert Duncanson) who left murals at the Taft," says Ambrosini. Organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Painting by Robert Ducanson
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