Erica at Oh! My Nappy Hair Salon was so supportive. I’d walked into her salon one day and was thoroughly impressed by the eclectic old world artistry and ornate intimate feel that was reminiscent of traditional family home with its dark hard wood floors and antique vanity dressers at each station. Richly colored walls are adorned with a variety of African-American artworks and the shop is decorated with small original hand-carved sculptures of various inspirations of the Oh! My Nappy Hair icon. So, simply entering the shop is an engrossing experience. And then there was Ifasgift. Her lovely...

Maurice Evans I have a series of paintings called the “Water Bearers”. These paintings were inspired by African women. One day, I was looking through my bedroom window and notice two African women dressed in traditional clothing. They were carrying loads of clothes on top of their heads. With their hips swaying from side to side, I watched as they balanced with perfection these heavy loads. Even with all the weight on top of their heads they still managed to look regal, beautiful, and graceful as they walked and talked to each other  heading to their destination …. which was obviously...

The Evolution of SHE continues to exist through my presence in the garden.  As seeds are planted and our garden is cultivated, I am constantly asked what it means to be an earthSista.  In essence we are all unique, which is the heart of our movement.  Therefore, I can only express what an earthSista is to SHE.  Hopefully many of you can identify with my words or create your own identity within the Garden. An earthSista is rare and raw. She embraces her true beauty within, by boldly accepting and personifying her natural essence through her presence. She has a sexy, sultry voice like earthSista Moess...

GreenRose is a Lady…21st Century-style. Vivacious and funny, she carries herself proudly without taking herself too seriously. She is focused and real in what she seeks and expects out of life. And she LIVES LIFE! She not the type to waste time on regrets and drama. GreenRose values the lessons of relationships and spares nothing in her reverence for God. A day with her is a day spent appreciating the miracles of moments. In the midst of a hot afternoon she and her best friend, FlowerChild created a second Nature Stroll image set together. Prior to the shoot she answered a few questions. ...

Part two of the 3-part series on the EccentricSoul. This time we focus on cool. Dramatic contrasts of shadows and light, splashes of colour and attitude. These are the characteristics that are common in his works and they are not unusual tools for producing images for fashion editorial work and when you look at what Remy does you see the roots of a fashion editorial approach. But then he does that Remy thing. That step of creative discovery and collaboration with his muse where they both stretch, reach and find the inner passion that adds depth, strength and fragility to an expression that is...

Carolyn Grady of RhythmLife Entertainment, shared her love of this particular mix by DJ Rahdu of BamaLoveSoul. BamaLoveSoul is a Movement created to change the perception that everyone in Alabama listens to a certain type of music, BamaLoveSoul has become so much more! Its contributors have become highly regarded international taste makers, who help shed light on new artists & sounds to a community with discerning taste. Its a smooth mix of some old school soulful music of the Roots and I was curious as how it might enhance the experience of this beautiful image set. What do you think? Bookmark...

Brad Mitchell Joypho Images Photographers delight in the ability to “paint with light,” to create images that captivate and tantalize the viewer. Like everything else in the universe, this creativity flows in cycles; it waxes and wanes just as the new moon eventually becomes full, then new again. And during those times when we fly upon the wings of creativity, we breathe again, hence the term, “inspire.” Inspiration can come in many ways. For photographers, we are often inspired by the subjects we shoot. Fortunately, I was given the honor to work with KarenAlise. I was entertaining a concept...

It was an impulse. She said it would have to be that way. I met Niemah at the Malcom X Festival back in May and fell in love with her vibe. A very caring, very bright individual, she was an open personality who embraced the idea of simply meeting new people. The day we met, it was evident that she was poetically spiritual Sista. And when I asked her if we could do a shoot one day she said yes in such an immediate fashion that I was sure it was not going to happen. She assured me that it would but we couldn’t plan it. It would just have to be spontaneous. I was not in the mindset for that...

He says he’s an EccentricSoul with a vision. And from his imagination he tells stories of the unseen.  Indeed. As an artist of photography, Remy constantly, seeks to elevate himself creatively by stepping outside of his fine art comfort zone and manifesting his style for fashion and couture. And he seeks out women and men who DARE to step outside the box with him. All of his models agree that when they work with him, he definitely takes their ports to another level. Remy employs colours in their vivid and primary forms. He exploits their richness to enhance the passion in his captures....

entry by Vincent When I first met Brian A. Childress, my initial impression was that of a pragmatic, technically astute Photographer. I had not noticed his artistic sensibility; not yet. He and I, along with a few other Photographers and Models would all get together and rent a studio. In my early days of professional shooting, it was an opportunity  to hone my craft through the sharing and learning of techniques with others. The more we shot together, the more impressed I became with the images Brian created; images, not “captures.” He doesn’t like it when I call them “captures.”...