Until I can Rock the ROCKS...I rep my Tatts...
I met a girl named Annie, she designs earrings. Upon our introduction of her "fly" roped, bangles hanging from her lobes, she thought I was going to ask, "are they heavy?" It wasn't my question--but we were at a party (you know how it is)...I told her "what I was going to say is" if I still rocked earrings I'd definitely rock those!
It brought her attention to my tattoos on each ear. After telling her the definitions she wanted to know my reason. I said "Well, I want real diamonds, and until I get them, I'll rep the tats..."
Backdrop: Red Bamboo Brooklyn, a soul vegetarian restaurant. Tonight, I was invited by "text" to attend my friend Frei's (AKA Black Fruit Punch) event. I decided to walk up the block (since I was in BK) to hang out with the Ahficionados.
The Reason: To check out the artwork of Lichiban who has an exhibition called "Bling Thy Inner Wealth." I had never heard of her, but I'm fascinated with the world of art and the craftsman (or woman) and to my surprise, Lichiban is not only creative, but a "collaborator" who is still getting used to having the spotlight on her.
I was introduced to her by Livingroom Johnson, an author (former Skate King) and painter who had to tell her...tonight is your night. After taking a deep breath she told me about her inspiration for the pieces...an artists' journey to wealth. Most of us in the room were artists...From Paridee (http://www.parideearts.blogspot.com) who collaborated with Lichiban on a few pieces, Justin (String Theory Events); Jah C (who is throwing a huge event at Southpaw in the next coming weeks), Daoud (Filmmaker) and more!
After taking a few photos, Lichiban and I re-connected and she pointed out a few pieces and their story. Here's my version by memory... "I don't usually work on a black backdrop," she states, "It represents my breaking out of the dark phase of my life as an artist and reaching to "thy wealth" stage."
She points to a painting inspired by Living Room Johnson. He's sketched in white chalk, conjuring up a Jeanie Bottle, Lichiban's face inside on the way to artistry freedom.
"Living Room helped me get out of the bottle," she concluded.
Like most artists (including myself) we go through those phases where we wonder if our art will pay off--searching for that Jeanie in a Bottle to guide us through. Waiting for the pay off so that we can finally say...the journey was worth it. Some of us go through extreme dark phases; some make it, but most give up right before they reap the rewards.
Lichiban's work represented the "breaking point" from ourselves, our fears and the sacrifices...yet, reminds us that it's not about the money, but about PURPOSE. I enjoyed myself tonight and the free Lychee Martinee (thanks Jah C!).
I will also enjoy conjuring up my Jeanie so that I can get those diamonds...to rock (and reward myself) after I buy all the necessary things (an artist needs) of course!
To check out more work on Lichiban: www.myspace.com/lichiban
Until Next Time,
See You in the City!
Dominga~
