Africa's simple way of living through art, music, dancing, and cultural rituals...
Who I am? What do i want? Who do i want to become?
A little information about my background...
Past/childhood A little about me and how i relate my painting to my personal experiences connected with Africa. I was born in Belgium, both my parents were French but both grew up in Africa. My mother grew up in Ethiopia and my Father grew up in Congo, Zaire. My father studied abroad at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. However growing up we moved around a lot from Belgium to the U.S and back because of my father's job (IBM) and ended up in Chapel Hill NC. |
Where it all began...
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EDUCATION ASPECT
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My
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Brainstorming my conscience
My future plans are not concrete yet However once i am done with school, My ambition/ dream is to open my own art school whether it's starting a small business here in my hometown then eventually branch out. Develop something that can be use with the same principles for anyone and everyone for young women/ pre teen.On my past travel to Rwanda, i had the opportunity to visit a organization for street boys to go learn to dance. It was created by a famous ballet dancer at NYC ballet. This place was for boys to be able to be themselves and have a safe place to go to and get food and build a community.. With this visit one of the boys took us to his home to meet his family. A family of 7 orphans who had recently lost there mother. The oldest is 19 years old and was now in charge of all his siblings. Through my encounters with locals, and exploring and observing the culture of Africa, i want to have that same impact they had on me. Growing up i struggled a lot to fit in not being a Native to this country, but the only way i survived was through art.. I believe in a greater tomorrow for African women not only in Africa but around the world/. Majority of families i have met , a percentage of them are survivors from the genocide that happened 20 something years ago and have had to start over with what was left of their personal belongings and most important their soul. What makes me 'ME' Over the past 4 years i have been intrigued to help this community and try to have a better understanding of how to heal from such a horrific event that still haunts everyone in a bigger picture. Art I believe is a way to express yourself with no one judging you. It allows yourself to focus in the present moment. If you allow your mind to wonder in a present moment, it can take you to places you never knew could exist was even possible. I have a personal connection with Africa with the people I met and connected with. Africa has always been on my dreams and inspiration towards my art and become part of my life and who I am today. My connection with Africa My experience and observation has taken me down a path that has opened my mind up to something unique and beautiful. I strive to be a better person everyday and use my knowledge to my advantage. Be someone's butterfly! |