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Showing posts from November, 2024

Sunset Swirl

  Sunset Swirl. Digital art created on canvas. November 29, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Chromatic Blooms

  Chromatic Blooms. Digital art created on canvas. November 29, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Spectrum of Silence

  Spectrum of Silence.Digital art created on canvas. November 29, 2024. Afrika Abney  I am done putting up with disrespect. I am done listening to gossip, rumors and lies. I am done paying attention to insults. I am done tolerating racist and discriminatory slurs. I am done. So what I do not have many things. At least, I have standards and will stick by my standards. If I was supposed to be taught a subject in school and at home, you would have to understand my upbringing and realize that toddlers are not parents. I was 2 years old in 1978. 

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose #3

  Jan 11, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST Washington, 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose continues featuring three exciting poets and short story writers whose words and presentations will inspire and regal.  Presented by Esther Productions Inc., the Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund in partnership with The Tenley-Friendship Library,  this third program in the Series. For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com . https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/midnightrose-a-reading-series-of-poetry-and-prose-jan-11-from-2-4pm-est DAVID NICHOLSON is the author of The Garretts of Columbia: A Black South Carolina Family from Slavery to the Dawn of Integration. His collection of short fiction, Flying Home: Seven Stories of the Secret City, was included on a Los Angeles Times list of boo...

Resilient Spirit

  I did not ask to be born petite. I did not predict mixed emotions. I do not advocate for racism and discrimination. I am enough because I know what it feels like to be shoved, hurt, and yet, my chemistry towards the opposite sex will always be displayed within my facial expressions and outlook. I did not ask for grief, pain, and struggle.  Quote found on the Internet

Inflation

“In 1989, residents began to advocate for measures that would help mitigate the effects of inflation, seeking relief through various channels, including community organizations and local government initiatives. The economic landscape of Washington D.C. in 1989 thus became a focal point for understanding the broader challenges of inflation in urban settings.” I was 13 during this time, I had witnessed the effects of inflation as a student. 35 years later, it still is an issue in Washington, DC and abroad. Inflation. 14 * 18.August 1, 2022. Acrylic on Canvas. Afrika Abney Inflation is based on the personal and professional experiences that Ms. Afrika Abney encountered as a black female from America and living in America. Swirls and shades of purple blend into one another, creating an abstract and immersive visual experience. Hints of light blue peek through, adding a contrasting highlight to the darker hues.

Path to Empathy

  Quote found on the Internet  What’s wrong is an open question that I am often asked. Everything is wrong. War, racism, discrimination, betrayal, hatred, prejudice, injustice, and much more. The question that one should ask is when will the pain, suffering, and turmoil within society and community cease? 

The Purposeful Pursuit

  “ Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill . Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.” - Chadwick Boseman My purpose is to rekindle old flames and to provide quality services. 

Palette of Boldness

Palette of Boldness . Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney For 19 years, I have celebrated Christmas. However, I have not been a huge fan of Christmas or any other holiday. Palette of Boldness is about the colors chosen that represent the boldness that I have taken through the experience of Christmas.  “Christmas in Washington, D.C. is a festive celebration marked by vibrant decorations, holiday events, and a sense of community spirit. The city transforms with lights adorning the National Mall, and iconic landmarks host seasonal activities that attract both locals and visitors. From the National Christmas Tree to various holiday markets, the atmosphere is filled with joy and cheer, making it a memorable time to experience the nation's capital.”

Unboxed Potential

  Unboxed Potential. Digital art created on canvas. November 28, 2024. Afrika Abney Fitting into society itself is discrimination. Automatically placing a label onto a person stating that they do not fit into society or into your little box. This is how many people lose people and how many people lose interest.  I was not born to fit into your little box of rules and standards. I was born to make a difference in people’s lives. I have achieved that mission numerous times since 1989. Because you believe that I do not fit into your little box does not become my problem, it becomes yours. You have missed out on the opportunity to know what creates me. 

