Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Kethia's Corner: "That Which Destroys Me Nourishes Me"

Kethia's Corner is a special to the official Liberated Muse blog where guest writer Kethia Clairvoyant shares her personal insights with readers on stories that speak about the arts, human struggles and progressive movement. Here is her first installment.

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That Which Destroys Me Nourshes Me

Sometimes a writer's pen serves a greater purpose than to inform. Sometimes a painter's brush serves a greater purpose than to create an image. And sometimes a dancer's body serves a greater purpose than movement. The pen, brush, and body also nourish the writer, painter, and dancer.

As patrons of the arts, most of us realize that an artist often suffers for his art. But what about the many who have been brought to art because of their sufferings?

I had recently read a story about Mary Murphy, an accomplished dancer and choreographer on the world-wide stage. However, she did not start dancing until she was in college and already a young bride. At age 19 she married a Jordanian man from a prominent family, and soon after she found herself being regularly raped and beaten by her new husband. From then on until their subsequent divorce, he also belittled and manipulated her at his will. He would only show her a sliver of goodwill at his whim and fancy, almost starving her for affirmation about her self-worth.

But one day she sees a posting requesting a dance teacher who the studio itself would be willing to train. This was the turning point in her life. Being away for an hour or so at the studio was a welcome respite for her from her husband who sexually, verbally, emotionally, physically, and financially abused her for almost a decade.

She began to feel again. Through dance, she felt safe from his oppression; through the art of movement, she felt free to fully express herself and to feel joy; through the grace of her body (the body that her abuser so reviled), she felt beautiful within herself knowing that she could create something that was so beautiful.

The level of fear and anxiety that particularly exists in domestic abuse very quickly actualizes itself into a pain that becomes so innate within the heart of the abused that we journey to a place where we can’t separate ourselves from our abusers. We subsequently can’t separate ourselves from the pain inflicted by the abuser. Like the saying, “Become one with the music,” we become to identify and become entwined solely with that level of suffering. That pain becomes innate, as though it was always there and could never leave.

But for those of us who can find healing through the arts, we no longer need to hold onto that pain and conversely it no longer needs to hold onto us.

The Silent and Deadly Killer
For me and so many countless others, this form of victimization rears its ugly head in many forms, all of which threaten to create a permanent emotional crippling of its intended target. Domestic and child abuse take the form of a silent and deadly killer: it's almost always hidden, the abuser denies it, the abused is engulfed with shame and confusion, and loved ones who witness or are made aware of the abuse can be filled with shame and guilt.

When everyone feels that they have to tip-toe around this “secret”, the abused individual then continues to tote around that burden and left to continue feeling victimized and violated. And then you can either choose to live or to die. After coming full circle with my painful past, an aunt of mine had told me that you can’t do either one half-way. If I chose to live, then I must conduct my life as I see fit and not continue to be beaten down and made to feel helpless by my abusers. At that time, I had once again lost a sense of myself and once again I needed to find the inspiration to return to myself.

Fortunate to have found my original inspiration as a child through writing, I was inspired through an intricate network of caring teachers (writers and artists) to find refuge and perhaps even solidarity through the written word. I gained exposure to another world through other artists' living works. I was encouraged to write in order to discover an innate, latent talent that was percolating just below the surface of the hurt and anguish.

I was inspired to ravage my school's library throughout the academic year, my city library during the holiday breaks, and the daily newspaper delivered to my home. I was inspired to detail the world around me and to catalogue it through my point of view. I was inspired to apply a reason, a just cause, to my existence and forced subjection to a violent life at home. And I was inspired to realize and always remember that something better was waiting for me on the other side of this torment; in turn, to remain centered: to not lose my core sense of independence, determination, and self-worth.

Art Heals
Art inspires healing. It continues to inspire me to be connected with my emotions, uncovering them for the first, second, and umpteenth time. I have come to understand that is OK to acknowledge, feel, and express them – perhaps many all at once, perhaps the same emotions every day, however I was moved in that moment.

When Mary had found dance and was exposed to its healing effects on her emotional and mental state, it gave her a quiet strength, strangely enabling her to better endure the pain of the abuse. She regained control over her being, slowly relinquishing domestic abuse’s power over her. She now had her art that no one could touch or take away from her. It drowned and washed away that destructive force. And then she was free.

