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Last month, I traveled to Los Angeles before the Corona virus hit a peak high, having to close the state of California. During my travels I had the honor to capture such a vibrant and magnificent mural located on Crenshaw Boulevard across the street from Leimert Park -that is much needed, especially in these times of #SocialDistancing. While driving down Crenshaw on my way to meet with family, the mural was so marvelous, it just pops out, with a feeling and urge too get a second look- but up close in person. Without hesitation, I parked my convertible mini cooper in the alley, and hopped out with my Cannon in hand, ready to capture the moment. The creator of this magnificent mural was there. This was a moment of excitement and a spectacular treat! The mural is in the heart and soul of South Los Angeles, directly across the street from Leimert Park on Crenshaw Boulevard. Leimert Park was birthed by the development of Walter H. Leimert in 1928, and one of the first planned communities in Southern California. A model for urban planning, Leimert Park would later develop over 200 acres of land into a vibrant and culturally influence community and neighborhoods. The late great film director John Singleton, coined Leimert Park Black Greenwich Village, and widely regarded as the cultural epicenter for American Americans in Los Angeles. More than marvelous homes, Leimert Park provides a space for many to gather for cultural celebrations and an opportunity to raise their voices together in peace and in protest. This cultural influence includes Japaneses Americans, Latinos, and African Americans. Currently the Crenshaw area is undergoing major developments starting with the Crenshaw/LAX Line that will run through Southwest Los Angeles in a north to south direction. This light rail will connect the Crenshaw neighborhood, Leimert Park to the city of Inglewood and Los Angeles International Airport. Furthermore, many business that were once thriving in the area during the early 2000's have since relocated or were forced to close. This was before the corona virus, so hopefully with the relief the area can maintain it's prominence in South Los Angeles. Luckily, the Leimert Park will always have something to offer the community during these unforeseen circumstances, art infused with culture which can help keep a community alive, and certainly Malcolm Emilo's mural "The African Space Base," will live on adding much vibrancy for decades to come. @Stay_relevant is his social media point of reach, moreover he is such a phenomenal creator and I'm honored to for the opportunity to dive a little deeper and learn more about this marvelous mural.
Mr. Emilo was born in Toronto, Canada is currently traveling abroad, and has a studio in Los Angeles that he checks-in. #W2TMJNS: An original man of creation, what was the inspiration behind the mural on Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles? @Stay_relevant: The intention behind the mural was to bring forward certain cultural presence, cultural preservation, affirmations, really just bring patterns, colors, and a sense of new growth and new life to a prolific community. Really, once again, just using that space to provide and affirmation, a strength in contribution to the collective consciousness of the neighborhood you know. #W2TMJNS: What's the title of the piece? @Stay_relevant: The title of the piece never came about because I kept adding too it, every time going forward. But when I think about it, it's the African Space Base for sure, the African Space Base. #W2TMJNS: How long did the mural take, what were some of the techniques used? @Stay_relevant: To be honest, I started this mural almost 3 years ago and did one small portion of the wall. Every year I've gone back and seem to want to add more to it. When brother Nip transitioned, I went to add a small portion for him, and ended up doing the whole wall. And then when my brother Ras G transitioned I ended up going to put up a piece for him and I did the whole top of the wall. So naturally, the piece is never ending, it's always going to be boosting with life. I used really just brushes and hand. I didn't use any rollers. I didn't use anything that was going to take up a lot of space. Everything I did was very intentionally as if I was carving hieroglyphics. #W2TMJNS: How many murals have you painted, and what city, state, and or country are they located? @Stay_relevant: I've painted many different murals, different parts of North America, Central America, South America, some in Europe, the Caribbean, yeah, rally using these expressions to reflect cultural influence and preservation. Once again, in using my colors, my aesthetic communication to leave an energetic cord along my travels and really create a greater connectivity where my work has been. #W2TMJNS: What words of motivation can you provide to prospective artist and current artist that want to expand but need an extra boost of motivation? @Stay_relevant: Words of motivation and inspiration to upcoming artist and like minded creatives would be to really trust yourself. Trust your intuitive expression. Trust your ability to communicate messages in different languages, not just very but different mediums. And allow yourself o created from a pure space of inside influence coming from your heart space, and knowing that artist need to put value on what they create and often know the works are a lot bigger than us, but the works are going to be a contribution to the ascension of humanity. So to rally do the works with the intention of knowing that you, yourself are just the vessel channeling this light. Be sure to follow @Stay_relevant on Instagram for all of his phenomenal creations. The quarantine life has its social distancing dilemmas, but thanks to social networking platforms such as Instagram, many people are able to stay in touch, and be connected while staying at home. Furthermore, thanks to an incredible creative outlet such as VERZUZ curated by the incredibly talented Swizz Beats and Timberland the people have something to look forward too, more rewarding than toilet tissue.
