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This portrait of James Baldwin was created exclusively for Son of Baldwin, the literary, sociopolitical, psychosexual, popcultural blog. A must-follow on Twitter (@SonofBaldwin).
This is a No. 2/colored pencil drawing with gold leaf. The pattern in the background was inspired by the Fulani wedding blanket on the cover of Dr. Ron Eglash’s ‘African Fractals.’
@SonofBaldwin posted a YouTube the other day, of Erykah Badu explaining the idea behind the ‘Window Seat’ video. At the time i saw this video, i had also been watching some Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu films, and reading a book about the Samurai. i was inspired by it all, and decided to do a quick drawing.
In the video, she was talking about how much courage it took to do what she did in ‘Window Seat.’ And how it’s so hard for us to go against the grain and challenge the norm. i think it’d be good for all of us to get outside of our comfort zones; to do things because we feel like doing them, without caring what anyone else might say about it. We need to start making our own rules. Forget most of what we’ve been told and start relying on our intuition to find the answer to life’s questions.
Anyway, upon reading this book, i discovered that there were actually female samurai. They were rare, but there are some stories about women they called Onna Bugeisha. Tomoe Gozen was an Onna Bugeisha, known for her courage and strength. So i thought it fitting to bring the two ladies together. “Boxcutta Crew” is just my imaginary squad, like a supergroup of all my heroes; people who think for themselves and never allow anyone to put them in a box. Labels and boxes, those are our enemies.
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Speaking of courage and strength, also pictured here is དཔལ་ལྡན་ ཆོས་མཚོ་ (Palden Choetso), a nun who self-immolated on November 3, 2011 fighting for Tibetan freedom. དཔལ་ལྡན་(Palden)= possessing brilliance and glory. ཆོས་མཚོ་ (Choetso)= ocean of dharma. If you haven’t read and signed this pledge, please do ==> http://www.standupfortibet.org.
Video links to:
Erykah Badu Explains ‘Window Seat’ ==> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3qRovp1A8&feature=player_embedded#t=6s
Nun Self Immolation (Warning: GRAPHIC) ==> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=heRelfk_QW4#t=0s
Tupac was born on this day in 1971. He is another one of those people who helped shape me into who I am today, believe it or not.
He was erratic, loud, and would probably be diagnosed as bi-polar, but he had a heart of gold. When he passed away on the 13th of September in 1996 I was 17 years old – a senior in high school. And I was devastated. I had never lost anyone close to me (besides a few pets), and when we heard the news I felt like a family member had died. At that time, my sister was totally in love with Tupac, and we were sure she was going to marry him. So he was kinda like my big brother, in my mind…
I still love him and consider him the greatest rapper of all time, although I can hardly listen to his music anymore (most of it’s just too negative). I still wanted to do a little something to commemorate his 39th birthday.
It’s another miniature, like the Prince one. I measured this one with a ruler because I am going to put the Maya Calendar in the background. When I got the idea to draw this I found this pendant and ring that I have with the calendar on it, and I thought about Maya (my niece), then about who Tupac was named after – the last indigenous leader of the Inca state in Peru, Túpac Amaru. Note: You may be asking what Inca has to do with Maya… I don’t know, I just like the calendar and want to draw it. ;P
Stay tuned…
6/19
Still not done… I’ll finish it when I get inspired again…
6/17/11
I finally finished!! After a year smh. R.i.P. PAC!
It’s been like, a year and a half(?) since i started on this painting, and i’m finally finishing it up. i decided last night that i want to turn it from day to night (paint the sky to dark blue), because it will make it more magical, i think.
i just learned how to use gold leaf, so i put it on every part that i planned on painting gold (which did not work, because the gold oil paint was too dull). And now i’m gonna paint the detail over the gold leaf. Besides that, the detail in the clouds, the sky, and some drop shadows need to be done, then it will be finished!!
i don’t know what brought this change about, but for the past few days i’ve been pondering about the existence of a so-called creator “God.” i’ve had similar moments before, but i think they were brought on by depression and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. This time it is different. i’m just constantly on a search for the truth, and frankly, i would feel a little dumb praying to/praising something that wasn’t really there. i stopped believing in a God with a shape/form a long time ago, but i left the possibility open that there may be something that is responsible for the creation of the Universe.
i know Jesus (and other people like him) were born to change this world, and have a strong spiritual presence. So following him, and asking him for guidance seems okay to me. But all that business of him being “the Way,” and the ONLY way?? That’s ludicrous! Basically, you’re saying anyone who doesn’t believe Christ is the Savior is damned to Hell. That’s ignorant talk, people. And it doesn’t frighten me a bit. Maybe when i was little, and full of fear… but now? Not even slightly.
i’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of people from a lot of different religious backgrounds, and no one can tell me that their way of life is wrong. If the common goal is to live an upstanding life, and to treat others with love and respect, then what could be wrong with that?
i don’t know… Personally, i’m pretty much over religion. i love Buddhism – it’s the religion i feel most compatible with – but i’m cool on all the rituals and rules and things. i really appreciate the scientific nature of so many Buddhist practices, though. They teach you how to harness your own mind in a practical way; through meditation and other means, which to me is more effective than praying to God, “Lord PLEASE take this [sin] away from me!”