I myself know that I have always been at my happiest when I'm active in the arts. It could just be seeking out new literature or admiring and finding inspiration through a photograph or artwork. I was moved to be better, to feel better, to do better; and to believe that I could be liberated from this present place and time to one of my making.

We can sometimes romanticize artists' lives, their fiery temperament, and even their past and present sufferings. However, for some of us that suffering is so palpable and so ingrained in us that it threatens to destroy us if we don't have an outlet through which to channel it.

There is a timely saying that observes “That what destroys me nourishes me.” I believe that sometimes we as human beings are made to endure both the worst depravity of human nature and the most unfortunate life experiences in order to retain our resilience and to be fastidious in our life-long quest to find the inspiration to lift up our hearts and enlighten our minds towards personal and community (or societal) growth. We have to always look for that inspiration that art gives us to think, to feel, and to be better within ourselves.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

FreeSoul@ ArtSpring in Silver Spring, MD-- October 31

Make sure you join Liberated Muse on Sat., Oct. 31 from 4pm-7pm for an afternoon of music for grown-folk and arts & crafts activities for the kiddies before they go trick or treating. Performers Quineice Clarkson, Sadie Flick, Ne'a Posey and Gary Young will entertain while young folks can make masks and other fun things for the fun season. The event takes place at ArtSpring, an art store in Silver Spring, MD which sells the Liberated Muse publication Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul (Outskirts Press, 2009) and artwork by Liberated Muse member Sharon Burton. Copies of the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul will be signed by editor Khadijah Ali-Coleman and Sharon Burton who created the artwork on the cover of the book.

Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for questions about the event.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Prudence Bonds: Paintings of Life in Color


(In photo: "Sun is shining" by Prudence Bonds, currently in the Liberated Muse exhibit @ the Potter's House in DC)

Born in Florida and raised in Washington, DC since infancy, Prudence inherited the “creative
gene” and started to draw at age four. Throughout childhood and adolescence, Prudence
expressed several methods of creativity including sewing dolls’ clothes and writing poems and
short stories to relate to her drawings. As a teenager, she attended the Corcoran School of Art
for figure drawing and photography & film development. She began painting consistently in
2001 and in April 2003 participated in the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s 10th Annual
Scholarship Fund benefit auction. Prudence donated “Girl Tantalus”, an original work of acrylic
on canvas portraying the fabled origins of the word tantalize.

(In photo: "Femininity" by Prudence Bonds which is currently in the Potter's House exhibit curated by Sharon Burton and presented by Liberated Muse. The piece sold at the start of the exhibit yet is still displayed)
Artist Statement
I depict people living throughout the African Diaspora, and beyond, by using color, texture, and
introspection. Since acceptable images of human concepts such as love and beauty are
perpetuated through art, literature, music, and the media, my pieces echo the attempt made by
people of color to redefine and re-present those concepts in their terms.
Visit her work in the current Liberated Muse art exhibit at the Potter's House in Washington, DC @The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC.

The art exhibit is curated by Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art. The artwork is from artists from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the network http://www.liberatedmuse.com/.

The exhibit runs from Sept. 11-Dec. 1

Friday, October 16, 2009

James Terrell--- Musician & Painter--- Exhibits Work in Potter's House Exhibit



James Terrell is a renaissance man-- singer, musician, and painter who is currently featured in the Liberated Muse exhibit at the Potter's House in DC. James is a strong performer who's vocal stylings are unique and poignantly emotional and his artwork is from the same element.

Born and Raised in DC, James Terrell is a singer songwriter guitarist and figurative painter.He graduated from Howard University with a BFA in painting. He graduated from Parsons School of Design in NYC with a MFA in painting. He received his M. Div from Columbia University/Union Theological Seminary in NYC with a focus on Theology and the Arts (painting and music). He has exhibited his paintings in Galleries from DC to NYC. He has performed his music on stages between DC and NYC. The music and art of James Stephen Terrell crosses cultural lines.

James' music incorporates the basic principles of urban folk, country, gospel and blues. The music is a breath of fresh air. The music is not based on fades, seduction, degradation, decadence and materialism. The music and art of James Terrell is a reflection of everyday working people. It represents and speaks to people who live, die and struggle to make their dreams a reality. The music and art of James Terrell is said to be a commentary on the world in which we live.

