Musea Call for Entry - Carnaval of Spirit Love

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2020
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas, Collage
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : TThis started as a prayer in response to witnessing George Floyd’s dying moments. As I witnessed that unforgettable moment, my soul tightened within my body and a feeling I had never experienced before came over me. It was a call to action! So, I did what I have come to trust and know…I brought it to easel. I stood in front of my substrate and committed my fear, anger, disbelief, and prayers for humanity as my intention. I wiped my tears with my hands, then blessed the paper with my tear-filled hands. As I prayed for reconciliation. as I saw the faces of my beloved, my children, my grandchildren, my brother, my ancestor and even my own with my heart’s eye. This piece of paper had now become my altar. I followed my brush not knowing or caring what showed up, but just needing to move this energy that was burning inside me. As I added dots in prayer for the violence to end, for peace, for healing, for understanding, for justice and for our future generations, I felt the shift. I became aware that this was an awakening. I became aware of my identity, of who lives here! Not from a perspective of ethnicity as a Latina woman of color but from a framework of a Black woman of Latin descent.

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2022
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : I AM Beautiful Sisters in your spectrum of complexions and cultures, you held me when I did not know where I belonged. You claimed me as you own. For so long I hid in the darkness afraid of not being enough, never noticing that you were always with me. Always giving me a glimpse of who I was and the potential at my very fingertips. But I shied away, because I was afraid of you, not realizing that it was not you I was afraid of…it was my own power from which I was hiding. When I faltered you lifted me up. When I offended you, you forgave me. You accepted me as I was regardless of my sharp edges because you could see my loving heart in spite of them. Inspirations fills me now when I share space with you, I have learned how to see my reflection in you. Embracing our differences and sameness. Learning to see how my piece IS contributing to the tapestry of our collective. Bringing contrast so that you can shine brighter and allowing your beauty, love, and convictions to sustain me so that I may better see the injustices our people suffer as well as the miracle that we are for the blessing of the resilience we have inherited from our ancestors. Wisdom runs through my DNA. When I am in circle with you, my heart remembers that which was taught to me so long ago. This coming together in celebration, honoring, and creating amplifies the love I have for each of you and the world becomes a better place because of my rememberings. Oneness of heart is what we create when I chose to stand in my strength, majesty, and sacredness. For was born to birth beauty into the world, as well as be midwife to the next. I will walk with you as you nurture that which is incubating within you, and I am grateful for how you hold my hand as I birth myself. You welcome me into my newness with a bow and remind me that I am a Queen! Creativity is our universal language. In my ancient mother tongue, I sing with you as we share the richness of our various cultures. I am heard and I witnessed, yet no words need to be spoken. I am you and you are me. I am Black, I am Indigenous, I am a Woman of Color!

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas 30" x 40"
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : Kemet Queen She Speaks Today a Million Years In the Future Past Of Kemet Queens Who Live Inside of Me Of Deserts and Trees Temples and Times On the Spinal Cord Named Nile Of Rivers that Flood Gold Poured Pure Overflowing Diamonds Rich Soil and Blood Of Darkness and Light She Discovers Hidden Worlds Inside her folds, Unfolding Language and Gnosis During the Time of Wombyn Of Scars and Marks The Temple of her Skin Of Beauty that Knows No Bounds Within Of Suffering and Resilience Of Wars Raged Against Battles lost, Battles won Don’t Erase Her She Remains Her Steadfast Trust in Unseeable Realms Carries her through Jostled, Tumbled Rock, Stone and Sand Only Made Smoother to Shine Of Power and Wonder Of Vision and Insight Of Strength and Pride and Holy Ground She is Carried across the Tundra Of Sun She Sits In Hand Holding Wonder Setting into Place A Brilliance To Gaze Upon Her

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2019
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : Sometimes there are no words to express what you have experienced or what you may feel. Peace Be Still. Peace comes from within, from a place of knowing you walk your Path with Grace and Ease regardless of circumstances.

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2020
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Watercolor paper
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : Whether it’s leaving an abusive situation, stepping away from work that is unfulfilling, doing something radically different and outside of your comfort zone this painting celebrates women who have the courage to risk all when the need to pivot presents itself and they do it with heads held high!

