Supporting Under Represented Artisan's and Home Based Business Proprietors.
Sculpture
The ART of Natural Hair African Venus” was created by the sculptor Charles Henri Joseph Cordier in bronze in 1851. The sculpture was created as a companion piece to an earlier work created by Charles Cordier entitled “Said Abdullah of the Mayac, Kingdom of the Darfur”. The model was a young African woman by the name of Seïd Enkess who was a former slave in France. Both busts became popular after France abolished slavery in 1848. Charles Cordier himself was sympathetic to the abolitionist movement and believed in the beauty and equality of all races.
Women have been creating exquisite quilted masterpieces since the mid-1800's. Quilts are an expression of frugality. They not only serve a practical, functional purpose, but serve as a form of art as well.
Years ago in my grandmother's days, groups of women gathered for quilting. It was a form of socialization and relaxation for women. It was a time when they could get together to visit and catch up with one another once their household duties had been done.
Now days, this social gathering has turned into a business enterprise for many women. They are phenomenal artisans. Quilt Art is springing up throughout our communities. Quilts are not just used as a form of bedding or covering for furniture and keeping warm, but as beautiful wall hangings. Most of all, they are gifts that last a lifetime and can be passed on from generation to generation as family history tokens.
Carol Eisenstein is a Quilt Artisan who has designed some of the most beautiful quilts. Her quilts each have their own story. For more information, contact Carol , Email: Carol92544@yahoo.com for information and have her design a quilt just for you.
OK people! We are reaching out to you, with information on vending opportunities which offer affordable booths for rent to set up shop in the surrounding communities. Spaces are available. Artisans and small home based business entrepreneurs! Check out this small list of upcoming opportunities. Reply and let us know if you are taking advantage of any of these opportunities so that we can let our friends know you will be there. Perhaps you will see some friendly faces that you may or may not recognize and SISTERS-LOCKED will look for you with our cameras. LOL! Good Luck.
Peace, Love and Blessings,
Alisa, Deborah and Sonia
LIST OF VENDING OPPORTUNITIES
*10th Annual CARNIVAL- May 15th 2011 11am -3pm 16160 Ashland Ave, San Leandro, CA. contact: Cheryl.lindberg@sbcglobal.net
*Rumble 4CM Annual Car Show- 2251 Galaxy Ct. Concord, CA.-VENDORS (free)- Contact Gary Hill (925) 595-8068
*North Bay Summer Get Together Car & Bike Show- June 4, 2011, Solano County Fairgrounds_ Accepting Applications for VENDORS $45-$125 depending on space size - contact: valerie@gilmanstreetmedia for info
*MIND BODY & Spirit Health & Wellness Fair- May 1, 2011- 11am-6pm- 2654 Nicholson Street, San Leandro, CA. 94577. A Call for Vendors, Healers or Performers! www.afroboogie.com/expohome.htm
For African women, scarification is most often associated with fertility. Scars added at puberty, after the birth of the first child, or following the end of breastfeeding, highlight the bravery of women in enduring the pain of childbirth. As if that wasn’t enough! Scars on other areas of the body such as the hips and buttocks, accentuate the erotic and sensual aspects of the female body.
African Tattoos or Scarification~The history of tattooing in Africa dates back thousands of years. Until Otzi the Iceman was discovered, the oldest known tattoos belonged to the mummy of Amunet, a priestess of the goddess Hathor somewhere between 2160 BC -1994 BC. The designs found on her mummy, were believed to be symbols of fertility and rejuvenation.
Many men in West Africa undergo scaring or cicatrisation as a form of tribal initiation and bravery. This painful process begins for most young males at puberty and continues into adulthood. Scarification is done by lifting the skin a little, making a cut with a sharp tool such as a razor blade, thorn or anything with a sharp edge, and sand or ash is then rubbed into the cut to make the raised scar patterns anywhere on the body. The patterns followed are often local traditions which feel like braille lettering. Each tribe has unique designs, the man in the photo has patterns that identify his village and clan. He also has black magic symbols to help ward off evil spirits. These different designs often indicate social rank, traits of character, political status and religious authority.
Children are also included in this tradition of scarification when they reach different stages of their lives such as weaning from their mothers breast. Here in North America most tattoo artists will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 without a parents present, however there are those who do.
In the past I have always added a video to my tattoo posts to really show the style of tattooing, this one will be no exception. However some of you might find this video graphic because of the nature of the topic. I specifically chose this one because it was filmed by National Geographic, which I grew up watching. Keep in mind as you are viewing this video that this tradition or ritual makes these individuals feel accepted by their community. Although I don’t agree with it when it involves a small child it could be compared to circumcision in North America. Technically there is no reason for either tradition or ritual. I look at these differences as educational. We are all connected as human beings regardless of our culture. I accept everyone for who they are and what they believe. It makes the world in which we live diverse in every way. This video is not for everyone. Some nudity.
She asks, " Can you make me a neckless and earring set"? I reply, "Sure, I can. What colors do you like?" She says, "Any colors are fine. Colors that will help rid this broken heart". I think to myself, OH NO!
I browse through my beads and decide on Red Coral & Turquoise. Red Coral represents love and happiness and of course turquoise represents master healing and has a communication quality. Yes, yes of course. Just what she needs to heal that broken heart.
I created this set for the second time. A few years ago and now. Hoping this set will help her feel a surge of confidence, self esteem and sensuality. She can dresss it up or down. I say, rock it with a pair of tight jeans and a white shirt.
Always remember that Self Love is one of the greatest loves. Without it, there is no healing or moving forward. Therefore, this is a gift to you my friend, as a symbol of a lifetime of self love, happiness and the opening of new doors..