Visit his page on LiberatedMuse.com HERE


Visit his work in the current Liberated Muse art exhibit at the Potter's House in Washington, DC @The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC.

The art exhibit is curated by Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art. The artwork is from artists from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the network http://www.liberatedmuse.com/.

The exhibit runs from Sept. 11-Dec. 1

Monday, October 12, 2009

This Weekend's Green Fest Featured Liberated Muse members




Did you miss this weekend's Green Fest in Washington DC? If so, you can read more HERE about what happened, checking out photos and performances. Liberated Muse members Deedee Kirby, Labtekwon, Mahoganee, Dee Stone and founder Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman were among the featured acts. If you went, what were some of the highlights of the event for you?

Friday, October 9, 2009

Actress, Poet & Visual Artist Jade Andwele

Jade Andwele (writer/performer) is a visual artist, actress, creator and writer who focuses on healing and connecting through the arts and creativity. Jade is an advocate for women, the Black community, and youth focusing on social justice, and sexual and mental health. She is currently a founding mother/member of the Saartjie Project and is working on several projects including a play on depression in the Black community, her memoir, visual art, and completing her poetry chapbook When the Music is too Loud: A Book of Love Poems. The piece above is currently in the Liberated Muse exhibit Celebration of Freedom @ the Potter's House. It was recently purchased but will remain part of the exhibit which runs from Sept. 11 to Dec. 1. Jade is a member of the http://www.liberatedmuse.com/ community. You can visit her page HERE.


She can be reached at jadeandwele@gmail.com and you can read her blog at



Visit her work in the current Liberated Muse art exhibit at the Potter's House in Washington, DC @

The Potter's House

1658 Columbia Rd NWWashington, DC


The art exhibit is curated by Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art. The artwork is from artists from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the network http://www.liberatedmuse.com/.


Join Jade and all of the artists on Sat., November 14 for an Artist Reception at the Potter's House.





Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Eyewurks Photography's Shan'ta Monroe is featured in Liberated Muse book and art exhibit

(in photo: "I am Art" by Shan'ta Monroe. This piece is featured in the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul)

Shanta Monroe is a photographer, painter and sculptor who likes to transform the everyday…the obvious, into images that border on the surreal. She is owner of Eyewurks Photography. Her play on rich earthy tones and composition heighten the overall mystery of her often abstract images, and give her work a unique esthetic effect and individual style.

Ms. Monroe’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries and periodicals throughout the United States. She is also a poet featured in print and online publications. Currently she freelances for several different publications and is preparing to showcase her paintings and digital photography in galleries and art shows along the east coast. She is based in Prince George’s County, MD.
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Visit Shan'ta on http://www.liberatedmuse.com/ to view more photos and read more about her by clicking HERE.
Visit her work in the current Liberated Muse art exhibit at the Potter's House in Washington, DC @
The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC
The art exhibit is curated by Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art. The artwork is from artists from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the network www.LiberatedMuse.com.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Sankofa Doll Artistry's Sherry Burton-Ways in Liberated Muse Art Exhibit in DC

(in photo: Sherry Burton-Ways piece "Cherished", featured in the Liberated Muse art exhibit at the Potter's House)

Sherry Burton-Ways, a Washington, DC-based art doll and mixed media artist creates straight from the soul. Ways is a self-taught emerging artist, born in the “City of Brotherly Love”, Philadelphia, PA and raised in rural upstate New York, her imagination and artwork began to evolve slowly. She began working with cloth dolls four years ago after participating in a doll making workshop with notable Washington, DC textile artist Francine Haskins.

Her mixed media work consists of creating meaningful images by bringing together the figurative form of One of a Kind (OOAK) mixed media dolls into a two dimensional textural form on canvas, watercolor paper or other surface as part of a collage. In her work, Ways intricately sews her mixed media art dolls using advanced techniques; others are fused collage with top-stitching, painting, beading or other embellishments. Burton-Ways uses various fabrics, particularly, batiks and African fabric, as her base medium in all her mixed media work. Adding other media such as paper, yarn, Popsicle sticks, canvas pieces, wire, pipe cleaners, photography, watercolor, acrylic paint, beads, metals, crowie shells and most recently spray paint to this base.
Burton-Ways artistic style is influenced by her personal spiritual journey, racism, the feminist movement, and urban life. African and African American folk art movements are also evident in her work.