Thanksgiving

   “Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song.”- Konrad von Gesner  Thanksgiving. Digital art created on canvas. November 28, 2024. Afrika Abney  Thanksgiving has been tough for me since I was a student between losing loved ones, facing traumatic experiences, and overcoming racism and discrimination.  “Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. during the 1970s was a unique blend of tradition and the evolving cultural landscape of the era. The nation’s capital, known for its rich history and political significance, became a focal point for various Thanksgiving celebrations that reflected both the solemnity of the holiday and the vibrancy of the 1970s. As the decade progressed, Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. began to reflect broader societal changes, including the growing awareness of social issues and the push for civil rights. The holiday served as a reminder of the impo...

Blooming Loyalty

  Blooming Loyalty. Digital art created on canvas. November 27, 2024. Afrika Abney  My choice will always be to be loyal and show dedication. Despite how people have treated me, I will always do the right thing because I know how it feels to be pushed aside, isolated, discriminated against and treated as if your words do not matter. I also know from first hand experiences what it means to lose loved ones and much more, but no one bothered to ask me any questions when I was a student, so now you are wondering why I make certain choices. Well, that is none of your business unless you are willing to sweep me off of my feet and show real support.  From picnics in parks to providing services, I have watched my hometown and community change.  I selected the colors red, brown and green to create this piece. 

Ethnic Elegance

  Ethnic Elegance. Digital art created on canvas. November 27, 2024. Afrika Abney  Black, gold and green represent sophistication, elegance, heritage, ethnicity, and resilience. 

Radiant Bonds

  Radiant Bonds. Digital art created on canvas. November 27, 2024. Afrika Abney  I am a firm believer of real solid faithful and committed relationships that are filled with passion, respect, compassion, empathy, sympathy, support, understanding and trust. Not fake relationships. Unfortunately, men are under the impression that teasing and joking around are ways to attract and gain the attention of women. For me, it is not because I believe this is childish and immature behavior. So what, I am a petite and do not like long hair and wearing makeup. I am authentic and transparent and would never conform to society standards because I have my own standards.  My favorite color is black. 

Old-Fashioned Integrity

  Old-Fashioned Integrity. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  When I took job positions whether paid or pro bono, my approach has always been professional. My rule has been not to mix personal interaction and connections within professional settings. However, I developed personal connections in every professional setting. Being too friendly in professional settings is just not my style because for me it throws off the purpose or requirements of the position. Therefore, those that have not seen me in numerous settings since I was last hired and are single and opposite sex, please note that I am old fashioned. I believe in genuine and compassionate relationships. 

Triumph of Tones

  Triumph of Tones. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Luminous Holiday Oak

  Luminous Holiday Oak. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Radiant Holiday Canvas

  Radiant Holiday Canvas. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney 

1970s Holidays

  1970s Holidays. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  “The 1970s were a vibrant decade for holidays in Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and culture. During this era, the National Mall became a hub of activity, where people gathered for various celebrations and demonstrations. The annual Fourth of July festivities were particularly noteworthy, featuring grand fireworks displays that lit up the night sky, accompanied by patriotic music that resonated with the spirit of the nation. The Smithsonian Institution, with its vast array of museums, offered an educational yet entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. The 1970s also saw the rise of cultural events, including concerts and art exhibitions, which showcased the creativity and innovation of the time, making D.C. a focal point for artistic expression.”

Honest Holiday Views

  Honest Holiday Views. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Vibrant Visions of Faith

  Vibrant Visions of Faith. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  With the principle of faith, I am fortunate that I graduated from Bell Multicultural High School in 1993 because I felt alone, depressed, traumatized, isolated and discriminated against every time that I stepped inside the school from 1991 - 1993. The colors gold and shades of yellow are deliberately selected to depict optimism, while black represents faith. 

Candlelight Blessings

  Candlelight Blessings. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  When I was a student, I was introduced to the holiday – Kwanzaa which I stopped celebrating in 2015. I created Candlelight Blessings by using digital technology. The selection of the colors resemble not only my diverse background, but the values and principles that I believe in. 

