In the early days of the Garden, when I was just beginning to realize that there others who wanted to create images that celebrated afrosensual beauty, I, a few photographers and a couple of earthSistas took a stroll by the lake in the morning.
We’d started a little later than intended but that didn’t matter because, as you will see in these images we were right on time. This is not the first time I’ve featured images from that day. I shared a set that I created that featured earthSistas ButtaFly and Hershey (now Henna) as did photographer Hafees Byard. And, I think a few of the images from my first set may be in this one as well. And looking back at the sets, I felt fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time with the right people. It came so effortlessly. I never took it for granted but that since day I’ve yet to see another morning like that one. And as I looked back on my images from that day… I think on earthSista ButtaFly.
It’s been a while since she last visited the Garden. When she was here before, she and I were both feeling our way through what’s next. I was laying the foundation of the Garden while exploring the width and depth of the images I wanted to share and create. ButtaFly was literally growing as a visionary seeking the best ways to facilitate her talents. I met her as an artist, painter and drawer. She is now an extraordinary photographer and the inspirations to thousands of artists alike. But she is like that day. When we came together, it seemed so effortless. And while I didn’t take it for granted, I never realized she would become so bright so fast. But she is an earthSista, so I should’ve known.
Hopefully she will pay a visit to the Garden again soon.