Her work have recently been published in “Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting and Experiencing the Passion” by Debbie Behan Garrett, Doll Castle News Magazine and Soft Dolls and Animals Magazine. Recently, Burton-Ways has been asked to contribute to another book by another nationally known doll artist. Burton-Ways is a former Board member of the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative, in Washington, DC; a member of the Advisory Committee of the Honfluer Gallery in Washington, DC and also serves as a Patron member of the National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA).

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Visit Sherry on http://www.liberatedmuse.com/ to view more photos and read more about her by clicking HERE

Visit her work in the current Liberated Muse art exhibit at the Potter's House in Washington, DC @
The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC
The art exhibit is curated by Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art. The artwork is from artists from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the network www.LiberatedMuse.com. The exhibit runs from Sept. 11-Dec. 1

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Artist CHOKE is featured in Liberated Muse exhibit

(in photo: a painting by the artist CHOKE which was recently sold. This painting and more of CHOKE's work is featured in the Liberated Muse exhibit at the Potter's House in DC)

Marina “Choke” Munoz, 22, is the epitome of the artist on the grind, often seen in a flurry with her canvases under her arm or toting around artistic gems she’s created, whether it’s the butterfly adorned journals or the mirrors meticulously adorned with Choke’s signature use of the color palette. Her use of color always reveres her Puerto Rican heritage with the flagrant use of bright greens, perky orange and deep red hues.


While she likes to work on her art with her nose and mouth covered, when you are in conversation, her face is uncovered and her youthful and pleasant face is often broken out into grin. Whether she is doing live art—painting on display while some form of entertainment is taking place—or setting up shop at a local festival to sell her artistic creations, Choke is most likely taking care of business. She has been in the east of the river area a lot this past summer—seen doing live art at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and selling her wares and engaged in numerous outdoors activities in the area all summer.

“I have a serious obsession for the sun,” Choke gushes. “When I am out in the sun I just want to paint. I love how the sun can take me back to the better times in childhood, fun summers and living in Miami. Colorful memories like those are always inspiration for my creations.”
In the Works
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Visit Choke’s blog online at chokephotography.blogspot.com. Her work is currently exhibited in the exhibit “Celebration of Freedom” at the Potter’s House on Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC. For inquiries, contact her at (571) 278-8932 . The art exhibit is curated by Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art. The artwork is from artists from the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the network www.LiberatedMuse.com.

Rising Star Chaquis Maliq Shares Fave Moments from the International Soul Music Summit



Liberated Muse: What were highlights for you from the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA?

CM: The first day of the Summit was great because, the panel was all women! I loved the War stories from Chinah Blac, Keshia Jackson, and Lady Alma. These women really opened up allowed me to not feel alone with my struggle being an indie artist without a team. Also, with their stories I still find that Women have to work harder in this industry and often have to act like we have something to prove to get noticed. Learning that a lot of them having been struggling since teenagers in this industry and they are still here grinding, lets me know that I'm doing the right thing and gives me more motivation.

Liberated Muse: What was something you learned that you didn't know already?

CM: I did not know the full details about the Performance Rights Act Bill. Sean Glover of SoundExchange.com, really broke it down to us artist, and in no way does passing this bill to become a law interfere with radio stations losing money or being shut down. Passing the Performance Rights Act Bill will help recording artist to make a living to keep providing "The People" and the Radio with music. Dionne Farris made it plain by stating that "The radio and recording artist need one another to make the marraige work. The Radio needs music or else it will be Talk Radio."

Liberated Muse: Who were some folks you enjoyed meeting and why?

CM: I enjoyed Meeting Darrly of Moods Music. Great Brother that supports great music from great artists! I also enjoyed meeting Promoters from Japan and the UK, and other artists that hustle and stay motivated.

Liberated Muse: Was performing in ATL any different than perfoming in DC?


CM: Performing in ATL was a lil different then the performances that I have done in DC and surrounding cities. I plead the "Fifth" on giving details :)

Liberated Muse: What did you learn and pick up on that you will probably incorporate into your artist life? What can we expect from you in the next year?