Country: United States Terrritory

What year was this painted? : 2021/Tailsman/Color of Woman Training
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : Reclaiming my life, my voice, my passion after 10 years of taking care of my elderly parents and my brother who suffered a traumatic head injury. They all transitioned and now is time to stand in me, with me, as me and play, dance, paint, reclaiming the me I overlooked. Aquí Estoy/Here I AM is Ogla showing up and calling out to the forgotten Ogla. She is reminding me that time waits for NO ONE and the time is NOW!

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : COTTON AND ANCESTORS The cotton of the south is in her DNA. She is a Black woman. She is spirit. She is me. She is my spirit self. She is where I come from and she is where I am going. She is surrounded by ancestors. She is protested on all sides because she is on a mission. She lost her tears because she cried for so many sons. Her ancestors help her reclaim her tears to lubricate her soul. As they rain down on her and puddle at her feet, she is refreshed. She knows she can carry on. All of her prayers are stored in a special holding place. They are gathered and refined by the ancestors before presenting them to creator. When the prayers are answered, the ancestors collect the answers and present them to her. Her mission continues

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic and Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : AND THE WOMEN KNEW Her Ancestors and her Elders below gather, the women gather and know. Her Ancestors see who they hoped for and the Elders see who they dream about. She sees the shoulders she stood on and saw all of their visions for a better time. Her successes and dreams heals the wounds of her Ancestors and calm the spirits of her Elders. This painting took on a life of its own, I only provided the hands, brush and paint. As I moved to the canvas her Ancestors began to speak to the Elders and the Elders translated for me. They described her and the brush guided my hands according to their instructions. Both Ancestors and Elders saw in her the beginning of a new vision.

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2020
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas 30"x 40"
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : "Diving Deeper Into Blackness" was made during an Intentional Creativity course called Artifact, in the summer of 2020. It was a three month initiation into an exploration of myself that was hidden beneath the surface. I had not, up to this point, learned much about my African roots. With the backdrop of Covid 19 pandemic, and the many live media images of black people being murdered, I was summoned by my ancestors to paint an image that reflected my own blackness. I wanted to present myself in this new awareness. I began to research my Taino culture, the natives who lived in Puerto Rico, where my known ancestors were born and raised. I found artifact images and deities that were carved into places around the islands. I added many of them to my canvas. I researched African images and added them as well. Some of them became part of the underpainting and are not as visible to the eye, but they are all there. The energy of my ancestors came through me and this original image was born. It was different than any other work I had done in the past. In my studio she sat a long time before I could even understand the depth of meaning. Now in 2022, her words tumble effortlessly through my pen. I am delighted to share her message with you. Diving Deeper Into Blackness I lay in the sacred womb room Swimming in liquid love, language, legacy. A singular cell with ancestral gifts Wisdom, Death, Wonder Living inside my mothers, mothers, mother earth. I am born. Particle, wave, matter Celestial starlight, pieces of powerful suns Mucus memories murmuring sounds Breaths released from lips I sing an ancient tongue. I am Strength of Mountain Stone and Tree Head of cosmos, stars and sand Antenna hair, dreadlocks, rock. Divining deities Atabey, She who gives birth to herself from all elements Reminder to sculpt my self image relevant. I Am Blood Waters Rising Tides, Diving deeper into blackness to celebrate The dark places where I arise from Excavate honor blackness of creation Black beauty imbued Loved, strengthened, empowered To push push push To the other side of our collective pain. I Am Made Anew Birthed at night I have the right to shout out loud I am black and I am proud To stand up tall, to spread my wings To share my rapture In all things.

