pgp154: a soulful Q&A with Kirei Na

kingcliff — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:37:00 +0000

Kirei Na means beautiful in Japanese. And like the EarthSista that bears the name, it is poignant and graceful. And, to meet her, you would think she is quiet but she is not. Kirei Na is quite open once she lets you in and very warm. I discovered this long before we did the shoot for 20 Questions. But what I didn’t realize is how moved I would be by her answers…

In her responses she is intelligent, frank, provocative and nurturing. You can read all of it at PangeasGarden.com in 20 Questions with Kirei Na. And check out her intimate pictorial set with Hershey in “The Dance”.

-Vincent

20 Questions with Kirei Na

vincent — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:04:07 +0000

Kirei Na means beautiful in Japanese. And like the EarthSista that bears the name, the word is poignant and graceful. And you would think she is quiet but she is not. Kirei Na is quite open once she lets you in and very warm. She is, also, a woman who (almost inadvertently) owns a room when she walks in. She is tiny but statuesque. Almost regal in her stance you’d never assume she was shy; reserved, maybe. Kirei Na exhibits a humble grace and a down home spirit. And she seems to be as comfortable in a country setting as she would be in an urban landscape. Kirei Na embraces family and God as her inspiration and reason for being. As a role model she seeks to inspire others. Kirei Na is that quiet soulful conscience that guides others without really trying.

1. How would you describe your personality/outlook on life?

My personality is very caring, selfless, curious, and always evolving. I have a big heart for others and I do not like to see or know that someone is hurting because of another’s selfish actions. I say that I am curious because I love to learn and know new things. I seek out information about EVERYTHING and I love to learn. I am very intuitive and in tuned to other people’s feelings and am interested in the lives of other people (within reason). I view life as my opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on the lives’ of others. Life is meant to be lived to its fullest in line with a purpose that is bigger than myself. I always see the good in the bad, and the sun through the rain. I would not live life any other way.

2. How old are you?

I am a December 1983 baby. Capricorn!!! You do the math!

3. Single or Committed? EarthSista or EarthMother?

I am committed in a very loving and passionate relationship. I am both an EarthSista and an EarthMother. Although I do not have birth children of my own, I am a mother to 4 nieces, 1 great-niece, and a handsome nephew, along with several other young ones that I work with at my job and in the community.

4. Large or small family? And how diid that affect you?

I grew up in a small family. Only my mother, sister and her five children, and myself in Alabama where I grew up. Honestly I feel it may have made me a bit shy and a lot independent. I never really got to experience family-type events or gatherings, nor did I have much family to depend upon. Its a bit nerve-wrecking for me to be around other people’s large family gatherings because it is foreign to me and I sometimes can be anti-social in such occasions. On the other hand, it was easier around holidays to buy things for my small family and to grow close, despite our differences at times.

5. Who/what has been a major influence in your life to this point?

My faith. Prayer gives me confidence and Praise gives me hope.

6. Name five artists that you’d have to have on your IPOD.

I do not have an IPOD. Could not even point one out if i saw one. But CD’s in my car… Amel Laurrieux, Anita Baker, Goapele, Canton Jones, and Lauryn Hill… I looove all music though.

7. What are your hobbies/interests?

My hobby and part-time money maker is modeling-I loooove to do runway. I have a strong interest in academics and I love learning. I also enjoy working out, talking to my nieces and nephew, spending time with my significant other, dining out, writing, intelligent conversations and discussions and taking naps.

8. Aside from work, what activities consume most of your time?

School consumes A LOT of my time aside from work. I am a grad student online and it is very time consuming.

9. What’s your Dream Job?

Mother. House wife. Part-time model and business owner that travels the world.

10. Complete this sentence. “As a woman, I believe it’s especially important to…”

Be a good role model for young girls.

11. Is your hair natural? If so, for how long?

YES!! Finally it is. I began my natural hair journey September 2007 when I stopped relaxing my hair. I did a “kinda big chop” May 2008 and began to wear my hair May 2009. It was a grueling journey, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I love my natural, healthy hair.

12. What turns you on?

A person with Intelligence, talent, and “smarts”. Also life turns me on…each new day energizes and stimulates me towards ultimate greatness and happiness.

13. What pisses you off? When people hurt other people, especially young people and the elderly, repeating myself, and also long lines at clubs and Walmart.

14. Tomboy or GirlyGirl?

Neither. Just me. I am not a girly girl at all. I prefer things of the “masculine” sense at times, but I love my femininity.

15. Words to live by?

Love. Forgiveness. Choice. Faith.

16. Vegetarian or Barbarian?

I prefer veggies and seafood. Not into red meat much and I do not eat pork at all.

17. Whats your sign?

Classy, Sexy, Successful Capricorn.

18. Favorite TV Show or Movie?

I loooove to watch ‘House’ and ‘CSI.’ I also enjoy watching anything Tyler Perry and ‘My Wife and Kids.’ I will also watch anything on the History or Discovery Channel.

