 |
 |
 |
 |
“All this talk about “founding fathers” and the building of America by hard work without handouts…
This country is great because it was built on the backs of slaves. What better handout than to start your businesses with free labor.”
Daaaaaaaaaaamn… talking about ALL of our history, even the ugly parts, does not make me unpatriotic. I am proud of our country and of our President. No apologies.
Download, share, repost… speak up…vote!
~ Onjena
So many are still inspired by President Obama, his family and his administration. Click on an image below to learn more about the artist and the inspiration behind each piece of art.
Shout out to the artists who have contributed to CANVASS 44 and the art history of our President:
Please share your art with us @CANVASS44.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
 |
 |
| President Obama Renegade Bust | President Obama Renegade Bust |
 |
 |
| President Obama Painting | Obamanator :: Obamabot 2.0 |
 |
 |
| Say It Loud 1.0 | Say It Again, Sam 1.0 |
 |
 |
| Say It Again, Sam 2.0 | Rosie the Renegade |
 |
 |
| Keepin’ the Change | Obamacat :: Obamabot 2.0 |
 |
 |
| Obamanation | Exceptional |
 |
 |
| Hana Hou | Optimist Prime |
 |
 |
| Bed Stuy 2012 | Mo’Bama Blues |
 |
 |
| Wet Paint | Barack Black Eagle |
 |
 |
| BAMA | Ali Says It Loud |
 |
 |
| America in My Eyes | Who Will Save America? |
 |
 |
| In His Shoes | Obama Wooden Campaign Pin |
 |
 |
| Renegade :: O’bamabot | Willard :: Romneybot |
 |
 |
| President Obama Sculpture | Vice-President Biden Sculpture |
 |
 |
| First Family: The Obamas | Renaissance 2.0 :: O’bamabot |
 |
 |
| North Lawn Mosaic | South Lawn Mosaic |
 |
 |
| Korean Americans | Israeli Americans |
 |
 |
| Cape Verdean Americans | Canadian Americans |
 |
 |
| Japanese Americans | Ghanaian Americans |
 |
 |
| Chinese Americans | Thinking Forward |
 |
 |
| Obama Crashes the RNC | I Believe in You |
 |
 |
| Tuttz meets Renegade | Tutti i colori di Obama |
 |
 |
| Obama Said Knock You Out | Baby Got Hope |
This is free for all to download, print, & disseminate. Go forth & spread the gospel. Put it on every street corner & lamp-post, every bulletin board & kiosk, every juke-joint & house of ill-repute, every cafe, campus & construction site, every church, synagogue, mosque, & Bahá’í Center, every library & schoolyard, every domino table & methadone clinic, every nook & cranny you can find…or… just stick it in your office.
Remember there’s no knockout in this bout, it goes the full 12 rounds. The judges’ decision is final on 6 November, so get out & vote, my friends.~ Robt Seda-Schreiber
Mr. Seda-Schreiber tells us that is not a professional artist, but simply an art teacher with a drawing table at which he sometimes sit & create little doodles, surrounded by far too many toys for a man of his age. Should you so desire, you can see more of his artistic shenanigans at sweetestbaboon.blogspot.com.
When I asked for his twitter handle, this was Mr. Seda-Schreiber’s response:
I’m not on Twitter or Facebook… I actually don’t even text, if you can believe it.I’m so old school, I make Chuck D look like Meek Mill.
LOL. I was granted permission to quote him on this. Mr. Seda-Schreiber’s “Baby Got Hope” poster was featured in the book, “Design for Obama” during the 2008 campaign season. He’s in it for the long haul. Respect.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
Robt Seda-Schreiberis “an artist, a lover, a father, a teacher, a hustler of culture, an oh-so-tiny & not-so-private dancer, an imaginary boxer, a practicing solipsist, & a self-indulgent, egotistical, totally insecure, anxious & angst-ious little man.” A friend left a beautiful quote about the artist and the art: “Seda-Schreiber lets you into his mind, and it turns out to be a worthwhile place to rummage around… (His work) is like receiving a long letter from a friend you didn’t know you had.” (Cat Yronwode). Sounds like my kinda artist. See more of his works at sweetestbaboon.blogspot.com.
Matteo Ceschi is an artist and writer who has recently finished his book titled, “Tutti i colori di Obama. L’altra storia delle elezioni americane (All the Colors of Obama. The Other History of American Elections),” published by Franco Angeli Editore (www.francoangeli.it).
This is perhaps one of the rare occassions that one interview can cohesively cover old school rap, underground comics, The Jeffersons, Dick Gregory and American Presidential history. I cannot wait to get my hands on Mr. Ceschi’s book.
Following, Mr. Ceschi shares his inspiration, highlights and challenges while researching and writing “Tutti i colori di Obama.”