Country: US

What year was this painted? : 2022
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : ANCESTOR MOON We have been preparing for the full moon celebration, gathering food, washing our garments, adorning our hair and headpieces. And the night has finally arrived. The kettle of sustenance simmers on the fire, the cloth spread across the grass with our calabashes, cups, and … three sacred vessels. As we gather in a circle, Our Elder Mother takes her position and starts to pray. The energy of her prayer causes chills in our bodies. After prayer, she raises her hand for the lead drummer to begin, and the beautiful hands start the beat quietly and slowly. Then the rhythm changes. The drummer signals the second drummer to join her. Each musician joining one at a time, creating airy notes, notes bringing harmony, and deep ones grounding us, until there is a beautiful vibration moving through our bodies, the trees, grass– all of nature is alive with it’s own sounds and those of our own creation. Our Priestess dances toward the center of the circle, being met by our Harvest Mother. The two weave in and out of the circle, like an infinity sign, from the east and the west, then from the north and south, bearing gifts for our Ancestors. For this is the night we celebrate our Ancestor Moon. Tonight, we have left our cares outside the circle. Each of us is listening, hoping our hearts will be gifted by a message from our Dear Ones. We have come with our children to celebrate who and what we are, and from whom we have descended. Elder Mother shouts: “They are here, they are here!” And we arise to dance wildly with jubilation as we ululate! There is a sweetness in the air of firewood, food, oils, and fragrances titillating our senses, carrying the ambience of love. Words are inadequate for describing the Ancestors’ presence. We know they coarse through our veins, and tonight, we reflect upon the gifts they have passed on to us, and honor them. We give ourselves fully to this moment that shall never be again, but knowing our bond, our connection to the Ancestors is sealed in timelessness. We will celebrate until the sun begins to rise, and when our children ask us why? We will tell them the story of our Ancestors, teaching their lineage of culture, intelligence, ingenuity, wisdom, beauty, strength, and pride. They will come to understand that to honor the Ancestors, the land, the cosmos, the richness of our lineage as women and community, is our way of Being, of celebrating Love. As the celebration draws to a close, our Elder Mother invites us into stillness as she blesses our Ancestors and each one of us. Our circle closes with a jubilation song, hugs, laughter and joyful tears, for once again we are rejuvenated in celebrating our Ancestor Moon.

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2020
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic and watercolor on paper
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : The Black! The Black! What has happened to the majesty, the strength, the dignity, the power of you, as a color, containing all the other colors, you as capable of absorbing all colors into the harmony we seek? This painting is a reclaiming of the fierceness, the mysticism, and the glory of Kem. This painting reconnects Black to the civilization 50, 000 years ago, the symbols of which still have the power to tug at our hearts, our minds, our capacity to see, our journey of the Soul. Within this profile of Kem whose boundaries smudge a bit to suggest that inner and outer are not so distinct as the world would have us think, there is a globe who says: "I am an ode to the eye; I am an ode to the retina. Impressions from the outside Impressions of who you are according to how others see you are reflected into this globe and land on the retina where they intermingle with the pure, brilliant, birthright impressions of who you know yourself to truly BE. I am an ode to how inner and outer impressions dance around and through one another to render our version of who the Inner Self is. The Inner Self always being negotiated always yearning for greater love, greater rest and peace within our own sense of BEing, greater freedom to come ever closer to who you were born to be unencumbered by Form even while being in Form. The truth of who you BE is energetic Painting, even in its fluidity, can only point to the Truth of You. In the gap In the gap is where the Truth of You can be felt and sensed; where the Truth of You resides and dances.

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : Part gourd Part bird Part fish and part Hare who speaks of an activation at layers encountered neither often nor casually. I call you within Deep within the within as our ancestors called it. So deep that you can no longer relate to the outer human appearance with its limitations and sensorial intensities. I call you to this unthinkable undefinable You-- free of identity. I call you to float in creative amniotic fluid always becoming always morphing and then unmorphing. Who are we--beyond Form? In each moment you fly! you blossom, you slither into eternity, only to return to Form and then start again. You are Process. The flower and infinity both bloom within you. The eye of Heer (Horus) made whole only to fragment again over and over. Your are Process. The sun and the moon shine within you before sinking into Dark only to rise again. Move and slide and ride with us! We are beyond even Phantasmagoria. We are co-Creator!