Inspired Abstraction

  Inspired Abstraction. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Chromatic Inspiration

  Chromatic Inspiration. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Holiday Palette #1-3

Holiday Palette #1-3 consists of red, shades of yellow, gold and green. Filled with stories, authentic conversations, honest commentary and entertaining movies broadcast on television.  Holiday Palette #1. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney  Holiday Palette #2. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney  Holiday Palette #3. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Festive Yellow Bloom #1- 2

  Festive Yellow Bloom #1.Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney  Festive Yellow Bloom #2.Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Festive Expressions

  Festive Expressions. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Holiday Canvas

  Holiday Canvas. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Holiday Artistry

  Holiday Artistry. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney  Instead of spending a bunch of money on gifts during the holiday season, I have created original art as gifts. Furthermore, I am not a big fan of Christmas and I did not grow up celebrating Christmas when I was a child. Christmas is a holiday designed for kids. 

Holiday Bloom

  Holiday Bloom. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Celebration in Color

  Celebration in Color.Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Holiday Whirl

  Holiday Whirl. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Holiday Hopes

  Holiday Hopes. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney What I want during the holiday season is for racism and discrimination to end. I want to make lots of money. I want people to purchase my abstract paintings and collages. I want honest and genuine relationships. Most of all, I want people to stop making rude and insensitive comments.  Men who do not value nor respect women and call them out their names should stop and ask themselves who raised them? Women come in all shapes and sizes. No, I am not interested in women and never will be interested in developing relationships with women. Yes, I have had the opportunity to work with many men and women in the past as my career began while I was a student. 

Festive Tapestry

  Festive Tapestry. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney “ The term "Festive Tapestry" evokes a rich and vibrant image, suggesting a woven fabric that embodies the spirit of celebration and joy. This concept can be interpreted as a metaphor for the intricate and colorful experiences that come together during festive occasions. Each thread in the tapestry represents a unique element of the celebration, whether it be the traditions, the people involved, or the emotions shared, all contributing to a larger narrative of communal joy and togetherness.”

Celebration Spectrum

  Celebration Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney Celebration Spectrum consists of colors red, black, green and gold. 

Holiday Radiance

  Holiday Radiance. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney Red, black, green and gold are the colors that I selected to create my abstract digital painting entitled: Holiday Radiance. 

Spirit of Celebration Candle

  Spirit of Celebration Candle. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney During the holiday season, I have always taken the time to pray. 

Holiday Harmony

  Holiday Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney When I was a kid, I was interested in boys and surrounded by men. As an African-American woman, I am surrounded by numerous people. However, I am only interested in single men over the age of 30 born between the 1960s - 1980. During the holiday season in the past, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills and career. 

Holiday Sunset

  Holiday Sunset. Digital art created on canvas. November 25, 2024. Afrika Abney

Festivity Fusion

Festivity Fusion. Digital art created on canvas. November 23, 2024. Afrika Abney

Spectrum Dance

  Spectrum Dance. Digital art created on canvas. November 23, 2024. Afrika Abney

Happy Holidays

  Happy Holidays. Digital art created on canvas. November 23, 2024. Afrika Abney The holiday season has always been a time for warmth and connection, a cherished opportunity to gather among friends and loved ones. It's a season marked by the sharing of genuine memories and meaningful conversations, where the focus shifts away from gossip, manipulation, and the mind games that can often threaten to sabotage relationships. Instead, the spirit of the holidays emphasizes kindness and understanding, Reflecting on my own experiences during this season, I recall vividly how I spent my time providing both pro bono and paid services at local churches, serving meals to those in need. Each plate I handed out wasn’t just food; it was a moment of connection, a shared smile, a fleeting yet impactful memory etched in time. Alongside this, I poured my creativity into making homemade cards and gifting my artwork, each piece handcrafted with love to spread joy in simple yet profound ways. Each gift ...

Self-Value Inspiration

  Quote found on the Internet