CFM: WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
CESCHI: My thesis in American History was on the explosion of black music in the post-World War II period. At the time I was often in a small comics shop not far from the university discussing and drawing cartoons. At home, as a background to my long drawing marathons, there were Old School records like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, De La Soul and classics like Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix. My passion for music led me to the team of a well-known Italian music magazine, where I am still a regular columnist. After graduation, I also immediately started to work at my university as Teaching Assistant, first in U.S. history, later in Contemporary history, which allowed me to participate in international conferences and meet European and American scholars.
CFM: HOW DID YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM COMICS TO THE MORE SOBER SUBJECT OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT?
CESCHI: For me, there is no transition but an essential continuity in my artistic and historical interests.
CFM: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY?
CESCHI: Tutti I colori di Obama. L’altra storia delle elezioni americane (All the Colors of Obama. The Other History of American Elections) originates in my deep passion for African-American culture in all its aspects and nuances – I began as a child in the early 1980s with TV series like “The Jeffersons” and “The Bill Cosby Show” and gradually felt the need to study it seriously along the lines suggested by scholars like Rickey Vincent, author of the classic book, “Funk!” and Scott N. Brown.
Jesse Jackson participating in a rally, January 15, 1975 (Source: Wikipedia)
The rise of Sen. Barack Obama and the affirmation of a post-racial and post-ethnic approach to society led me to investigate the roots of this position, discovering exceptional figures like the comedian and political activist Dick Gregory and the Democratic Representative, Shirley Chisholm, who had campaigned in the Democratic primaries for the presidency back in the late ‘60s and the ‘70s. I discovered the Rev. Jesse Jackson – another staunch voice of post-racial politics when, as a young comics fanatic, I first parsed the verses of Melle Mel’s “Jesse.” That was 1994. His name and his story grabbed me, just as Spike Lee, Malcom X and the Black Panthers had done.
L to R: Dick Gregory, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisolm
CFM: HOW ARE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS VIEWED IN YOUR COUNTRY?
CESCHI: I was born during Gerald Ford’s brief presidency and my first memory of U.S. politics is Jimmy Carter at Camp David in the News on my maternal grandmother’s TV. Like a large part of the world’s population in the ‘80s, I grew up in Ronald Reagan’s shadow, but I kept a healthy young distance listening to rap. So I’ve always had a lot of interest in who was sitting in the Oval office, even if in my country U.S. politics and the ups and downs of the various presidents only sporadically interested public opinion before Obama. With the sole exception of Reagan, whose eight year presidency coincided with a period of epochal historic change, I would say that in Italy the U.S. presidency has always been seen with a vaguely positive indifference as something comfortable and certain to turn to with a little more attention now and again when there is some international crisis or presidential elections.
CFM: MANY HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY AND PRESIDENT OBAMA, WHAT SETS YOUR BOOK APART FROM THE REST?
CESCHI: In the three years of research the book involved, I read a lot of the books you mention. Some, like David Remnick’s The Bridge, I liked; others a lot less. If I were to indicate a difference from what has already been written about President Obama, I’d say that Tutti I colori di Obama has the advantage of restoring the fundamental (for Obama, too) experiences of figures like Dick Gregory and Shirley Chisholm – alas, too quickly forgotten by voters and politicians alike – and of integrating the history of the elections and the analysis of the political language and gestural character with pop/popular elements in day-to-day social culture like music, graphic arts and the web in the most natural way possible.
CFM: WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR BOOK?
CESCHI: Mmmmm……the heroic challenge Dick Gregory and the Peace and Freedom Party issued to the two major parties in the 1968 elections, and his “shadow government”; the feeling between Shirley Chisholm and the college crowds; the citizen diplomacy that preceded and accompanied Jesse Jackson’s first candidacy in the 1984 Democratic primaries, and Barack Obama’s fundamental parenthesis at the Harvard Law School (indispensable in the refining of his post-racial sensitivity).
CFM: HOW DID YOU SETTLE ON THE COVER IMAGE FOR YOUR BOOK?
CESCHI: At first I thought I might do the cover myself, but then I thought that would be too much of the same (some of my work is on display at www.coroflot.com/ceschi1974). So I began to look through the web for names of artists who had looked at Obama. As soon as I saw Grey Williamson and Kilroy III’s [Renegade Obama] bust, I thought, “This is the one for me!”
Discovering a common background with one of the two artists only confirmed the first excellent impression. I have always appreciated a 360° approach to the artistic life. My editor liked it a lot and so we got in touch with you.
CFM: WHEN WILL YOUR BOOK BE AVAILABLE?
CESCHI: The book will be on sale from Oct. 5 – just a month before election day.
CFM: WHY SHOULD AN AMERICAN READ YOUR BOOK?
CESCHI: Why should the American public read my book? Well, because it’s very, very readable and it would improve their Italian a lot! And then you can always learn something new. Seriously: because at the moment there is nothing on the American market with an approach like my book.
CFM: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN ABOUT YOUR BOOK?