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : I am stardust I am the stars I am a constellation I am the Universe I am my mother And hers And hers And hers My Mothers shine for me and I reflect their light into the world They are the stardust within me They are the stars that guide me They are me Together we bear witness and hold space for those who walk beside us Together we allow ourselves to shine bright and trust that our light will light the way for all those who come after We are the power of a constellation We are the beauty of the Universe

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2022
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : I have taken back my pens from those who would determine what my story should be. With my pens, I claim the power to define myself and I write my own story! I have taken back my brushes from those who would paint me into a corner and leave me without the power to choose. With my brushes, I claim the power to color my world and the world around me! I claim the strength in my voice! I claim the power of my soul! I claim all the colors that live in my skin! I claim myself! I am a woman of color!

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2022
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : THE WOMB OF THE OCEAN Flow like the wind she says Do not allow anyone to stop you, control or suppress you. Enough is Enough!! You have come from the shadow voices in your head You come from the land of richness and a lineage of gold No more worries, no more tears of pain because this time Only tears of joy will flow in your face You came here to be who you are, being seen and heard Elevate your arms and dance to the Mother Moon Swing your hula hips side by side and make them splash like the waves of the ocean Dance! Dance! Dance! with prayer Dance! your poetry Dance and make your body be heard! The Stars of the Universe and the Moon are here for you! Let the ocean waves roar and tremble with volcanic fire and let the lava burn inside you with joy. My dear, you are the Womb of the Ocean…. You are tender and loving, you are fuel with sensual energy and spirituality. Allow the music of your soul to move you Be like a butterfly, flap your wings and fly!! Smile and wink to the Sun and the Sun will vibrate with you. You may belong to the deep treasures of the ocean and these treasures are meant to be share with others who love you. Who is the Womb of the Ocean? She is the Mother who nurtures the soul of the lost one who needs a warming hug, a sweet kiss, a cooked delicious meal made with hands of love. She is the Young Chica (girl) who loves to play with the dirt, jump in the water, who loves adventure and excitement, who enjoys to be spontaneous and free. She is the Amiga (friend) who you can call and she says to you “Smile, today is a good day to be alive, dance and swing your body and all your tears will melt away. She is the Elder, who knows the mysteries of the medicinal plants and the sweetness of flowers. Womb of the Ocean is mystical, wise and predictable. You think you may know her, but you really don’t, She only shows you the face that you are welcome to see because she is a book of truth and knowledge She carries the akashic records of the ancestors and they are revealed as needed. THE WOMB OF THE OCEAN, I AM…

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : This picture was created during the Talisman course. My intention for my painting was to get clarity for my future and live a life of health and abundance while honoring The Most High. This course dealt with me at a very volatile time in my life. I was challenged with my marriage, my relationship with my daughter was rocky, and I was frustrated with my job to the point of contemplating retirement. I can barely believe I was able to put anything on the canvas. This particular class/journey had quite a bit of reflective journaling, which allowed me to express my feelings and reflect on some of the choices I made in life and why. There were eight keys which we followed and the first key, Awakening started off with a bang. A few questions/statements that were posed under Awakening that opened my eyes and allowed me to focus on my mental and emotional state of being, were the following: • There is a self I have been being that no longer serves me. • Where have I compromised myself? • What isn’t working? The painting that I created actually surprised me. I kept saying to myself, “Did I do that?” She turned out magical and powerful. On my phone dictionary, one of the definitions of Talisman is, “Anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.” That’s what my painting/Muse, Royalty, did for me. I named her Royalty because she reminded me of an African Queen. She has a look that could be interpreted as aloof, but she is confident and powerful. The symbols at bottom are significant to my journey. The spiral is very similar to an Adinkra (Ghanaian) symbol called “Abode Santen” (Eternity of Creation), which symbolizes Eternity, and Divinity of the creation and the Creator. I chose that symbol because of my reverence and love for The Most High. I’m a divine creation and I’m also a creator. The middle image is one version of the Adinkra symbol, Sankofa (Go back to fetch it). It represents respect for heritage, history and wisdom of the elders, and a search for the positive aspects of the forgotten, ignored and concealed past to guide the present and the future. It is important to know the history of my people which has been concealed and taken away and goes much further then enslavement Even when its roots are in the dirtiest of waters the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower. In many cultures the lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Only time will tell the truth about me and my beautiful people. The wings at the throat represents me gaining my freedom to share my truth unapologetically, and to stop holding back and playing small. I am Royalty. During this time while working on Talisman, I decided to retire, and I did, November 2021. My daughter moved to New York, and I’m still married.

