Message for the New Year

I am so so happy that the holiday season is here. Can you tell? I mean, just look at my body language. A burden has been lifted; my spirit has been renewed and there are new and wonderful things on the horizon for 2008! For now, I sigh and give thanks to God for sustaining me and hearing my prayers.

By the way, my first semester teaching at the community college was interesting. I didn't fail anyone; they did it all alone. *smile* I am going to continue teaching as an adjunct in the evenings when time permits. As for January, I have other things to focus on. I am very excited about the new year. I expect great things for all of us. Keep your eyes on the prize and I wish you PEACE & PROSPERITY in the new year. Now, click here for Happy Holidays!!

Peace~

Stephen Bess
Morphological Confetti

Artist Spotlight: The Colors of Kenji

Color is the word that comes to mind when I look at the art of internationally acclaimed surrealist artist, Kenji. It’s a marriage of color, texture, and spirit. I have to say that in a particular order because I am going by the reaction of my senses when I first looked at Kenji’s work. First, my eyes were dazzled when I looked upon the lively, brilliant, and colorful images on the website; then, my spirit reacted to the subject matter in such a way that it spoke to my soul. Now, keep in mind that I did not see her work in person. So, I can safely assume that my reaction will multiply when I actually have a framed piece of her work in hand. I cannot tell you when that will be, but I can assure you that it will be.

I was attracted to the images I saw of the Blues. For instance, there is a piece called The Shimmy Shack (pictured left) that is dedicated to a scene from the movie, The Color Purple. There were also other pieces centered on the blues like Just There and Real Time (pictured right) that really seized my attention. Overall, Kenji has much to offer to anyone who simply loves art. Her (partial) client list includes celebrities like Al Jarreau, Tyrese, Maxine Waters, and the late Lou Rawls and Aaliyah. Her work has also graced the front covers of many books and magazines.

However, the beauty of Kenji’s work transcends the textures of paint and the variations in pattern and color. The beauty is that she is a self taught artist who considers her ability to create a “Gift from God.” The beauty of her work can also be seen in the workshops and self esteem art classes for children of all ages. Kenji’s beautiful colors will also be put into words when she releases her new book of poetry in 2008, "Let Color Inspire Your Life." As a matter of fact, let color inspire your life by visiting Kenji’s website. There are dozens of photos, photography, and art to choose from. I also encourage you to join her mailing list. In the words of Kenji, “Thank you and many blessings always!” Peace~

Harriet's Smile

Did you hear? Harriet Tubman smiled one night in December; I wish I could’ve seen it. I wish there was a photographer or sketch artist who could’ve captured it at the very moment when Momma Tubman smiled. I imagine the moment; she closed her eyes and stretched her arms to the cold December sky as she gave thanks to God. “I give you all the praises and all the glory dear Lord! Praise you Jesus!" Moses shouted as she looked across the field towards that land called Canaan. It wasn’t long ago when she was back in Dorchester County, Maryland. She went back to get her people. Harriet Tubman was determined to facilitate the manumission of her family members. She would eventually achieve that mission, but on Christmas Eve night in 1854 she would call upon two of her brothers Benjamin, 28 and Robert, 35. There were two other men and a woman from a nearby plantation, John Case, 20, Peter Jackson (age?), and Jane Kane, 22. The December air was cold, but they were all warm and brimming with thoughts of freedom. They heard the song:

“Steal away, steal away
Steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away
I ain't got long to stay here”

They quietly and expeditiously took their first steps towards freedom and left that old troubled world behind; I said they left that old troubled world behind and didn’t turn back as they slipped into the darkness of the Maryland woods. Now, freedom was more than a word, and Christmas carried a truer meaning; it meant FREEDOM. Harriet would make many trips to Maryland after this, but this was a glorious one. She was the conductor on that train to glory one December night. "Glory, Glory Hallelujah," Harriet shouted as she gave thanks to God and smiled. Merry Christmas.

Photo source: The Baltimore Sun

Book on subject: Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, by Kadir Nelson

True Love X Two

"You bring me joy
When I'm down
So much joy
When I lose my way your love comes smiling on me"

~ Anita Baker (1986 Album-Rapture)


"I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly."

Psalm 40:10 (Bible-New International Version)

Photo Credit: Wholehartedly_Ruez (Sunrise of Light)