CESCHI: The phrase “I couldn’t put it down!” coming from a highly respected historian colleague who had kindly offered to read the rough draft.
CFM: WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT WRITING YOUR BOOK?
CESCHI: It was quite difficult to find material on the black presidential candidates – surprisingly so in a number of cases – especially with regards to Shirley Chisholm (perhaps the first serious presidential candidate to be a woman). The greatest difficulty I had, however, was finding objective material to compare with the autobiographic narration Gregory furnished in his books. The last uncertainties were resolved only in Jan., 2012 at Amsterdam’s International Instituut voor social Geschiedenis.
CFM: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHAPTER OR PART OF YOUR BOOK AND WHY?
CESCHI: Sincere, I’ve never thought about it. But if I had to choose, I’d say the long chapter on Jesse Jackson, the politician whose story comes closest to Obama’s. Both, in fact, tried- though with different results – to win the presidency in a moment in which the media played a fundamental role in the success of a campaign. Not many people know that Jesse Jackson was the first national political figure to make use, during the course of the Louisiana Democratic primaries of 1984, of the immense resources afforded by informatics for political ends. In 1984, 24 years before the army of pro-Obama Facebookers!
CFM: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN PRESIDENT AND WHY?
Former president Jimmy Carter fields a question during his news conference in Washington, October 10, 1978. (Source: Salon)
CESCHI: Without doubt Jimmy Carter is, for reasons linked to the memory of my maternal grandmother, as I mentioned earlier; the first American president I remember. As a scholar, I have found his policy on ecology interesting and have treated it in part in an earlier book, Musica e ecologia negli Stati Uniti da Bob Dylan a Bruce Springsteen.
CFM: DOES PRESIDENT OBAMA COME IN A CLOSE SECOND?
As a historian, I think we have to wait before trying to give any final evaluation of the Obama presidency. On the other hand, while hanging on to a vigilant and healthy critical eye – a position I share with Cornel West – I cannot certainly deny that Barack and Michelle Obama have held my attention over the last six years. If the president has always impressed me with his personal sincerity – as we see it, for example, in Amy Rice’s documentary “By the People” – Michelle’s strong personality makes me think of the American past’s iconic, up-front, purposeful black ladies, like The Cosby Show’s Mrs. Claire Olivia Huxtable. Here again (as with Carter) my own early impressions inspire my sympathies and my work.
CFM: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS WALK AWAY WITH AFTER READING YOUR BOOK?
CESCHI: A more vital and informed view of the United States and the Obama presidency, whatever their political orientations may be. I would not be at all displeased if some Italian reader should take Tutti i colori di Obama along on a trip to the U.S. and go to visit some of the places the book talks about.
And I would not complain if some U.S. reader with a working knowledge of Italian wrote to me to give me any constructive comments that came to mind.
CFM: WHAT WERE YOUR OBSERVATIONS AFTER WATCHING BOTH THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTIONS?
That both conventions were held in the South is heavy with complex significance, though no one has explicitly “unpacked” the components yet as they really should.
The icon of the Tampa convention was, significantly, no candidate – not even any political figure – but a disappointing, even slightly uncertain, Clint Eastwood, and an empty chair. The Republicans showed themselves not ready to deal adequately with Hollywood, leaving viewers depressed as to what might happen when they turned their eyes or attention to everyday US reality. The Democratic convention in Charlotte showed us a far more varied assembly as to age, origins and socio-economic placement. It showed that the president’s party enjoys vigorous good health despite the economy and multiform obstructionism in Congress and in the society. Julian Castro, Bill Clinton (who cited Obama’s “More Perfect Union” speech and set out the “mathematics” of both Obama and Bush) and, perhaps even more, Michelle Obama, focused on their candidate and his personal qualities, his political stance and his achievements as president- as the Republican convention, engaged chiefly in image politics had not really attempted to do – or been able to do? – for its own candidate and his political record. It did, however, tread lightly enough to barely allude to hot internal issues (abortion, stem cells, homosexuality ); even if Clinton mentioned alternative energy, he tied it firmly to future ‘freedom’ from ‘Arab oil’. It was left to the roaming TV cameras to show two women (one with traditional headscarf) displaying “Arab-Americans for Obama” placards. Prudently, no mention was made of the unrealized promise to close down Guantanamo, or the continuing concern for the on-going violations of the word and the spirit of the First Amendment. If Obama not only wins, but the Party wins a Congressional majority, perhaps this scene may change.
Summing up: the convention(s)’ climate, over-all, was sort of ‘80s sit com and so leads me to hope for the best over the next four years. Nor do I think that the dramatic events in Libya, Egypt and some Middle Eastern countries can seriously damage Obama as a candidate.
CFM: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM RESEARCHING AND WRITING THIS BOOK AND WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS?
I got to know two exceptional people – Dick Gregory and Shirley Chisholm (Jesse Jackson I already knew) – and I followed their human and political adventures step by step.