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : This painting was created in the Visionary course. It was the most freeing, fun and fastest course. It didn’t take long to create and with that in mind, the Visionary Course was an ideal training for teaching my first 13-step method. What I liked most about creating this painting was the emphasis of the left and right brain. The right side, from the picture’s perspective, have designs that are curvy and flowing representing the fluid and creative, intuitive, and imaginative thinking of the right side of the brain. The left side, with its straight, uniformed and structured lines and shapes represents the more systematic and pragmatic thinking pattern. My picture is about breaking free from constraints of uniformity and conformity. I don’t have to wait until I am perfect (whatever that is) to share the gift of Intentional Creativity. Soulful Visionary represents the vision I have for my business. The painting palette beneath the heart represents my desire for my business. I have a small house with the letter “G” which is my vision of my gallery and studio. I have wine glasses and people on both the right and left side to represent that I will celebrate and serve people using both structure and creativity.

Country: USA

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : SHE WINKS AT YOU AND SHE SAYS HOLA! Hola, the Spanish word of greeting one soul to another soul Hola, she says by winking her eye with charisma I welcome you, would you receive my love? Would you welcome her as she opens her heart to you? Her face is blue like a turquoise stone, it is full of magic and mystery Her hair is white like a blanket of snow that sparkles when the sun touches her hair. She is asking you to join her in a HOLA dance. Her hips flow with a swing of music, but what music does she like to dance? The HOLA music…… this is the music of infinite lyrics, to be hear this melody you must close your eyes and feel. This is the music of an intrigued soul, a soul that has a lot of questions, but she only receives one answer….HOLA. HOLA with a shiny smile is to suffice for her soul. This is the HOLA that signifies “Come, I am here for you”. This is the HOLA that says have a seat and let’s have a cup of café con leche (coffee latte). This is the HOLA that welcomes a conversation with a sweet kiss. This is the HOLA that does not discriminate the unbroken soul This is the HOLA that gives hugs and says “mi casa es tu casa”. This is the HOLA that my abuela (grandma) taught me. She winks at you and she says HOLA!! Would you receive her HOLA?

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : Growing up in a dysfunctional household was an unhappy memory for me. I was mentally and physically abused by both my parents. Never a kiss or a hug and never seen. I was told to look down when spoken to and never let your voice be heard. I always wondered why my parents didn’t love me. I remember thinking was there something awfully wrong with me, maybe I was a bad seed. It always made me cry to think about my childhood it was such a sad time in my life. As I grew older, I struggled through most of my younger adulthood feeling unloved and insecure. Searching for anything to fill the hole in my heart I made so many bad decisions. It was a wonder how I survived such a reckless life. When I had my own children and started my own family, I think my higher power and my ancestors were there to hold and guide me. I am grateful that I was being witnessed. I learned to gain the strength and character to be a nurturing mother. I made a promise to myself to dedicate and shower my children with the love that I never had from my parents. I let my children know that they are heard and seen. I also taught them never to bow their heads down to anyone. Now as an older adult I learned that I am a warrior, survivor and beautiful human being, nothing wrong here!! I am grateful for Intentional Creativity for teaching me how to open the portal to my heart and allowing me to pour my love into my canvas.

Country: United States

What year was this painted? : 2021
What medium is this painted on (i.e. Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Watercolor, Watercolor, etc) : This painting is Acrylic on Canvas
Share with us the story or poem connected with your painting. Max 500 words. : She She is not considered to be the standard form of beauty, although she continues to keeps her head up, She is round in her body, She has a double chin, she is mostly blue, and she has silver hair. She knows the cycle of the moon and nature, She can heal with flowers, plants, food and colors. She is known to use her intuition at all times, and she's connected to the ancestors. She is the spiritual warrior for her family and others who pass through her space, Even when she is blue She is light.