CM: I am now taking "Brand Your Self" more seriously after hearing the great Eric Roberson, whom I think is the #1 indie hustler in the industry. So look forward to My album, "Veracity" in December 2006 @ Cdbaby.com and some merchandise in 2010!

Thanks Liberated Muse, where would Chaquis Maliq, be without you!?

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Chaquis Maliq is a singer, songwriting and producer originally from California and now based in Baltimore, Md. Visit her Liberated Muse page HERE to hear some of her music.

Seen But Not Heard, the documentary by Cyrille Phipps


On Sunday, October 4 at Jojo's on U Street, 'Ol Soul Project presents a benefit concert to fund the upcoming documentary "Seen But Not Heard" by New York-based director Cyrille Phipps. The documentary addresses the illness' ravaging effect on Black women across the country. Liberated Muse members Colie Williams, LOVE the poet and Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman are among the performers.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, blacks have accounted for 397,548 (42%) of the estimated 952,629 AIDS cases diagnosed in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The DC area has the highest rate in the country of AIDS cases proportionate to its size and population. Of all black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use

Click here to read more and see a clip from the film

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Colie Williams Dishes on her experience at the International Soul Music Summit



Liberated Muse was happy to be a sponsor of the 2009 International Soul Music Summit which was in September. Four of our members registered to participate and wound up being asked to perform. We asked them a few questions regarding their experience there.

Here is a Q & A with songstress Colie Williams.

Liberated Muse: What were highlights for you from the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA?

Colie Williams: My highlights were listening to the artists speak on the panels, meeting and interviewing with radio folks, meeting a brother who will most likely assist me with management, and listening to performances by artists and meeting other artists.

Liberated Muse: What was something you learned that you didn't know already?

Colie Williams: There was a lot of confirmation on things. I learned about a lot of sites that I can use for assistance, and just a reminder about the mind/body connection while singing-sometimes I allow my mind to affect my singing, and it doesn't have to. Had to psych myself in last night-I was exhausted, and I just focused on the task at hand- and my singing was fine. Believe me I'm pretty critical of myself, so if I say I pulled it off-I DID! Most folks were friendly, open, and ready to offer assistance. You just had to make yourself accessible.

Liberated Muse: Was performing in ATL any different than perfoming in DC?

Colie Williams: It was only different, because I am use to performing in venues where people know me. It's good to get a critique from folks who have no idea who you are. It's humbling, and it keeps you on top of your game.

Liberated Muse: What did you learn and pick up on that you will probably incorporate into your artist life? What can we expect from you in the next year?

Colie Williams: So many things-right now making sure I have the right folks around me which I was already working on. You have to have folks around you who share your vision-that was confirmation for me. Next year-My CD release and touring! I Believe! Ashe!

Colie performs on Wednesdays at Jojo's on U Street in Washington DC and is a singer and songwriter.

Teisha Marie on the International Soul Music Summit


Liberated Muse was happy to be a sponsor of the 2009 International Soul Music Summit which was in September. Four of our members registered to participate and wound up being asked to perform. We asked them 5 questions regarding their experience there. Here is a Q & A with songstress Teisha Marie.


Liberated Muse:What were highlights for you from the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA?


Teisha Marie: The variety of people that were at the conference. Also, those addressing the current state of the music/radio industry.


Liberated Muse: What was something you learned that you didn't know already?


Teisha Marie: I learned of a free resource online called Generation Y Rocker.


Liberated Muse: Who were some folks you enjoyed meeting and why?


Teisha Marie: Subliminal - a "soul-hop" artist from Toronto. His approach to music and performing was refreshing.


Liberated Muse: Was performing in ATL any different than perfoming in DC?


Teisha Marie: I would say it's about the same. You really have to work to get (and keep) an audience's attention. It appears that occasionally people take live performance for granted because it's done often in DC and Atlanta.


Liberated Muse: What did you learn and pick up on that you will probably incorporate into your artist life? What can we expect from you in the next year?


Teisha Marie: I am just going to be more aggressive in terms of my marketing and already unorthodox ways. So, I'll be increasing everything that I already do with just a little more force. I am in the process of gearing up for the next album. So maybe in the next year, that's what you'll see.
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Visit Teisha Marie's page on http://www.liberatedmuse.com/ to hear her music. Her CD "Addicted to Life" is on sale now.
Visit the website for the International Soul Music Summit HERE