I AM
Painting from a MUSEA Class
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!
