June 22, 2011 • 11:21 AM 0
Although not as popular in the Bay Area, I’m a longtime fan of screw music (blame it on my TX roots). This S+C remix of Jill Scott’s Imagination/Crown Royal Suite is among my favorites. I paint while listening to these songs, but now I actually want to paint these songs.
Many thanks to Jill for the inspiration 
Filed under: Inspiration, Music, Uncategorized , chopped, crown royal, imagination, Inspiration, Jill Scott, Music, painting, screw music, screwed, Texas
June 20, 2011 • 2:51 PM 0
I have a thing for street art. When it’s done right… it’s beautiful. It transforms tattered buildings, and otherwise ignored structures, into public displays of creativity… impromptu community art, if you will. I’m always picking up something from PS Print, on Mandela Parkway. A few blocks away (at 24th + Campell), I noticed a lovely mural. After the 3rd or 4th time driving by, I had to stop and take a few photos.
The artist is Beth Emmerich, who also happens to be a tattooist. Thanks to a quick google search, I found a related article here.
I REALLY love El Dia de los Muertos-inspired art, particularly featuring women (almost bearing a 1940′s-50′s “pin-up” influence). I would love to see how I can incorporate this into my work.
Filed under: Art, Inspiration , Art, beth, el dia de los muertos, emmerich, Inspiration, oakland, pin up, PS Print, public art, Street Art, tattoo, vintage, west oakland
June 17, 2011 • 10:46 AM 0
O
M
G
this morning, i fell in love with these sandals.
thanks to wanelo.com, i discovered these beaded beauties. the Pencey Dante Sandal, of Free People Clothing Boutique, can be yours for $328. to view more photos, and purchase, click here.
i can honestly say that i’ve found my style as an artist. nearly ALL my pieces are comprised of bold colors, and geometric shapes… very tribal-inspired. when i view these sandals, i view my art.
it’s been a minute since i put something on canvas (2 months to be exact *gasp*), but i am constantly finding inspiration for future pieces.
i joked around on facebook that i would take some plain sandals, grab a couple of sacks of beads, and attempt to create my own version of these shoes. truthfully, i don’t have that kind of time (or patience), but these bead patterns have definitely inspired me to re-stock my paint today 
Filed under: Art, Fashion, Inspiration , accessories, beads, bold, boutique, clothing, dante, Fashion, free people, geometric, Inspiration, pencey, sandal, shopping, tribal, wanelo
December 6, 2010 • 2:40 PM 0
I have an affinity for batik… particularly batik from The Motherland. There’s something magical about the creative process + labor behind creating wax print fabrics. I would be willing to bet money that you won’t find two [authentic] prints that are alike. There are some similarities between the patterns in batiks and my paintings; geometric shapes + patterns, bold colors. Pictured is a batik that my mother received as a gift. I’m 90% it’s from Rwanda. If I’m wrong, I’ll be sure to correct my mistake. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful patterns I’ve ever seen in my life. I hope Mom decides to make a dress from it… and give it to ME 
Filed under: Art, Fashion, Fluffy Jo, Inspiration , Africa, batik, design, fabric, pattern, Rwanda, wax print
December 6, 2010 • 2:32 PM 0
Yes, you’ve read correctly. I finally found a print-on-demand service that floats my boat [shout out to RedBubble].
I have listed two pieces thus far. I plan to add a few more in the next few weeks. You can find my gallery store here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/slimmieslam
Please contact me with any questions + feedback. I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about the site + shopping experience.
Hugs,
D
Filed under: Art, Business, Fluffy Jo, Shopping , Art, ecommerce, fine art, Fluffy Jo, posters, print on demand, prints, RedBubble, shopping
November 29, 2010 • 12:46 PM 0
I caught some of the Soul Train Awards last night. The highlight [for me] was definitely the tribute to Anita Baker. She is one of my absolute favorite singers. Ever. Ever ever!
I must also add that she had an awesome line up of some of my other favorite singers, paying homage to her: Chrisette Michelle, Faith Evans, Tamia, Kem, Rachelle Ferrell [the things she can do with her voice are ridiculous], Goapele [#YayArea], Dionne Farris, and Light-Skinned Brotha #1, El DeBarge.
Yes… some real sangas!
I’m a music lover as much as I’m an art lover. For me, the two seem to go hand in hand. I listen to music when I paint, design, and illustrate. So I think it’s important that I post some of the music that inspires and/or enhances my creativity.
Below are some of my fave Anita tunes. Enjoy
Filed under: Inspiration, Music , Anita Baker, Inspiration, Music, R&B, Soul Train
November 23, 2010 • 10:52 AM 0
While I DO NOT condone vandalism of ANY kind, I am totally feeling this color combination. It would make for a nice palette for a new painting.
Filed under: Art, Inspiration , Art, color, Graffiti, Inspiration, Palettes, Street Art
November 22, 2010 • 4:51 PM 2
Okay.
I won’t even wait until New Year’s to make good on some resolutions.
I resolve to become a better blogger [or at least, have a better method of organizing all of my thoughts].