At the moment I’ve got a headful of ideas. The search for a new challenge might be resolved “on the spot” in January, 2013, when I’ll be in Boston for about ten days. Maybe that will pull the switch and point a spot-light in the right direction. Who can say?
Have a question or comment for Mr. Ceschi? (Please email him at matteo.ceschi(at)yahoo.it). His book will be available October 5th through Franco Angeli Editore (www.francoangeli.it).
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
Matteo Ceschi is a historian of African-American culture and U.S. counterculture. He writes for a music magazine and teaches History of journalism and music journalism at the University eCampus in Italy. He has worked with the chair of North American History and Contemporary History at the faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Milan. In 2000 he joined the comparative history project Milan-Montpellier Group, founded in 1980 by Italian, American and French academics. He is author of Musica Nera/Black Music (Milan: 2005) and Green Rock. Music and Ecology in the United States from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen (Milan: 2008) and numerous essays in Italian and English.
Tuttz meets the Renegade
“The Renegade Obama bust is a really good platform. A good game plan to try to enhance the bust as a custom will be difficult. Thing is, even unpainted it doesn’t need anything and to add something… the trick is to not diminish it.”
~ Eric Nocella Diaz
Eric Nocella Diaz was one of the first artists to commit to participating in CANVASS 44. We have a long history with Mr. Nocella Diaz. Through his toy production company, he has been instrumental in helping us bring multiple collectible sculpts and toys to market, including the Renegade Obama bust.
When we shared the concept of CANVASS 44 with Eric in early 2011, he was very supportive of our efforts to contribute art that documented the accomplishments of the 44th President, beyond his election. This was during a time when President Obama’s popularity had predictably dropped after his historic election…and after fighting for healthcare reform.
So it was a natural fit to invite him to embellish the Renegade Obama bust as part of CANVASS 44. We invited artists to interpret the President’s statement:
“This is what change looks like.”
~ President Barack Obama
The “canvas” is a specially prepared Renegade Obama bust pictured above next to one of Eric’s collectibles, the Tuttz. The 1/6th scale bust is approximately 11 inches high and was sculpted by Grey Williamson & Kilroy III.
As Eric finalizes his designs, we will share additional images of his custom Renegade Obama bust.
Please share your Obama-inspired art with us @CANVASS44.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Eric Nocella Diaz has been sculpting toy prototypes, maquettes and statues professionally for over 15 years. He has worked on high-profile projects with major toy companies such as ToyBiz, Marvel, Mcfarlane Toys, ToysRus, Hasbro, Kidrobot, DC Direct, Art Asylum and Ka-Ching Brands. Some of the licensed projects he has worked on for those companies range from the award-winning Beatles Yellow Submarine toy line, E.T., Preschool Spiderman, Lord Of The Rings, Classic Avengers, Japanese Anime FLCL, Batman Begins to the Video Game Award crowned monkey trophy for Spike TV. He is also a co-publisher, art director and editor of independent comic books through Xmoor Studios as well as a producer of popular high-end designer resin toys through his toy companies GoldMane Entertainment & Argonaut Resins.
Obama Crashes the RNC
Dimensions: 8.5×11
Medium: Pencil, Prisma Marker, Charcoal, Photoshop
“I have been keeping up with all the policies and political theatre going on in the country since Obama has been president and have been frustrated with all the coded jabs. Republicans that fear the natural change in this country’s ethnic and moral changes and see President Obama as a threat to their illusion of power. Mitt Romney’s healthcare bill is the same blue print as the Affordable Care Act but because a democratic President passed a law they once pushed for is now seen as a sin.
The theme of the illustration show cases how Obama likes to pop up and make an entrance.
What better way to show your contender that you mean business than to show up on the one night where the opponent is suppose to shine not the incumbent.”
~ Tru Soul
Obama I BELIEVE IN YOU
Dimensions: 8.5×11
Medium: Prisma Marker, Sharpe Ball Point Marker
“Back in 2010 i could see early on that the problems and issues President Obama was trying to fix would not happen; due in large part to Republicans dividing the nation on social and cultural issues. President Obama believes so much in the america dream because he is a true living example having a mother who was white and a father who was black.
President Obama believes the power is still with the people and he means to put it in their hands with a strong education and a growing economy.
The over lapping colors of red and blue showcase how tightly woven the differences and opinions of the country really are. President Obama knows that the issues he faces are not easy ones which is reflected in his tight looking face.
Over all the message of the piece is that only by working together to solve our common problems will we truly strive as a United States.”
~ Tru Soul
Thinking Forward
Dimensions: 11 x 14
Medium: Pencil, Prisma Markers, Charcoal
“This piece is meant to showcase the mental toughness and strain that President Obama faces every day. For killing Osama Bin Laden, to Bailing out GM and adverting a depression; to providing quality health care for all, ending DADT and equal pay for women. The President has been under the most pressure, and dealt the worst hand and still maintains his cool and connection to the american people. Republicans have called into question his qualification to lead based on the color of his skin and the name he is known by.
