Here's random pics of Erika Badu rockin' some henna

fire

Here on Maui, we like to set things on fire. 

The "L" on the Lahaina Luna mountain for graduation, 

the sugar cane fields for harvesting sugar, 

bonfire on the beaches, 
fire dance at the luau or Little Beach on a Sunday night or wherever the cops won't stop you...haha... 

Maui, I love you. Burn baby, burn.

Mastermind

"The most effective of all environments is that which may be created by a friendly alliance of a group of people who will obligate themselves to assist one another in achieving the object of some definite purpose.  This sort of an alliance is known as a Master Mind.

Through its operation one may associate himself with carefully chosen individuals each of whom brings to the alliance some knowledge, experience, education, plan, or idea suited to his needs in carrying out the object of his definite purpose.
 
The most successful leaders in all walks of life avail themselves of this sort of made-to-order environmental influence.  Outstanding achievement is impossible without the friendly cooperation of others. 
 
Stating the truth in another way:  successful people must control their environment, thereby insuring themselves against the influence of negativity."

Sharing is caring - Immitation is the highest form of flattery

So lately I've been thinking, what with my on going tattoo apprenticeship, about sharing and teachings in art.

I am very lucky to be where I am right now with the people I'm with.

I'm so lucky I have not one but two amazing mentors who have taken me under their inked wings.

So far in my twenty something years of being, I've noticed two types of artist.

1.) There are open artists (typically ones that are or who do become great friends) who are generally willing to share knowledge, techniques and all that jazz. In this kind of sharing environment, where things are shared voluntarily and respected, they believe that art and creativity can truly grow and flourish and it really does.  

2.) Then there are artists who stamp their name on everything and claim it as theirs and theirs alone, not for anyone else to copy or use as inspiration. Only to be an envious on looker. Delusional or talented, they put themselves on a pedestal. 

Don't get me wrong, if you create your own original work, power to you. It should be recognized as yours and should not be claimed/stolen by others. BUT the only way to keep something all to yourself is to never really put it out there. I mean seriously, think about how many people this day and age have copied or did their own interpretation of Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" or bands/singers who do covers to famous songs. A LOT.

 You are the source of your art, no one else can be you so why fret?

Keeping is not really what art is.

Art is an expression made to be shared.

To put yourself out there.

Like they say, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery" 

Take it as a compliment that you have been recognized and inspired someone.

I've known and had "number two" friends and it sucks. To them, they are the stars of the show. There is no room for you. There can only be one highlander!!! Haha.

 A lot of times they do not look at you as a colleague but competition and may belittle you or your work.

I tend to want to surround myself with number ones (open artists). You learn a lot. Amazing opportunities and collaborations happen with those types. With people like that, you want to share, help and encourage because it's mutual and it radiates positivity. 

 For me open artists types typically become life long friends. They leave deep impressions on you. My friends, you know who you are. Though we may not see each other everyday or live in the same place, when we meet up we just pick up where we left off. That's some good friend status right there. It's something to be cherished and encouraged.

Clear polish is an artists best friend

Keep your hands clean while doing art projects with clear nail polish!

Every time I mix a new batch of henna or play with paint, I always like to make sure my nails are covered to prevent stains and what not. If henna stains your nails, the only way to get it of is to grow the nail out and cut it off or cover it with colored nail polish.

I actually don't like the look of chipped colored nail polish so I like to stick to clear. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and it always seems that colored polish always chips right within the day I do it. I prefer natural looking nails for everyday life.

Especially with henna. Brown henna stains can make your hands and nails look dirty and takes forever to fade away or get rid of! If paint or henna stains ever gets on to my nails I can always remove it with nail polish remover.

 

So when coating your nails, always try to cover the area evenly. Multiple thin coats prevent chipping. Let it dry between each layer. Also don't forget to get under the your nails as well.You can use clear polish as a base or top coat with colored polish as well, for extra strength and shine.

 

Other than creating a barrier for your nails there are other benefits to regular use of clear polish. It can strengthen, prevent breaking and even help growth.There are a variety of over the counter to choose from but I've heard from friends that Sally Hansen Diamond Strength is a good product to use. I still have a bunch natural clear polish so I haven't been able to try it out yet.

 

 Well thanks for reading! Hope this helps you like it did me. :)