The VERZUZ experience allows for the masses to share some of the most precious moments- artist selecting some of their chart topping hits that we still groove too this very day and play them against another talented musicians music. The highly anticipated VERZUZ battle featuring Teddy Riley and Babyface will probably be remembered in the world wide web sphere as the most showmanship with limited to no sound battle performed by an exceptional talented musician Teddy Riley. Not sure if Instagram can take partial blame in the technical difficulties faced by Teddy Riley when it was his turn to play a tune. Perhaps the high voltage power delivered by Teddy Riley's band interfered with the Instagram LIVE frequency. After all, there were closed to a half of a million people tuned in to one LIVE. That's a lot of energy. Babyface was solo in his performance, ensuring his social distancing enforcement guidelines. Although, many were ready to rejoin the VERZUZ battle by 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, that didn't happen and by midnight Teddy Riley had become a meme. The people can get impatient when it comes to their music, and especially during this restrictive circumstances being able to social distance dance can do much for the soul. Suppose Monday night Teddy Riley will be ready and he might not have his band, but we can look forward to Babyface social distancing. Will you be watching Teddy Riley's LIVE on Monday night at 8 p.m.? The doors of the church are usually open for confession, a word with the Pastor, or to release the burdens off your heart at the altar. Many people look forward to attending church especially on Easter Sunday, ready for a semi-fashion show. Furthermore, in such unforeseen circumstances as the Corona virus many churches had to closed their doors and opt-in for some digital soul fueling from Pope Francis at the St. Peter's Basilica or from their local church minister. "Behold the days shall come, and I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Juda; not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers ... But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel... I give my law in their bowels, and I will write in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Jer. xxxi.31. Not sure which network service provider many of the churches use, but it certainly was an online Easter Sunday battle for a network connection. Moreover, many people had to depend on some digital device for accessing Easter Sunday Service. Some churches had multiple streaming services so just in case you're not an early riser there is still a service for you. What would Jesus do during a pandemic like Corona virus? Mary would properly say prayer while Martha might say not to moan. Moreover, the people have mixed feelings about the closed church doors during Easter Sunday. Catholic University of America had multiple digital streaming services starting at 9:15 on Easter followed by a noon service. Josh was asked how did he feel about not attending church on Easter Sunday, he replied "it's pretty sad, but our live stream at noon just ended and at 2:30 p.m. a Spanish mass. Although we can't physically be present the power of technology and social media we're still able to connect." "Don't have a problem as long as I have a device that I can get the word, that's fine with me," was the response who will remain anonymous when asked how do they feel about not attending church on Easter Sunday. The media ministry at many churches were very essential in ensuring a smooth digital connection for such unique circumstances. Not sure if the choirs were called but maybe the church had a prerecorded song selection dedicated for Easter Sunday's digital services. Pope Francis had a few people at St. Peter's Basilica, in fact a choir was present, thanks be to God, because Pope Francis had to deliver a Sunday's mass by himself. During his 'Urbi et Orbi' message on Easter, Pope Francis encourages political leaders "to work actively for the common good," providing the means "to enable everyone to lead a dignified life, and when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities." Pope Francis delivered remarks regarding the Corona virus "this disease has not only deprived us of human closeness, but also of the possibility of receiving in person the consolation that flows from the sacraments particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation." Some people had no thoughts about attending church on Easter Sunday, however Pope Francis suggested "we may be separated but we are united." That sure is the truth, all experiencing the quarantine lifestyle which includes no church on Easter Sunday. Shall we pray? |
MINDY JOFar from your traditional news, "Welcome to the Mindy Jo News Show," where she shares news that you can absolutely use! And slogan Let's Get Right To It!™ She's often copied, but none can compare. Mindy Jo has a different frequency, and delivery with a unique style of story telling. Delivering dynamic and distinguish ORIGINAL digital news content, along with vary of other original digital streaming content to the District of Columbia and around the World. Archives
April 2024
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