19. One thing you want to do before you die?

Travel to foreign countries and learn their culture.

20. Complete this sentence. “You have faith in …?”

God. The author of my beautiful life.

1. How would you describe your personality/outlook on life?
My personality is very caring, selfless, curious, and always evolving. I have a big heart for others and I do not like to see or know that someone is hurting because of another’s selfish actions. I say that I am curious because I love to learn and know new things. I seek out information about EVERYTHING and I love to learn. I am very intuitive and in tuned to other people’s feelings and am interested in the lives of other people (within reason). I view life as my opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on the lives’ of others. Life is meant to be lived to its fullest in line with a purpose that is bigger than myself. I always see the good in the bad, and the sun through the rain. I would not live life any other way.

2. How old are you?
I am a December 1983 baby. Capricorn!!! You do the math!

3. Single or Committed? EarthSista or EarthMother?
I am committed in a very loving and passionate relationship. I am both an EarthSista and an EarthMother. Although I do not have birth children of my own, I am a mother to 4 nieces, 1 great-niece, and a handsome nephew, along with several other young ones that I work with at my job and in the community.

4. Large or small family? And how diid that affect you?
I grew up in a small family. Only my mother, sister and her five children, and myself in Alabama where I grew up. Honestly I feel it may have made me a bit shy and a lot independent. I never really got to experience family-type events or gatherings, nor did I have much family to depend upon. Its a bit nerve-wrecking for me to be around other people’s large family gatherings because it is foreign to me and I sometimes can be anti-social in such occasions. On the other hand, it was easier around holidays to buy things for my small family and to grow close, despite our differences at times.

5. Who/what has been a major influence in your life to this point?
My faith. Prayer gives me confidence and Praise gives me hope.

6. Name five artists that you’d have to have on your IPOD.
I do not have an IPOD. Could not even point one out if i saw one. But CD’s in my car… Amel Laurrieux, Anita Baker, Goapele, Canton Jones, and Lauryn Hill… I looove all music though.

7. What are your hobbies/interests?
My hobby and part-time money maker is modeling-I loooove to do runway. I have a strong interest in academics and I love learning. I also enjoy working out, talking to my nieces and nephew, spending time with my significant other, dining out, writing, intelligent conversations and discussions and taking naps.

8. Aside from work, what activities consume most of your time?
School consumes A LOT of my time aside from work. I am a grad student online and it is very time consuming.

9. What’s your Dream Job?
Mother. House wife. Part-time model and business owner that travels the world.

10. Complete this sentence. “As a woman, I believe it’s especially important to…”
Be a good role model for young girls.

11. Is your hair natural? If so, for how long?
YES!! Finally it is. I began my natural hair journey September 2007 when I stopped relaxing my hair. I did a “kinda big chop” May 2008 and began to wear my hair May 2009. It was a grueling journey, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I love my natural, healthy hair.

12. What turns you on?
A person with Intelligence, talent, and “smarts”. Also life turns me on…each new day energizes and stimulates me towards ultimate greatness and happiness.

13. What pisses you off?
When people hurt other people, especially young people and the elderly, repeating myself, and also long lines at clubs and Walmart.

14. Tomboy or GirlyGirl?
Neither. Just me. I am not a girly girl at all. I prefer things of the “masculine” sense at times, but I love my femininity.

15. Words to live by?
Love. Forgiveness. Choice. Faith.

16. Vegetarian or Barbarian?
I prefer veggies and seafood. Not into red meat much and I do not eat pork at all.

17. Whats your sign?
Classy, Sexy, Successful Capricorn.

18. Favorite TV Show or Movie?
I loooove to watch ‘House’ and ‘CSI.’ I also enjoy watching anything Tyler Perry and ‘My Wife and Kids.’ I will also watch anything on the History or Discovery Channel.

19. One thing you want to do before you die?
Travel to foreign countries and learn their culture.

20. Complete this sentence. “You have faith in …?”
God. The author of my beautiful life.

Kirei Na & Hershey…the Dance…

vincent — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:57:18 +0000

They wanted an early Sunday morning workout. Just the two of them so that they would not be bothered. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to practice their dance and not be distracted by onlookers and I thought it was the perfect chance to get the two of them together for the shoot we’d talked about doing. They had never danced or shot together before and we were all a little unsure about what we would create. But, you know, that is the exploration…that is the adventure.

They stepped into the dance studio. Stretched and loosened up. Connected. And proceeded to create. Both of these beautiful EarthSistas love to dance. Both love the camera. Both love women. And for that moment, they were into each other. We all had fun and, as you can see, created some provocative images. I look forward to creating with both of them again.

Pangea's Garden » Kirei Na

pgp154: a soulful Q&A with Kirei Na

20 Questions with Kirei Na

Kirei Na & Hershey…the Dance…