Thinking Forward is a piece that says despite the hardships we have faced in the past and are presently dealing with, the future is still bright and we must move forward. It showcases the seriousness at which the President has for those in his administration to the hard-working middle class and poor.”
~ Tru Soul
A portion of proceeds from these three pieces of art will be donated to the re-election efforts for President Obama. All pieces can be purchased at Mr. Trotman’s website www.TruSoul.org. Be a part of the movement by following Tru Soul on twitter @TruSoulmovement
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #neverforget #spreadLOVE
Derrick Trotman’s Tru Soul movement is about authentic art that raises awareness and promotes originality. He is an illustrator, designer, poet and thinker who enjoys working in multiple mediums including pencils, prisma marker, deco paint, charcoal, bamboo wood ink, water-color and digital painting. His primary influences have been his mother, Stan Lee, Cezanne, Matisse, Jim Lee, The Itialian Renissance, Debroah Haverty, Justin Bua, African art and fractals. Learn more about Mr. Trotman by visiting www.trusoul.org.
“The Problem We All Live With” by Norman Rockwell
“Mother hunger — to be one or have one”
~ Toni Morrison
… the desire to protect and be protected… to be seen as a human worthy to be celebrated… admired…forgiven…
It’s not about celebrating one over another. It’s about equal protection for a chance to get it right… or to get it wrong…
I think President Obama got it right when he honored the bravery of a six year old girl named Ruby Bridges by hanging Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live With” in the White House. Many thought the President got it wrong by choosing to highlight such an “ugly” part of American history. I see the image of Ruby shielded by several U.S. Marshalls and my heart aches and swells with pride. I guess we all have a right to choose what we will never forget…
Perspective…
Here we are in 2012, and some of the American media seems to have a tough time celebrating certain people’s achievements… Sometimes it is just the tone of the reporter… sometimes it is the persistent questioning of mental strength and preparedness… as if to diminish the hard work and mental toughness en route to becoming an Olympic champion twice over… (Thank you Gabby Douglas).
I understand that because Great Britain was the host country of the Olympics, the American media was keen to follow and celebrate their team’s wins (mainly when the American teams were not in medal contention)… however, as a multi-national patriot, I felt something else was going on… An air of exclusion that I have unfortunately grown accustom to…
Who do we readily accept as our heroes? And if someone who looks like Gabby Douglas (or Serena Williams) is that hero… do we explain it away by saying they are exceptions and not the rule (quite different from being exceptional, mind you)…? When the American flag fell during Serena’s medal ceremony, I felt a slight twinge of anxiety for how some would interpret it as a bad sign… But Serena’s response made my heart soar:
“…it was probably flying to come hug me because the flag was so happy.”
~ Serena Williams
The flag was not the only happy one, Miss Williams. (And while I’m celebrating Serena’s win, I’d like to congratulate some of my other favorite Olympic athletes… Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin, Allyson Felix, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Samuel Mikulak and Usain Bolt).
The problems we all live with… we may not agree on what they are or how to solve them, but I can say this… I believe President Obama is the right one to deal with the problems of America.
Having a colorful past is about as American as it gets. (And just an FYI to Team Romney… America’s “shared heritage” expands well beyond the borders of Great Britain…). I designed my first multi-national symbol for my mom’s “seoul food” eatery… but it seems to have resonated with many people… so I designed a few more variations. I am posting it on CANVASS 44…to represent all multi-nationals who support President Obama.
Representing the change in America that has been here all along… From left to right: Americans from Cape Verde, Israel, Canada, Ghana, Japan, Korea and China. More to come…
A portion of proceeds from all merchandise on the CANVASS 44 store will go to the re-election campaign for President Obama, Partners in Health and the BVSJ.
Please share your art with us in support of the President via twitter @CANVASS44.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #neverforget #spreadLOVE
Ruby Bridges Hall now serves on the board of Norman Rockwell Museum and founded The Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999 to promote the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences. She commended Rockwell for having “enough courage to step up to the plate and say I’m going to make a statement, and he did it in a very powerful way.”
Norman Rockwell received letters of both praise and criticism for depicting such direct social commentary in his painting “The Problem We All Live With.” Rockwell continued to revisit the theme of civil rights in several other of his illustrations from the period.
*A very special shout out to @problemwthat for encouraging me to share my American story.
… Once the president is elected, he no longer represents one party, but the totality of the American politique… at least ’til the next election process begins.
When the Republican party politicians announced that, from the time he was elected, that their prime directive for the next four years was to remove him from office… it was treason… by definition, mutiny.
