i feel kinda freeeeeeeeeeeee

“If all art is metaphor, then all art begins with memory. The goal is to connect with something old so it becomes new.” – Twyla Tharp  

I’m obsessed with the obsession people have with pictures or videos taken of them when they were younger.

 Why do we stare at them so long?

 I believe -- 

 We cling to these images to learn something about ourselves. It’s a unique thing we get to do as humans – to study an image of our past selves – a version that had less limitations, a vivid – rapidly working - imagination, and pursued their pleasure like it was the only thing on their ‘to-do list’. We look to the past to give us hints to what we should be. 

 The photo for this blog was an image I found and stared at for a while (with a smirk). I used to put Baby Powder on my face and act like Dave Chappelle’s drugged out character Tyrone Biggums. Granted, I had no idea what he was actually saying at the time, but I thought it was very funny. I would act like him around the house and as much as my mother hated it, her and my sister thought I was spot on and hilarious. 

 I see a kid that feels safe

That loves attention

That is energized

That is unjudged

That doesn’t really know what judgement is (yet)  

That listens

That speaks

Sensitive

Steps into vulnerability with abandon

Constantly imagining

That yearns to make people feel something

He wants to please- in the non-commercial, non-corrupt, anti-pandering way (I think)

 The disheveled drawers showing none of his clothes actually worked for this character so an exposed, tighty-whitey wearing ‘Tyrone’ was best.

The clock with the two white children praying – showing a kid of faith.

The African calendar on the wall – showing a kid who loves his body and skin

The world is for him too.

A kid halfway to a six pack.

A kid that is in character.

Ready to play.

 These photos surface old memories but new information. They are the key to an identity crisis. Our old photos excite ideas that were formed in our youth. They Inspire action in a very unique way.

 We know that Kayne is a brilliant artist and collaborator… We know that Kanye knows he’s a brilliant artist and collaborator. I wanted to share this because truth resonates, and I find his willingness to be vulnerable as an artist inspiring.

 He realized that as we “mature” people have a way of preaching our limitations opposed to our potential. His journey as an artist represents his opposition to the programming and the installation of self-hate. Though we have different ways of approaching this “battle”, I find myself swimming against the same stream. Ghost Town (‘Ye’ album) is probably my favorite track of his. It touches on the liberation that can be found when we allow ourselves to keep some of our child-like qualities. The freedom that is stimulated when we allow ourselves to feel all the pain and all the love. The Sunday Service version of this song is below.

 Find an old picture of yourself, the one you usually stare at for a while, what does it tell you?