pgp223: UdoU – EclecticAlexandria exhales…

Self-portrait photography is one of the many avenues by which I express myself. My captures are of but not limited to a candid, personal, and sensual blend. I currently photograph with a Fujifilm Finepix z70. I edit with whatever free photo editing software is available. My favorite is Photoscape.

When I went natural at the age of 17 in ’05, it was a celebration of self-love. Before this public declaration to the world I was a self-conscious, and low self-esteem harboring girl. Seeing myself in the natural state took but a short time to get used to. I immediately became infatuated by my once “too” african features. The big lips, medium gapped front teeth, and large eyes. Being the tallest girl in my class was once viewed as a disadvantage. Now my 5’11 frame that was once thought of as not “black enough” is the inspiration of many. When I began photographing myself it was a playful/experimental hobby. I would edit them and also make graphics for myself and others. Now it is a mission of reclaiming myself. I used to believe that others’ opinions defined my beauty. Sonia Sanchez said, “You have to see your beauty behind your eyes.” I’ve learned to look in the mirror without turning away.

While in college I collaborated with a fellow artist. I was his model as he sketched. The majority of the poses were nude. It took much convincing to get me to strip down to my flesh. I had always been a closet nudist prancing around my room. I found my nude body to be enthralling, but never wanted to share it with another. During that brief artist-muse friendship I would take nude self-portraits and send them to him for sketching. I no longer do nude self-portraits, but I am a great appreciator of the art form.

When I am not photographing, I am writing (my first love of 12 years), reading, creating (jewelry, arts & crafts, sewing, etc.) and making children smile.

The UdoU Series

The UdoU Series focuses on how Sistas see themselves; creating captures of their own Afrocentric beauty and sensuality. We invite you to participate by using your own SLR camera or your Point-and-Shoot Kodak, even your camera phone. We want you to capture you. The images above were the first we recieved and they were fantastic; far above what we expected and I look forward to more from this sista in the future.

We are not asking for professional works but we are looking for images that are 1)Afrocentric, 2)Creative and 3)Focused on your form as well as your face. We expect these images to be demure as well as uninhibited, intense as well as humorous, passionate as well as reserved. For additional details, click on the banner below.

Are you ready to celebrate your Afrosensual Portraits?

When it comes to art, food, fashion, health, fitness music, culture and society Pangea’s Garden continues to bring you the culture that cultivates. We actively strive to be your Afrosensual nexus of ideas, images, commentary, participation and events that inspire, provoke, entertain and actively engage you. If you love what you see here and desire to see more, please consider signing up for a premium membership. It grants you access to ALL of the Garden’s content and you will be one of the Cultivators of the vision that we’ve ALL

The Afrosensual Aesthetic is the GardenVoice that pushes the limits and deepens the perspective. It is still be done from a position of respect, pride and joy, but here we will be able to explore themes that don’t quite fit within the earthSista box. Its is a place for the sensual lovermakers and the premium cultivators. Check it out and share your thoughts and ideas and passions.