I am Jirard… I like taking pictures…what else is there to know? OK, OK I guess I’ll give you a lil bit more… My foundation is as a visual artist (mostly pencil and pastel work). I feel this has aided me greatly in my current endeavors. Since upgrading to the digital realm of photography I’m especially interested in doing something different or out of the box. While my work is definitely not void of deliberation, I wouldn’t consider it overtly intentional. Although I may set the stage, I like my shoots to be organic, free-flowing collaborations between the subject...

In the early days of the Pangea’s Garden Project I was fortunate to discover the extraordinary works of Maxim Vakhovskiy. At the time I’d created several captures that would, later, find a home here and I was curious to know if anyone shared a vision of Afrocentric beauty and sensuality. Maxim was one of the first I found. Eastern Europe born, Maxim is a portrait photographer currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is “delighted to photograph interesting, natural, vintage-souled, humble, passionate, uninhibited, and free-spirited characters with richly whispering beauty....

An experimental black & white image set of an impromptu moment. Hershey stood next to the windowed door so that I could watch how the light fell on her when she got a phone call. And then she got a text. Followed by a phone call another text and so on. They were all with the same person and this continued for a while. I wasn’t really listening but from the expressions on her face there was some obvious drama going on. Curious about how the emotion in these captures would look like, I continued shooting. Hershey, aware and curious herself, consciously positioned herself provocatively....

Hershey stood next to the windowed door so that I could watch how the light fell on her when she got a phone call. And then she got a text. Followed by a phone call another text and so on. They were all with the same person and this continued for a while. I wasn’t really listening but from the expressions on her face there was some obvious drama going on. Curious about how the emotion in these captures would look like, I continued shooting. Hershey, aware and curious herself, consciously positioned herself provocatively. Unabashedly, she continued her talk, never afraid to show her true feelings,...

The words of Timothy Ivy… “In my day to day life I’m a photojournalist for various publications. For 20+ years I’ve been privileged to tell local, national and international stories with my camera. I’ve been allowed into the lives of both famous and every day people.” “In that time I’ve seen a lot of beauty and a lot of ugliness. As a way to counter-balance the ugliness I see through the lens, I engage in personal artistic projects that allow me to express more peace and beauty.” “One such project in which I’m currently engaged...

When we revisit the past we are often able to see ourselves in the eyes of others. I think that it’s very important to remember our ancestors because they live in all of us. Great grandmother’s eyes, grandmother’s nose and granduncle’s hands. The one way to live forever is to have children, but it’s important to teach our children to look back from time to time and remember. You can find some of my paintings on my website and some more photography here. -Tamara Natalie Madden Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with...

a couple of moments in black and white more to come click Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

“i believe art can change the world. let’s make a difference. i’m tryna do work that looks like no other. i’ve done magazines, album & book covers, but my current passion is fine art.” “i’m currently workin in natural light. god’s illumination on Black skin is magnificent 2 me.” “Black people need 2 see images of ourselves w/ humanity. women beautiful regardless of size, shape or complexion. men strong, sensitive & loving. parents & children caring & happy. couples in love in warm intimate moments. us as lovers, sensual...

Lois Lane’s passion… Nena’s cool stay tuned. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

In the process of working on the web portal I’ve approached various people to contribute content. One such person is the UrbanGeisha, Farah B. from Brooklyn. A recent reality TV show star (Redemption Song on FUSE TV) she’s a professional model/hairstylist/MUA in the New York area whose captures are breathtaking. See for yourself. And you can see more images of her on her modeling profile here. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post