Most of our negative behavior is learned, and the source of all negative thought/actions lie somewhere in the human brain. It’s Neuroscience. If you have used spiritual means to rid yourself of negativity, then keep doing what you do. It works for some people. But if you are a religious person and you’re suffering from bad thoughts and things, look at it from the perspective of a psychologist. Where are these thoughts coming from? Don’t just blame it on the “Devil.” i think there are negative spirits and energies that are kind of contagious, but i don’t believe in the Devil.
Furthermore, all these religious leaders who are preaching to others, but failing to rid themselves of their own iniquities? i don’t want to hear from you. WE ALL SIN, every single day. And we all need to recognize our own power, and figure out our own problems, instead of depending on somebody to tell us how to do things. We were born with an innate knowledge of life, and how we should live it, and we need to take advantage of it. Mentors are great, but really, freedom and liberation comes when we can think for ourselves.
i could go on, but i don’t want to bore anyone. Who’s reading this, anyway? i don’t know. i don’t know anything, but my best advise to everyone is to QUESTION EVERYTHING. i won’t let anybody tell me what’s right and what’s wrong – i’ll judge for myself.
i started on this painting because i ran out of white paint while working on the Sade painting, and didn’t feel like going down to Pearl to buy more. Plus, i was hearing all kinds of craziness on Facebook and Twitter, about some cockamamie study that found Black women to be the least attractive to the opposite sex. i don’t believe a word of it. Somebody’s hatin’.
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It’s funny that Mother’s Day is today, considering that i got my first taste of motherhood this past week.
Well, maybe not my first, because i’ve taken care of a lot of children in my day… including a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. But this is the first time i’ve had to handle the responsibility of caring for a 1 year old baby, with no help.
It was only for four days, but i can tell you, it was no piece of cake. My niece is a great kid, she’s very easy-going and good-natured. Still, it was not easy. i’m used to being able to do whatever i want to do, whenever i want to do it, but for four days that was virtually impossible. It was also really hard for me to get any painting done, so i sympathize with mothers of the creative type… It seems like there is never enough time in the day, and every minute is devoted to raising your child. All art forms must be placed on the back burner.
it takes a strong woman to take care of children by herself, especially multiple children. My mom had six of us, and i don’t know how she did it without going completely crazy. i have a new found respect for her, and all the other single moms i know. i wish single parenting didn’t exist, but that’s just the way it goes. Sometimes it’s better for the child to not have the other parent in their life…
Anyway, for this experience, i give myself a B. i think i did a pretty good job – got her to use the potty, let her run around on the beach a few times (which totally stresses me out, because she puts everything in her mouth), and made sure she brushed her teeth ever morning and night. If she could talk, i would ask her how she would grade me. i’m curious to know…
Yeah, so i just want to big up all the single mothers out there; the ones who are really trying to raise their kids right. Moms make mistakes sometimes… When they are stressed and overwhelmed, they often take it out on the children. But when it all comes down to it, they really want the best for their kids. And just as the sun never stops shining, a mother’s love never dies. Even though it may get covered up by clouds sometimes.
Sike! i would kill myself before i ran for President. i march to the beat of my own drum, and i do it ALONE.
i have so many things running through my mind right now, in regards to the events that have taken place within the last few days… i just need to write them down.
Politics are not my thing. They never have been, and they never will be. i had enough faith in Obama to vote for him, but that’s about the extent of my political activity. Oh, yeah, i also voted for Nader in the election before that. i don’t know what kind of president Ralph Nader would have turned out to be, but he is responsible for hipping me to the concept of green living. And at that time, he was supported by Cornel West (one of my heroes). i was actually able to see West speak at a Nader rally in 2000, at Henry J. Kaiser….
Back to my point – i often ignore anything to do with politics, because it stresses me out. i like to live life pretending the lies and corruption do not exist, and that’s how i survive. So i have little knowledge of the war, Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden or the Taliban. i also choose not to pay attention to anything pertaining to political parties. What’s the difference between a Democrat and a Republican? And what the hell is the Tea Party? Personally, i hate labels. therefore i will never associate myself with any such thing. I’m Leah, dammit! i’m a Cancer, born in the year of the Earth Goat, with a moon in Virgo and Virgo rising. And i’m an artist.
Yes, all these things that separate us, they are all illusory. So even if someone does not share the same views as me, i am not going to judge them, or even try to change their mind. But that will not stop me from saying what i think needs to be said.
i actually learned about the supposed “death of Osama bin Laden” on Twitter, from Maxwell, of all people. After that, my timeline was inundated with patriotic, pro-Obama tweets. (Mind you, up to now, i’ve had no real qualms with Obama. i’ve kinda ignored him for the past 3 years. The only time he becomes a part of my reality is when he is mentioned by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West.) As i read these tweets, my heart sank. i can’t tell you why, but i knew it was all wrong. As i said before, i don’t know much about bin Laden, (though i did watch Fahrenheit 9/11), but what i’ve gathered is that he’s not a savory person. So the feeling i was feeling was not one of compassion, or sorrow. i guess i just felt bad for humanity – and how we think. We react too quickly, and don’t take the time to analyze a situation, or search for the truth.