The people have the right to disagree, dissent, protest… exercise their voice in a number of ways, including the vote…
… but our political officials are hired to treat the POTUS as Commander In Chief… above party affiliation. Non-adherence to this destroys the political process and makes us as citizens slaves to individual party agendas, and therefore the personal interests of its individual leaders.
Mutiny…
Treason…
Capitol Crimes?
Truth.~ Grey Williamson
Support America by donating to the President’s re-election efforts here and registering to vote in your state.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
Grey Williamson has worked as a writer, artist and designer for almost every major comic publisher in the comic industry. He formed Carbon-Fibre Media as a home for his entertainment properties and productions.
Kilroy III makes his professional debut at Carbon-Fibre Media with his work on the Apollo, Val-Mar and Renegade busts. He has multiple projects under development that can be viewed on his blog, Kilroy’s Attic.
|
|
| North Lawn Mosaic | South Lawn Mosaic |
“I support President Obama because I believe that he strives for the best interest of the American people. His humble beginnings allow him to identify with the average American, unlike so many other politicians.”
~ Lisa Anne Riley
100% of the profits from the sales of both Obama White House mosaics will be donated to the Obama campaign between now and late October 2012.
Ms. Riley’s mosaics are available in various sizes and formats on her website at lisa-riley.artistwebsites.com. Please contact her via twitter @lisa_anne_riley for questions… [or to connect the left… ;0)]
Please share!
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Lisa Anne Riley maintains a full-time job and freelances in the art field. Her artwork has been sold internationally as well featured in various books. Her artwork is currently for sale at lisa-riley.artistwebsites.com.
First Family: The Obamas by Synthia SAINT JAMES
Vision House Presents
“ARTISTS FOR OBAMA” Art Fundraising Event
Pacific Palisades, California
Sunday, August 5, 2012
For info and sponsorships lacommons(at)aol.com or synthia(at)synthiasaintjames.com.
“First Family: The Obamas” – Limited Edition Giclees on Canvas available at www.synthiasaintjames.com.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Synthia SAINT JAMES is a world renowned multicultural visual artist, award winning author and or illustrator of 17 children’s books, authored an autobiographical art marketing book, 3 poetry books, a book of affirmations, and a cookbook. In reviews her artwork has been described as “ebullient”, “bold”, “creates paintings that remind one of Matisse cutouts in their clear line and intense color” and “joyful”.
Her paintings grace the covers of over 70 books, including books by Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, New York Times bestselling author IyanlaVanzant, and books by Terry McMillan, also a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been published worldwide in several different languages.
She is most celebrated for designing the first Kwanzaa Stamp for the United States Postal Service in 1997, for which she received a History Maker Award.
|
|
| President Obama Sculpture | Vice-President Biden Sculpture |
“I have been sculpting since I was literally a boy. I can still remember the days of Playdough… It wasn’t until I got older, and my skills got better, did the thrill of creating become really significant. Almost political.
Like Obama, I am of a mixed race. He inspires me to believe that, today, it doesn’t matter. In the U.S. we all can be whatever we want.
I choose not to get to involved with my political beliefs publicly, but can acknowledge how important President Obama is. President Obama is, whether you like it or not, the most significant President since George Washington.
As an artist, I choose to sculpt individuals who have a significant impact on our world.”
~ James Munoz
This is not Mr. Munoz’ first Presidential sculpture. His “Young Bill Clinton” is a one-of-a-kind sculpture that was signed by President Bill Clinton himself.
Rumor has it that Vice-President Biden is considering a run for the top office in 2016. Think Mr. Munoz can go three for three?
Both sculptures are made of terracotta. The Obama sculpture is 12″ H x 5″ W x 5″ D, the Biden sculpture is 12″H x 5″ W x 5″ D. You can follow Mr. Munoz as he finishes his pieces on twitter at MrSculpty.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
James Munoz is a renowned sculptor who displays nationally. His specialty is human form and he excels in portraiture. “Inspiration for my work comes to me late at night” says Munoz. “This is when I find that the pieces come to life and their souls encompass us, as though they are alive.” James Munoz currently has sculptures at several prestigious galleries and several pieces in private collections placed across the United States.
‘Tis the season… Obama v Romney… time for all the pundits to weigh in.
Let the name-calling begin… O’bamabots… Romneybots…
Mindless followers or politicians devoid of human sentiment… Ouch…
Maybe, simply, just enthusiastic investors in the political process…
The following are some early designs of Politico’bots based on a line of collectible toys, O’BOTs.
 |
|
Naturally, we couldn’t decide which outfit we liked best for the First Lady…
Can you guess the politico’bot pundit below?
 |
 |
 |
 |
Have a fave? Let us know on twitter @carbonfibreme!
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena Yo
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Onjena Yo makes her professional debut at Carbon-Fibre Media with her line of toy robots called “O’BOTS” and a line of political t-shirts for CANVASS 44. She is also an amateur scrapbooker.
Laser cut and hand painted and assembled wooden campaign button to support Barack Obama’s re-election in 2012.
