Second Set of Ibeji Twins Painting Preview

In response to a special request, I made a second set of the Ibeji Twins for a very special family. My first set was a personal work that manifested from a dream about the twins. The  painting above is 18 x 24, mixed media acrylic, on a traditional gallery canvas.

After looking up their meaning(s), I was very pleased to see this on the Bryn Mawr Art & Archeaology website: The birth of twins in Yoruba society is common yet auspicious. According to Yoruba tradition twins are imbued with the supernatural ability to bring to their family happiness, health and prosperity. Twins also are believed to ward off disaster. Therefore, the twins are very well cared for. Of course, there is so much more info on the Ibeji Twins. Well that's all for now.... Alisa

Evolving.....Absorbing...Grounding

The past two years have been somewhat a rollercoaster..healthwise...artistically.....

This past weekend I had a water cleansing......an awakening of my spirit. . . much needed. It's given that spiritual boost I needed. Mama Oxum/Osun blessed me this past weekend. It's not a surprise that most cultures, philosophies...religions have some form of water cleansings :-)

I feel excited to start anew..even if it means moving to another city. I'm ready to live my life to the fullest....to open my heart to love...for my man I've been dreaming about too long lol! (My life in Asheville has been a sacrifice for my son..one I didn't mind making)..... now to paint and do music with abandon...... I'm not a spring chicken...but you can't tell my mind that......I may be older...but I'm not dead...I'm very much alive.....and feel glad about it! So happy to have been able to help others on their spiritual journey as I learn on mine. The holy spirit of Love...the holiness of the breath and life....the feeling of soft breezes and warm sun on my face...the trickling waters on my feet when I step into a stream.....

Here's a pic of my latest work. It's a phone pic and not very high resolution..... have posted this on facebook....I had a dream about it. Was happy for a new inspiration! It's not for sale. BUT I thinking of doing a series with this type of style on wood with acrylics and other media.

Here's another inspiration from a dream....the peaceful...blissful man

Spring and work on new website

Well, this past week i finally joined the Black Art in America site. The very first day I had three admirers...YEAAA!!!!! I've also decided to join the Arts organization here in Asheville.

 

I did this piece in Atlanta during a visit last fall. How do you like it!

 

 

I personally like this one for some reason. It's just markers. I think it would make a great tshirt print.

 

Anyway, hope yall are enjoying this beautiful spring weather!

 

 

It's been a long long time...

Well, what can I say......I have not written in quite awhile. A little disappointed in the way things work....I'm sure most experienced visual artist know the ups and downs...the twists and turns....etc etc etc. I'm learning. Many shops and galleries never respond with a yes or no. A dear friend told me awhile ago, that I have to be a pest in order to get attention......hmmmmmm....

I moved to a new apartment and have changed the area where my smalll studio should be three times. I have painted about three works in the new place. The wierd thing is I like to paint by the fireplace for some odd reason.

Alisa Kuumba 

Lessons

New to the world of Folk Art business, I've certainly been on a journey this past summer. It's been challenging to find leads to galleries, sending the painting that attracts the eye, etc; etc; etc;

Nonetheless, I have had a few sales! I sold the "Illusive Mermaid" & "Earth Mama"- both gessoed wood block acrylic paintings, and a few poster prints.

I'm feeling a bit challenged and have few words to express today..... Alisa Kuumba

Magical Calabash Anthology Book Available Now!

I'm very excited to announce that my first book, Magical Calabash (An Anthology) is now available! I've written a couple of chapters in this wonderful anthology. I'm also proud to announce my very first book cover art design.

 Magical Calabash: An Anthology of Sacred Wisdom and Healing from the Ancestral Mothers

Authors: Ayele Kumari, Alisa Kuumba Zuwena, Tonya Freeman, Shante Duncan, Priestess Esi, Nia Yaa Nebhet, & Dail Chambers

Book Cover Design: Alisa Kuumba Zuwena

Magical Calabash is an anthology about African Goddesses, ancestral mothers, women’s wisdom, and magic. SiStars of various backgrounds and experiences come together to share their stories and teachings for women in the diaspora. 

A calabash is a traditional magic pot that represents the cosmic womb. Inside it, we add ingredients to direct our intentions to that which we want to “birth to life”. The intention here, is to offer practical Guidance to connect and work with the Divine African Mother, ancestral wisdom, and to use it to empower lives for today. 

Magical Calabash Book:  $18.95 plus $3.00 Shipping costs.

Magical Calabash Woman & Magic Pot 8x10 print:  $15.00 w/purchase of book plus $2.50 Shipping costs.

Making the rounds

Today was a very productive day!

I took my artwork to a couple of popular eating places. One popular place is very interested in hanging my work! He's booked for the year, but is trying to include me in a group art show! How exciting!

Asheville Art Supply is having another free workshop for Oil Painters. Should I go? I love Acrylics because they dry quickly.

Alisa Kuumba