Just like everything else in the news, after 2 days, the noise had died down and only a few people were still talking about it. But me, i’ve been researching, and listening to different points of view. Frankly, the President and his people are not doing a good job at convincing me. i mean, C’MON! A sea burial? And no photos? Just the fact that the announcement interrupted ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ was too much for me. Straight HOLLYWOOD.
i can’t prove that Osama bin Laden was killed in 2004, but i don’t doubt it’s a possibility. There are videos, credible videos to make you question it, like the one that shows Benazir Bhutto talking about Osama bin Laden being killed by Omar Sheikh in 2007 (http://youtu.be/UnychOXj9Tg). i don’t know, you be the judge. Let your heart and intuition guide you – don’t take anyone else’s word for it.
In closing, i would just like to say that i don’t want no problems with Big Brother, or the U.S. Government lol. i like my freedom and my privacy (the little bit i still have). i know i’m not the sharpest tool in the box, but the intelligence i do possess?? i don’t want it insulted. Dig? Why not show me, and the rest of America a little respect, and just be HONEST for a change. Yeah, i know that will never happen, but a girl can dream…
EVERYBODY (that includes you, me, the Prez, Donald Trump and every living soul across the globe) get FREE! Free your mind, use your heart as your guide, stop putting money first, find your passion, help somebody, love yourself, quit lyin’, appreciate your loved ones, stop giving to receive, take back your health… Be HAPPY.
So, I’ll be teaming up with my new favorite emcee, Young Gully, once again.
I’m working on the cover for his upcoming album, “The Prescription,” due out this Spring. If you still haven’t listened to “The Grant Station Project,” for which I did the cover art, please check it out (http://younggullyyh.bandcamp.com/album/the-grant-station-project). While you’re at it, download the “Definition of Gas” mixtape (http://younggullyyh.bandcamp.com/album/definition-of-gas).
I’ll be doing a portrait of Gully himself this time, in colored pencils. I am soooo happy to get a break from paints! You don’t even know…
4/17
I’m not going to post anymore photos of my progress, so you’ll have to wait to see how it turns out. I drew out what i call the “skeleton,” which is like a guide, so all i have to do next is color on the skin. It’s really not necessary to do all that pencil shading and stuff, but i like to make sure everything is perfect before i start with the colored pencils, which you can’t erase.
I’ll post a photo of the final piece when it’s ready. In the meantime, please check out the links to Gully’s music that i posted above and make sure you pick up The Prescription.
Stay tuned….
4/26
Pretty much done. i’m sure i’ll start messing with it tonight, fixing and touching up here and there. This picture is kinda dark, so it doesn’t show all of the smoke. i’ll post a better one tomorrow…
I haven’t posted a blog in years, it seems like. I’ve been steadily working, and just haven’t gotten around to it. It’s easier to upload a photo of what I’m working to Twitpic. But I can’t rant on Twitpic. There are only 110 characters.
First of all, today is Tibetan Uprising Day, so if you are not aware of the significance of this day, please enlighten yourselves.
–> http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=2156
(It’s supposed to rain all day, but I prayed to the rain to hold off until the protests are over, because I need to go.)
Secondly, I feel like hell on wheels right now. I rarely get sick, maybe once a year or something… and it’s that one time right now. But I gotta keep it movin’… got things to do.
I’m working on a mural at a new restaurant opening at the end of the month. It’s actually from a picture of Luciano Pavarotti and his family in his back yard in Modena, Italy.
Stay tuned. I’m trying to work quickly, but not too quickly. No half-steppin’ in Leah’s world.
3/21
I will post the details of the location and what-not when I’m done. So everyone in NY/NJ can go and see it, and get some good food. 
4/10
It’s my last day here. Gonna fix some imperfections, paint the blades of grass, and fly south.
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4/11
I finished the mural around 5 am on Monday morning. And i missed my plane to Miami in the process, so I had to catch a later flight, which was delayed, and caused me to miss my connecting flight. Anyway, i have to say it was all worth it, because i was able to meet some great people and was shown beaucoup love during the painting project.
If you have time, and are in the area, please visit Casa di Pizza at 50 Elm Street in Westfield, New Jersey. It’s a cute little quaint place, Westfield, with a Coach store, Esprit, Victoria’s Secret and all that. So you can go get your shopping on and stop in for some food. I love the family who owns it, so i’d appreciate if you show your support by patronizing their business. Tell ‘em Leah sent you… 
I forgot to mention a priest blessed the painting? I was really happy about that, even though i’m not Catholic, or of any other religion. He was sincere, though, and i hope that anyone who places eyes on that painting will be blessed.