This one is Red, White, and Blue, and is about 2.5″ square. Metal pin back. Available here.
$15 of the proceeds goes directly to the President’s re-election campaign. $5 goes to defray the cost of production.
Please contact Louise’s Daughter if you are interested in buying in quantity to sell to others to raise funds for President Obama’s re-election.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Cheryl and Don Olney of Louise’s Daughter love to make colorful figurative artwork from wood, paper, and other materials. They also love to do custom items, which can be as simple as different colors on a standard item, or a completely new design in just about any size ranging from 1 inch to 8 feet tall. They love a challenge so contact them at don(at)louisesdaughter.com
Aim High… Semper Fi… Army Strong… Sailor First…
You deserve to be celebrated every day…
In memory of my father, father-in-law, sister-in-law and all those who served and continue to serve. Thank you…
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Onjena makes her professional debut at Carbon-Fibre Media with her line of toy robots called “O’BOTS” and a line of political t-shirts for CANVASS 44. She is also an amateur scrapbooker.
“About our President, I think he will be reelected. He is a strong Guy. And if you saw all my webpages, I have a very special dream. I want to meet our President personally and hand him my Art. (It’s already signed: From Alex Krasky to Our President Barack Obama). My Mom is waiting that one day I will do it. I promised her I will. She is the only one who is still alive in my Family. I want to make her really proud of me.”~ Alex Krasky
Alex Krasky‘s journey to America began when he left the former Russia/Ukraine in 1997. Although he expressed an interest in art at the age of 5, it wasn’t until seven countries and twelves years after his arrival in the United States that he took an oil painting class and picked up a brush for the first time. “I learned, life is not a rehearsal, we go forward every day, regardless. I learned to savor the moment and take pleasure in small things in life. After all, life is made up of thousands of “small moments”.
“Barack Black Eagle: He Who Helps People Throughout the Land”
Artist Bunky Echo-Hawk painted this piece live at the Native Nations: Uniting for Change event during the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
Earlier in the year, Huffingtonpost featured this painting with about 10 other pieces describing the works as “bizarre.” Hmmm… “bizarre” or simply misunderstood? The “re-imagination” of popular figures, whether historical or fictional, is actually not that bizarre…
Take a look at the varied representations of Jesus… brunette…blonde… brown eyes… blue eyes… wooly hair… flowing locks… “swarthy”… white skin… If you ask most people what the founder of Buddhism looks like, most would describe a smiling jolly and bald Chinese man.
And no, this “bizarre” phenomenon is not limited to religious figures… Have you seen an American movie in the past few years or, oh wait, since Hollywood began producing movies, be it original or remakes? Ironically, the most recent “backlash” against the “re-imagination” of a character was aimed at a young character named “Rue” in “The Hunger Games.” (FYI. It wasn’t Rue’s characterization that was wrong, but the imagination of many of the viewers/readers…).
I can feel the eyes roll… How fitting that I reference religious figures and Hollywood when Obama has been “accused” of being a fake messiah and a “celebrity.”
What I see is positive change… a shift in deep-rooted underlying assumptions that are being challenged more frequently and by many different voices. I read an article in February about the “Linsanity” phenomenom by Yellow Peril that described Jeremy Lin as an “Asian Obama.” Robert Deniro recently came under fire for a joke about it being too soon for a “White First Lady.”
Thank you Bunky Echo-Hawk, for sharing your perspective on how our heroes can capture our collective imaginations…
Bizarre? No. Assumptions challenged. Yes.
And what exactly is “flesh-colored” anyway…?
Proceeds from the sale of Barack Black Eagle prints will be shared with Organizing for America and NVision. NVision is a movement that is “committed to the development of Native youth leadership and traditional and contemporary expressions of art, culture, education, and media from a Native core and perspective.”
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #neverforget #spreadLOVE
Bunky Echo-Hawk is a multi-talented artist whose work spans both media and lifestyle. A graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, he is a fine artist, graphic designer, photographer, writer and a non-profit professional. He is also a traditional singer and dancer. Throughout his career, Bunky has merged traditional values with his lifestyle and art.
He has exhibited his work in major exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally in NYC, Chicago, Denver, Santa Fe, and Frank- furt, Germany, to name a few. His poetry has been published in magazines and anthologies throughout the country, and his plays have been performed and produced across the nation. Bunky is also an advocate and an educator. He travels extensively, creating live works of art for auction.
Through his art, Bunky has raised thousands of dollars for several national non-profit organizations. Additionally, he speaks at conferences, conducts workshops, and teaches both art and writing. In 2006, Bunky co-founded NVision, serving as Executive Director until 2009. NVision is a nonprofit collective of Native American artists, musicians, community organizers, and nonprofit professionals who focus on Native American youth empowerment through multimedia arts. Bunky is a 2008 First Peoples Fund Business in Leadership Fellow, a 2008 United States Artist Fellow nominee, a 2008 Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellow nominee, and a 2008 Boulder County Multicultural Award recipient.
