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

The Red Head Mermaid has a new home

The Red Head Mermaid, original acrylic painting from the Mermaid Collection, has found a home :-). BUT, she is still available in 8x10($25), 11x14($35) Poster Prints and 5x7 Greetings Cards@$5.00. I'll miss her in my living room. She has a great new mountain home.

Late night painting

Tonight, I got quite a bit of work done on painting I'm doing for the Farmacy Juice Bar. I also prepare a canvas for another abstract under the water painting...lots of blues, and purples. Nite nite. 

Spontaneous Day

Well...today I got a call from a good friend to come join her at the Farmacy Juice Bar in West Asheville for lunch. While there, I saw a lot of familiar faces. A lot of laid back networking began as we sat drinking our dee-licious healthy juices made by Carl. What's great about their drinks, is that there is a healthy shot of tonic in most of them.  I ordered a Adam's apple.

While sitting at the bar, I noticed Judy and Carl (owners of Farmacy) had pieces of art on the wall. I also noticed there was room for a few more pieces.....I happened to have a couple of mermaid pieces in the car. Long story short I showed her three pieces. She loved them. She chose a multi-media piece with a unfinished wood backing.

It's hanging on the wall as I write this. I've been given an assignment, to make a similar piece, to be hung on the right side of the juice bar.

After leaving the juice bar, I took a nice long walk in Carrier Park. I like the path by the River. I finished just in time. About 15 minutes later the clouds rolled and refreshing raindrops fell....Gosh I feel so poetic today. Guess its that springtime feeling! Ha ha ha

Alisa Kuumba

Mermaids Three at Short Street Cakes and more

Mermaids Three Print 2

Just a quick note to say I re-worked Mermaids Three a month ago. Everyone seems to love it more this way :-).   It's hanging at Short Street Cakes in the coffee corner.

Today I prepared a couple of Masonite boards. Last week, I was absorbed in a writing project. It's very much spring here in Asheville. Today is a perfect day in the 70's with just a little breeze.

Alisa