#neatshinyfolk

It takes two. Sometimes inspiration is a pair of Koi swimming in tandem. Get out and make some great art this weekend. W/ @kiefer_d & @fortifiedlive.
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Protection: the higher state of being. I have it on my mind today for two reasons. Firstly, whenever I approach couples for a portrait, the protector of the two usually looks at the other and waits patiently for a response. 9 out of 10 times, the exact precious response. Secondly, I woke up to so many positive reinforcements and words and honestly felt… Protected. Thank you, each of you. Tag somebody you know you feel safe with. Oh, and happy Wednesday!
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Recently, I heard my work described as shallow.  It hurt a lot to hear. A. Lot. And if I’m being completely honest, I let it stop me. I had to remember though, my repeat subject as an artist. As long as I can remember being in love with people, seldom, until now, have those people been people who look like me when standing in front of a camera. I had to remember that, even if in a small way, I have been an active part in the “until now.” I had to remember how much complimenting these brothers and sisters I’ve never before met made me feel better as a person of color. When I think back on hearing that what I do might not matter so much, I choose not to forget the hurt I felt. I also choose to learn it all from scratch again.. These portraits are for me as much as they are for you, and you are not shallow. Neither am I.
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I haven’t forgotten you, oh ye beautiful souls split between two vessels. Ah, there I go being Artsy Fartsy again. Thank you both for your permission for this portrait. Go forth lovely-ly…. I think that works, right?

We dance. Around emotion, obstacle, spectacle & importance. We dance around acknowledgement. To consistently find ourselves in the waltzing twist of such a rhythmless ballad is to realize why the pocket is never something we fear being too large for. Since infinite universes have taught themselves to be confined within ten-inch squares, newly ripped seams ought not be met with vexation. I cried last Wednesday, rolling myself into a descent of sickness only to find impotent novocaine at the bottom of the hill. It wasn’t perChance that Jesus’ Black life ain’t matter. I can only be so holy for so long; see in these words I write the tears that fell e'en further. It was only two minutes after, in the wake of a torrent beneath my brow, that I remembered my ears. I remembered because I found myself dancing again. Moving to the song of reasons why we matter. Arching my back to the subdivisions in injustice. Crouching as I wondered, will I be next? And if I am, will I have done enough by then? I pray I won’t be another hashtag. My hope is for busyness to be outweighed by purpose. May we cease to blend in. May we cease to be ignored. May our dance be revered. May this sun set on the final injustice. May we one day soon achieve Zero Problems.
P.S.: Thanks Neil Degrasse Tyson, for helping us remember just how special a sunset can be.
@blackballerinas

@neildegrassetysonofficial

@chancetherapper

Yes, you’re right. And I know. Don’t think it hasn’t been on my mind for 11,402,727,482,291.6 hours. How have you been?
#neatshinyowl
#neatshinyfolk
#findtheowl
#antiportrait
#heystranger

Where to begin? First off, it’s May 7th, so before it is no longer and it becomes the 8th, let me just say #myhairisnotatrend. It really isn’t. May the rest of 2016 and my life include greater health and care for it. That said, I’ve been quiet for a while, largely because I’ve been tested much of this past month, from many angles. Such tests came chiefly from requirement, as much has been given to me. Much also has begun to die away in my life, from the physical through the immaterial. Shedding – quite like hair, it seems – is mandatory for growth. If you’ve been anywhere near my inner circle, you know the details more intimately. For the rest, I hope that many of the messages I’ve habitually conveyed have continued to reign as true for you as they have been increasingly for me. Sometimes, talking to yourself is healthy. Keep your head up. Tomorrow is full of gifts that we need to keep our eyes peeled and hands open for, which will prove difficult to do if we remain occupied by the woes of the past. Cheers, everyone. Really. Cheers.

Some abundance of much needed #blackgirlmagic via familiar fairy-faced @lustsickpuppy because Monday, in case you missed it. And also, because I had trouble choosing a best moment. Tis all.
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Yay. Jubilation. It’s been a nonstop ride this March, so much so that it’s still going, 8 days into April. Updates updates updates. And speaking of which, did you know you could buy prints from my shop online? Visit:
www.neatshinyowl.com and click on shop for more details!
W/@thesynead
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Make the time. You’ll see the climb, especially when you notice how far away the ground has become. Your feet are wings. Never forget that. Never forget.
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Wild, this Wednesday. I’d will wistful whimsy into the way of this week but in the while, I suppose whining is… well, woefully unwanted. That is to say, I ain’t even worried bout nothin. Not a single thing.
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Saving a life is a dance. A grand ballet. There’s a years-long overture building up to the opus. And then the climax. Any room at any moment can become a stage. Cheers to the healers. The life savers. The dancers.
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#neatshinyfolk
#medstudent
#medschool
#dancer
#twolives

Morning prep. Hi there.
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#neatshinyfolk
#neatshinyowl
#findtheowl
#blackmen
#morninglight

Sometimes, you’re the art. Let them see you.
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Teamwork. Currently. There are superstars afoot. Hey, @kwh1t3!
w/@littleworldshaker_ @sir_pshych0
& @moshoodat
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#neatshinyfolk
#photoshoot
#setlife
#setup
#music

But even if I told you the story from the eyes of my dreams you might not believe me. Testimony. Happy Friday.
w/@krisbrooksmusic
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#neatshinyfolk
#testimony
#Friday
#magicalblackgirl
#dontbelievemejustwatch

Sentiments for this current weekend. I’m going backpacking. Maybe my bag could be smaller but I don’t think that’ll work in my particular case.
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#neatshinyfolk
#antiportrait
#backpacking
#alwaysmoving
#pendulum

There’s been a lot of this lately. Tuned. Stay, please?
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#neatshinyfolk
#photoshoot
#takemypicture
#makemeastar
#onset

Happiness is finding yourself in the happenstance. Hence the furled brows whenever you feel lost in a given situation. Saddle up. It’s self-hunting season.
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Happiest Friday yet!
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#neatshinyfolk
#HappyFriday
#friyay
#afrotastic
#magicalblackgirl