2012: THE BLOCK PARTY
in support of Obama Victory Fund 2012
Saturday, May 19th, 2012
2 PM – 8 PM
FOR TICKETS
https://my.barackobama.com/April21MiamiDJsforObama
Contribution: $25.00
GROUP PROMOTION: BUY 4 – GET ONE FREE
$100.00 VIP (includes drinks and appetizers)
Kids under 16 are free
Hosted by Gen44 & Florida Finance Committee
Co-Hosts:
Andre Assam, Stacey Berrios, Roget Bryan, Ariel Dominique, Fabiola Fleuranvil, Dave Fredericks, Kischa Gallimore, Melissa Giles, Rodrigo Gonzalez, Colbert Guerrier, Keisha Hall, Marlon Hill, Vanessa James, Andrew Korge, Abebe Lewis, Desiree Marrero, Suzan McDowell, Tisa McGhee, Vanessa Menkes, Todd Michaels, Miguel Murphy, Natalia Napoleon, Brandon Okpalobi, Giancarlo Sopo, Flora Sweet, Lorenzo Thomas, Davicka Thompson, Nicolle Ugarriza, Jay Wray, Jaime Young
The event will present a perfect opportunity to meet new people, network, and to share how people can get more involved with the Obama 2012 campaign. Attendees will have an opportunity to sign up for volunteer opportunities, register to vote, and request absentee ballots from Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers.
For more information, please contact Marlon Hill via email at mhill(at)delancyhill.com.
Marlon Hill is the DJ in Chief of @DJsforObama. Mr. Hill is the founding partner, business attorney, and CEO of South Florida’s leading law firms, delancyhill, P.A., and radio commentator on WZAB 880AM, D’ Peoples Politics, every Sat. 4pm.
Gen44 is the official under-40 fundraising program of Obama for America—created to cultivate and empower a rising generation of leaders for the Democratic Party.
“BAMA” Oil Painting: 16 x 20
“This piece is inspired by the masking or make-up of politics. To always show a person of leadership joyous and heroic is unrealistic. I aim to show a man leading a nation divided by various ideologies. The intense color of the background makes the lone president monumental as is his responsibility.”
~ Oneil Maitland of Ragamuffin Arts
Proceeds from the sale of “BAMA” will benefit Organizing for America and Africa-Diaspora Partnership For Empowerment & Development Inc (ADPED). The ADPED is a not-for profit organization with membership from people of all nationalities, creed, and gender, who are bound together by a strong commitment to empowering people of Africa and the Diaspora to achieve community-led, self-reliant, sustainable livelihood and development.
Please contact the artist, Oneil Maitland at ragamuffin.arts(at)gmail.com for inquiries regarding “BAMA.”
Oneil Maitland is a Caribbean American artist and animator whose work feature a versatile approach with communicating the traditional aspects of fine arts with an urban contemporary allure. Maitland attended the New World School of the Arts majoring in drawing/painting and electronic media. His art style is bold, intense,and vibrant but yet leaves room for sensitivity to what must come next… life. The content of the artist’s work ranges from social, political and cultural identity.
When asked by sports journalist George Plimpton,”What would you like people to think about you when you’ve gone?”, Ali responded:
“I’d like for them to say he took a few cups of love, he took one tablespoon of patience, teaspoon of generosity, one pint of kindness. He took one quart of laughter, one pinch of concern, and then, he mixed willlingness with happiness, he added lots of faith, and he stirred it up well, then he spread it over his span of a lifetime, and he served it to each and every deserving person he met.”
~ Muhammad Ali
Grey Williamson cites Muhammad Ali as an inspiration for the pose of his Renegade Obama bust… a fighter’s stance.
This concept graphic was created by onjena, Kilroy III and Grey Williamson.
Who hasn’t been inspired by Muhammad Ali? A fighter in the ring and for all of humanity.
To support Ali’s legacy of respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, charity and spirituality, please visit The Muhammad Ali Center. Located in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, the Center pays tribute to The Champ’s legacy.
To support President Obama, please visit Organizing for America.
Thanks for reading!
~ Onjena
#sayitLOUD #registertovote #spreadLOVE
Grey Williamson has worked as a writer, artist and designer for almost every major comic publisher in the comic industry. He formed Carbon-Fibre Media as a home for his entertainment properties and productions.
Kilroy III makes his professional debut at Carbon-Fibre Media with his work on the Apollo, Val-Mar and Renegade busts. He has multiple projects under development that can be viewed on his blog, Kilroy’s Attic.
Onjena makes her professional debut at Carbon-Fibre Media with her line of toy robots called “O’BOTS” and a line of political t-shirts for CANVASS 44. She is also an amateur scrapbooker.
CANVASS 44 