Social media is an amazing thing. In addition to my WordPress account, I’m also on Facebook + Twitter.
I’m good about uploading photos from my phone to FB, even Twitter; yet this account remains neglected.
I need to figure out how to sync everything. I’m generally good about documenting my creative process [especially when painting] and I’d like to share that on here. Please share any suggestions! [Thank You]
Meanwhile, I’ll leave y’all with a few photos from this weekend’s project = revamping my coffee table, a “hand-me-down” from my parents. I’d been planning to up-cycle this table for a while, so I was happy that the rain kept me indoors this weekend.
I now present: The Coffee Table Project
[enjoy!]
Filed under: Art, Business, Fluffy Jo, Home Decor , Art, Coffee Table, Creative Re-Use, Facebook, Fluffy Jo, Home Decor, Organization, painting, Social Media, Twitter, Up-cycling
March 31, 2010 • 3:37 PM 0
“Your purpose in life can be found at the intersection between the greatest need and where you find the greatest joy. Have you found your purpose?”
Wowsers. This quote really speaks to me. I feel like I’m on the brink of finding my purpose. I’ve at least found 50% of it. My gifts from God are my creative abilities. I’ve lived long enough to know that SOLELY making a sh*tload of money isn’t fulfilling. So how can I use my gifts to aid the others… AND still maintain some sanity… AND not live in a cardboard box? Heavy stuff to ponder…
Filed under: Inspiration, Love & Happiness, Quotes , Art, destiny, Inspiration, purpose, quote
March 31, 2010 • 3:27 PM 2
So… I’m back from my mini hiatus.
I won’t bore you with the details of what occurred during that time, but I will mention a few key words and phrases – 9 to 5, time [mis] management, grad school, business restructuring, life restructuring, motivation [and sometimes, lack thereof], indecisiveness, eh… you get the picture.
I’ve found more success as an artist/entrepreneur when I developed the “Nike-tude” [just do it]. While it’s wise to plan, sometimes planning can get in the way of doing, and well… frankly, I’m ready to do it.
Sometimes all it takes for me to get back in the swing of things is to grab my sketch pad, a pen and get-ta-drawin’!
My new friend below is a result of this recent shift in thinking.
Ahhh… it feels good to be back!
Filed under: Art, Business, Inspiration, Love & Happiness , Art, goals, Inspiration, motivation, Nike-tude, purpose, sketch, time management, wellness
February 3, 2010 • 10:45 AM 0
Aren’t they just beeeee-yoooou-teeee-fulllll???
I found these Cheryl Maloney earrings on Oye Modern [A super dope online boutique featuring the most unique high-end jewelry].
They can be yours for $210.
Filed under: Fashion , boutique, Cheryl Maloney, Fashion, jewelry, Oye Modern, shopping
February 3, 2010 • 10:37 AM 0
Howdy.
It’s been crazy round these parts, which is why I haven’t posted anything in a while.
My business cards should be arriving tomorrow. My website is up and running [and has gotten some major hits for me to have not done any sunstantial publicity]. I’m wrapping up a freelance project for Clark Atlanta University, and am about to begin a logo design project for a SF Bay Area based business.
So what’s next?
I don’t even know where to begin. While I’m blessed to be creatively inclined, I literally have about 50 project ideas swirling about my head on a daily basis. Instead of thinking and planning and thinking and planning… I feel that I should start DOing… and the rest will fall into place, right?
So that’s it… I’ll start DOing
Filed under: Business, Fluffy Jo, Inspiration , Clark Atlanta University, Fluffy Jo, freelance, small business, website
January 28, 2010 • 8:21 AM 0
I feel good [sung like the late James Brown] this morning. Finally finished the website! Yay! Like the business card assignment, this is yet another small/simple task… yet sooooo mentally satisfying. Another item to check off that never-ending list [lol]. Please be sure and check it out, and don’t be afraid to leave feedback. Thank You!
Filed under: Business, Fluffy Jo , Business, Fluffy Jo, marketing, small business, website, Yahoo Small Business
January 27, 2010 • 9:39 PM 0
I now present the 5 minute business card. Voila!
Yes I said 5 minutes [okay, more like 7.5]. There are so many tasks at hand as I restructure and revamp my business. If I allowed myself to obsess over creating a business card like the ones I posted the other day, who knows when they’d be finished. I’ve got work to do, art to create, and $ to make. Ya unda-staaaand? [in my Juvenile voice].
software used = Adobe Illustrator
Filed under: Art, Business, Fluffy Jo, Graphic Design , Adobe Illustrator, Art, Business, business card, design, Fluffy Jo, Graphic Design, Illustrator, marketing, networking, small business
January 26, 2010 • 4:04 PM 2
“Life is too short to wake up with regrets. ♥ So love the people who treat you right. ♥ Forget about the one’s who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it!”
I’m not sure where she grabbed this quote from, but this is her current status message on Facebook. This pretty much sums up how I currently live my life. Yay!
Filed under: Inspiration, Love & Happiness, Quotes , Inspiration, life, love, quote, relationships, success
