Monday, March 28, 2011

LifeStyle ft. Nneka

Today, I feature my first LifeStyle spread. A spread that gives you a glimpse of the life, culture and the natural hair of the beautiful queen, Nneka Salmon. Nneka has an awesome spirit to her. Have you ever met someone for the first time, and felt like you have know them for your entire life? That exactly explains her whole vibe. Nneka is the type of person that I love to hang out with, because it's an organic experience. We can actually discuss topics that are meaningful and learn from each other.

As of late, there has been a lot of comments about natural hair within the black community. I personally know a lot of women that have or recently switched to natural hair. And it's sad to say that I hear a lot of comments that are really ignorant and hurtful to our black queens. Obviously, most ignorance comes from lack of education and knowledge. This is another one of those topics that proves how powerful and strong our black women are!

Power to all black women that have to deal with society's oppression on how you are supposed to look and live your live. Power to all women! We all must join to continue to live a life of true freedom and fullness.

I hope you enjoy this first LifeStyle spread, as I enjoyed making it for you all!

Nneka Salmon
http://twitter.com/#!/thenewyorkan
http://thenewyorkan.tumblr.com/

With Love.




View the full LifeStyle ft. Nneka spread HERE


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Amanda

It's amazing to me, that we humans can have so many people in our lives and not even really recognize them. Friendships, relations, and associates are all powerful on so many levels. I truly believe that every person is in our life for a reason, and I guess its up to us to find out why...

Amanda's silent, angelic energy is awesome to be around. We are actually from the same home town of Omaha, and didn't meet until we both moved to NYC. It's crazy because I thought I knew everybody from home! But I basically had a random idea in my head, and she made it come alive...naturally. And even more important than the photography, it's the connection that I try to take advantage of on times like these. We have to be selfish, and get as much as we can out of people.

I sincerely deem that a lot of life is about sharing, and then passing on for those to come. I'm sure you have heard this quote, but I'll say it again... "what we keep to self we lose, but what we give we gain forever"

Love.












Full spread here



Thursday, March 17, 2011

True

On Wednesday, I linked up with one of my good brothers, David. We met about two summers ago working at a camp, and really been cool ever since day one. We were just walking around the park, talking about life and how we are going to take over the world. More than anything, it made me realize how we need to appreciate good people and friendships.

I once heard, if you feel like you're the smartest friend out of your group, you need a new group. Friends are supposed to encourage and support, but more importantly let you know when you're wrong, and to help you manifest into who you are to become. It's not so much about being the smartest, but its more about being truly committed to your friendship.

I know it may sound cheesy, but a lot of us dont apply these simple words to our lives.

Love.















Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Awesome Feature

It's been about 2 months since I moved to NYC, and I can honestly say that things have been really good for the most part. I have so much room for growth, and want to learn everything! I'm putting all my trust in God and the universe, so I know things can only continue to get better.

I have met and and talked to a countless number of folks here in NYC, and I'm continuously being told how vital it is to have connections with people. It seems easy, but I know it's definitely not an easy task. I didn't come to NY knowing a ton of people, and as a matter of fact, a lot of people I knew coming here go to schools that are out of the state or not even close to the city. So that leaves me trusting on the stars to align.

About a week ago I got an email from an awesome lady, Kirstie. She wanted to do a feature of me on her blog (http://eccentricwithoutreason.blogspot.com/2011/03/blogger-interview-abstract-elements.html). I havent done a interview since I was playing ball in undergrad so I was pretty excited.

I dont know where this life may take me, but somehow I'm going to reach the masses, and we will all pay it forward...

Love.







Sunday, March 13, 2011

Missing Out

Now that I'm "getting older", I feel like I can enjoy a lot more of what life has to offer. Or maybe it's because I'm a artist. But Central Park was absolutely beautiful today. From skaters, to dancers, and tourist, everyone looked like they were having the time of their life. But me being the person that I am, I can never just look at things on the surface, it always has to be deeper...different.

I struggle to enjoy myself at the park, because outside of the park, I know the struggle is real. Most people don't get to enjoy these activities and interactions. And when I look around, few look like me. Its such a deep and domino struggle. From poverty, being overworked, hard neighborhoods, and high crime rates mainly because of the poverty and lack of services, many people don't get to enjoy this.

Please don't get angry with me, I'm not blaming anything on anybody. I just wish humans weren't so comfortable. So until I bring the world with me, i'll work harder.

Spread love...












Friday, March 11, 2011

Nublu

A couple nights ago, Des and I went to a jazz spot called Nublu with some really cool people that we met at the GQ event, Nell & Javier. The awesome band played Afro Soul/Funk music. It was a chill night to end off the crazy day. I hope you enjoy the photos!