I’m always curious as to what inspires artists and creative folks to stay creative. What’s their process? And how do they always stay IN-spired? People’s process always fascinates me because they all use such different means to keep the flow flowing. For me personally, the smallest things trigger me. A word or phrase can all of sudden spark a mèlange of ideas! They come in faster than I can keep track of them!! Flipping through a magazine or spotting someone in the street wearing a particular color also does it for me. But STAYING inspired I’m noticing is very hard work. I lost the passion to bead, and had to pause for 2 years. I came very close to saying “I’m done”. But beading is my therapy, and a little psychotherapy does a mind/body good! Cutting beading out of my life would be like cutting off my right arm. I need that joint! So I figured it out, and got back on track.
So when I see other artists just stuck, and stagnate, I feel a bit stuck too, because I seriously vibe off of other people’s work. Whether it be a big time creative designer or a local artist. Seeing what they come up with challenges me to always keep it moving and striving to raise the bar. And sadly, I don’t think a lot of people are inspired. I’m noticing a lot of the same ‘ol stuff. Or people are shamelessly copying other designers because it “looks easy”. Folks are sleeping and I just want to scream like Laurence Fishburne …”WAKE UPPPP!!!!” What happened to creativity and originality?!?! What happened to street style, and trendsetters? Where are the innovators? What’s going on in their world that they keep creating the same thing over and over? There’s no growth. No next level.
As artist, it’s our responsibility to evolve the masses. If we become complacent with creating then our patrons become complacent and don’t expect or ASK for anything greater. And then they become sleeping giants. I love supporting artists! If I could buy their complete collection I would! And I search for new designs! But when I start to notice that season after season, time after time, that they’re doing the same thing… I just shake my head, and move on and away from them. Realizing that as I’m pointing a finger at them, I definitely asses the 3 fingers pointing back at me, and I ask myself the hard questions…. Am I evolving MY craft? Am I challenging you to adorn yourself in a different way? Am I stepping outside the box? Can I do this bigger and better?
My answers were a mix of yes, no and DO BETTER! lol!! You can’t rush creativity, but you also can’t sit on the sidelines and let opportunities slip through your fingers. I decided that I wanted to adorn women and make them feel their best even if THEY don’t feel their best. My goal is to create the most über femme waist beads EVER!! I’m on a mission to keep the ladies feeling sexy! And I noticed that while making you feel good, I start to feel good, and create better. I’m a W.I.P. constantly aiming to be better than I was 10 minutes ago!!
OK!! I’m going to make the effort to keep my blog updated! I had NO IDEA blogging would be so time consuming! Social media on whole has become time consuming, but that’s a whole ‘nuther issue!! LOL
Anywho, I’m clearing out the cobwebs and I’m going to blog! My blog has no real rhyme or reason. I’ll be sharing an assortment of interesting things. I love fashion and style, so there will be some of that. I love jewelry, so I’ll share some of my favorite designers with you. I’m always on the prowl for interesting and creative videos, and of course I’ll be updating you on all things Waist Beads by Sewra. I do a lot of random babbling but I promise to keep it interesting!
First order of business … I’ll be one of the designers at the FELA FUNK&TRUNK shopping party. I’m really looking forward to SUNDAY! I get to hang out with my people, the music is gonna be jamming and it’s going to be a really great day in NYC! If you’re in NYC you should definitely come down! The event is happening at the Caribbean Cultural Center in Manhattan. There’s an art exhibit on Fela Kuti upstairs in the gallery. I saw it opening night. It’s really good. I was there for a short time, so Sunday I’ll get to take my time and really take it all in.
Along with myself, the other designers that will be there is N’krumah of Anu Rock & Metal. He’s been coming up with some serious designs! Rings, cuffs, bracelets and asymmetrical earrings. I’m going to try reallly, realllly hard not to spend every last single dollar in my pocket with him! Hahahaha! Because that’s what usually happens. Then… Nacinimod, of The House of Nassat and crochet Master of the Universe has been working on some insane architectural earrings. INSANE! I had the privilege to see some of the new stuff. Very extraterrestrial! Harriet’s Alter Ego will bringing it hard! I always find myself making a B-line to their racks because of all the colors!! I just want to touch everything!! Plus, I love seeing Ngozi!! Also there is, Designs by Alicia P. She makes the most intricate suede earrings! They’re rolled strips of leather with semi-precious stones and crystals. They literally are pieces of fine art! Her earrings are so finely crafted, and the style is really different. I love me some DIFFERENT! Because different means NEW! And new is definitely needed NOW. I’m really excited to see what she has! It’s a whole lotta of eye candy!
Sistaphyre Kreations has some hot hot pieces!!! I was at Teaty’s table a couple weeks ago at the Artisans Market in Brooklyn, and I had very hard time deciding what to get. Do I get the sterling silver open “C” earrings? Or do I get the sterling silver and resin modern art style earrings. Or do I get the sterling silver and brass drops? It was a hard decision, but I listened to my gut and bought the ones I kept going back to. The open “C’s”!! Hopefully for your sake, she made another set! I snatched the only set on the table! Rounding out the HOTNESS that’s going to be at the FELA FUNK&TRUNK is 512 Collective. He was at Collide-A-Scope and had some great art pieces. He takes pieces of found objects and incorporates his art work with the object! It’s very cool and different. And you know how I feel about different!!!
Second order of business is …. I’m coming to Atlanta! N’krumah and I are taking this show on the road and heading south! We’re going to be at The National Black Arts Festival, in Centennial Olympic Park. Thursday, July 15th to Sunday, July 18th. I’ve never been to Atlanta, so I’m really looking forward to coming down there! The best part is both of my best friends are going to be down there! Heezarita is coming with me, and Marjorie, of Yes Lioness, will be set up with her new t-shirts and artwork. She’ll be sharing a tent with Nyemay of Nyemay Collectables with her African inspired homewares. YOU READY FOR US ATLANTA?!
I’ll see you on Sunday! And stay tuned for more blog entries! *Fingers crossed!!
*This is a FREE event*.
Please be Sure To RSVP for VIP Admission
I’ll be at Shop N Mingle this Saturday in Harlem. This will be my last event until BAM’s Dance Africa in May 2010. That seems sooo far away!! But it will be here in no time! Between now and then I’ll be focusing on my craft and site. I want to try some new styles and concepts! I can’t wait! The on-line Boutique will still be open! And I will be bringing back “The Bead of the Moment”! If you’re going to be in NYC on Saturday… Please stop by!!
I want to thank everyone that came out to Atlantic antic this past Sunday. It was such a beautiful day! I rarely get a chance to walk the festivals that I do… but this year I had to chance to walk around and see some of the different vendors. I snagged some pretty good finds! One of the things I bought was a red 20′s inspired wool hat with red feathers made by Natisha & Armour Hats. In the tent next to me was, Miss Joanne selling her collection of beautiful vintage jewelry and clothes. I bought a Elmer Fudd mink hat for $25!! And a brooch for $5! She said she’ll be set up in Brooklyn again this weekend. And I will be there to see what new things she has! Cherise of Adha Zlema stopped in the tent too! My next event is next Saturday, Oct 17th in Harlem… Harlem POP…. put together by Harriet’s Alter Ego. I’ll post more info as the date comes closer.
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Totally Waisted is an intoxicating cocktail of thoughts and things of interest from waistbeads.com designer; Sewra.
