Phoenix Matriarch

Grandma was our phoenix matriarch
Rising out of ashes time & time again
Showing us infinite strength & love
"This is how it's done", her body language would say
I knew that one day I would grow up
& have to take the example she left behind
I knew I would rise up again & again
From being thrown around by this game called life
I know I will someday become a matriarch
& show my offspring what strength is

Fly Weh

One brite mawnin
Wen mi wok dun
Mi a go fly weh home
-Bob Marley

Higher

There are countless times when I have to remind myself to reach higher
At times it seems that I have gone as high as I can reach
After some rest, when it is time to reach again, the challenges get harder
No rest for the weary they say
Reach higher, be proud & stay strong
You can do anything with logical sense & inner peace
"Nothing stands in your way" I tell myself
Except effortlessness.....which I have overcome
"No one stands in your way" I tell myself
Except your own self in discouragement
"I'm on a mission" I remind myself
To liberate my mind......and then I remember to
Reach higher, be proud & stay strong

My Online Presence

Some of you readers may wonder where you can see a bulk of my work. Check out any of the following at your leisure:
www.innovativeartsbytracyann.com My online store is in the works
The rest of these links are sites with galleries of various types
www.tracyannsimmonds.webs.com
www.facebook.com/tracyannsimmonds
www.myspace.com/tracyannsimmonds

Customized Portrait in Oil

A year ago, I was asked by a friend if I could do a painting of he & his mother. Being up to any challenge I replied, sure, why not? Then the work came rolling in. This is the latest portrait. It is of my maternal grandparents, who are from Jamaica & never took a picture together. I started with their passport pictures, placed them in the windows of the family home in Kingston (with all inclusive zinc roof) & here I am in New York with the finished product! My mom was ecstatic. If you have ideas for maintaining your family history through original works of art, contact me. We can work it out!

Conceptual Family Portrait

I love it when someone approaches me with an idea in mind. Questions like...can you take pictures of me & my family skydiving? Maybe! This South Florida family always has a concept. Stop & smell the flowers!

The King's Cufflinks

Over the summer, while sporting my jewelry display case, I met a wonderful human being named Mr. Scott. He was enthused about my creations but noted that they were geared towards women. How could he wear an Innovative Arts piece? This is how........I introduce to you, The King's Cufflinks. Each one custom designed from an already existing cufflink, according to your personal vision & my artistic collaboration. The ones above are made with leather. Thinking about refurbishing? Let me create something extravagant for you! tracy.simmonds@gmail.com

This summer 2009 photo shoot took place in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood with one of my favorite ska groups, Los Vicios de Papa. These guys were great to work with, very funny. A comical photo shoot definitely makes the day enjoyable! Need any pictures??? Contact me tracy.simmonds@gmail.com.

KUJICHAGULIA

Happy New Year everybody! I have to say, personally, that 2010 is deemed the year of Kujichagulia, self-determination. I celebrated Kwanzaa effectively & it was enlightening. Thank you Dr. Maulana Karenga.

The principle that I learned how to say as a preteen now has special meaning to me as I continue to embark on this journey of self-cultivation called life. The will to do my life's work & flourish, to teach the youth, to create without hesitation, to learn my history. What a great culture.

Above, I have posted more of my wearable creations, expressing Kuumba, creativity. I hope you enjoy the eye candy & continue to be determined in your endeavors as well. Have a phenomenal day.

Principles of Kwanzaa:
UMOJA-UNITY

KUJICHAGULIA-SELF DETERMINATION

UJIMA-COLLECTIVE WORK OF RESPONSIBILITY

UJAMAA-COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

NIA-PURPOSE

KUUMBA-CREATIVITY

IMANI-FAITH