INNOVATIVE ARTS by TRACY ANN

Warrior Music

2011-03-03T15:15:00.002-05:00

When I see the djembe

I feel the call to action

I hear the djembe

Crying for me to rise up and do what I know is right

Reminding me to be strong

Not allowing me to give up

Soothing any pain and sorrows

The djembe communicates

Tells me I’m a warrior

And I know how to listen

Do you?

endlessthoughts

2010-09-09T23:53:00.001-04:00

Endless thoughts and visualizations of the rich past of my people looks like kingly adornment to the naked eye. The blood from my people's veins, a universal sacrament. Time's revolution makes me question my place in the sun. So I am forced to look within, four corners that lead me back to myself, no escape from this trumped up reality seems like a parody. The jewels embedded in the earth we come from are our birthright, denied, no fight, they take, we cry, goodbye. Black hole sucks life to give life, no pain and strife next time around I pray, as my life spins. When will I know the time has come for me to take my stand 'cause lately it seems premature. Rejuvenation of my nation is a must and in God I trust 'cause I know the most high is within me, mind spewing forth creativity eternally.

2010-08-27T11:57:00.002-04:00

RevelAtion Spirit
Tainted mind blind to truth until sunlight activates
Tickling at first, now second nature
Blessed child the elder of the family though they know not
Chosen ether 9 being
To correct the mistaken bloodline
The ancestors show pride now
Lost before in drunken stupor
Revived to the living perpendicular
RevalAtion spirit has arrived
Ashe*

2010-08-09T22:35:00.005-04:00

Greetings!

You know, I have just learned a very valuable lesson in business that I will never forget. Let me rewind a bit for you so maybe you can benefit too!

1. I am invited to participate in a fashion show that would be showcasing 5 designers. Sounds great right! I jump at the opportunity and begin the creative process to have about 50 new jewelry pieces for an elaborate display of my talent.

2. I begin emailing the 2 young coordinators with questions. I emailed them about 5 times with many questions that they could not answer. Red light....but I keep going on. I always put my best foot forward so it may not matter what other people do right??

3. My creativity takes me to new heights, I add inseparable sets of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets as well as hand painted purses. Mind expansion happening in 5,4,3,2.

4. Still none of my significant questions have been answered. Things like "Is there a theme for the show?" and "What type of crowd can we expect?" and "Can I have a display table?" I am in the dark about what exactly to expect. They tell me the name of the venue, a Miami Beach location. I do not research the venue, I trust that people who are organizing a fashion show should find a suitable venue, right??

5. I have been getting ready for about 3 weeks. It's the week of the show and I am so prepared that my wings are poking through my clothes. Cloud Nine.

6. It's fashion show day and time to perform! I pack my car and relax in the tub at 5pm for an 11pm showtime. All of my models are prepared to arrive at the venue for 8pm call time. My phone rings. One of the organizers suggests that I arrive at 9:30!!! For doors to open at 10pm!!! Are you kidding?? I have a table with an elaborate setup to put together. I will be there as planned at 8pm, Thanks! RED ALERT RED ALERT!! Sirens are going off here ladies and gentlemen.

7. I arrive to the venue and it's a SMALL bar!! I haven't been this furious in years, I can't even remember the last time! Are you kidding me! Table space WHERE?? This is clearly not a fashion show venue! My models are arriving and my anger is most definitely written all over my face. Calm down please.

8. I speak to one of the event planners about their poor choice of venue and SHE gets an attitude with ME about how free venues work!! She says "Well the other venue was double booked and this was our last minute free arrangement so if you don't want to participate you don't have to." HELLO! How about some communication when the venue change happened!?!! My anger cannot surpass what I have come to do. I am the bigger person. I level my head and prepare myself and my models to perform.

9. Performance goes quickly and painlessly. My models enjoy themselves. They embody the confidence my accessory line demands. I take some pictures of the crowd, sell enough to pay a bill, and then pack up and leave (still infuriated but doing my best to recover).

10. Get home, relax, and think about what you've just done young lady. You have devalued your time! BIG MISTAKE.

So I realize the importance in the correct contemplation of "To Participate Or Not" when an opportunity is thrown my way. I have learned the hard way about the importance of doing research before jumping at opportunities when they knock. You can't open the door for everybody. Lesson well learned. Also, I will never say yes to participation at a venue without looking up the venue's website, making a phone call to one of the venue's contacts and/or making a pre-show visit if possible. How will YOU better prepare yourself for every situation? Preparation is a key to success.

Hopefully my experience is helpful to somebody. Have a phenomenal day!

Sincerely,
Innovative Arts by Tracy Ann
www.IABTA.biz
Quality Artistic Expression

Models Needed

2010-07-15T10:44:00.002-04:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I am in the midst of creating accessory pieces for an upcoming Miami runway show called Gold Carpet on August 6th. I need 15 models. Any takers? Hit me up at tracy.simmonds@gmail.com for more info.

Expansion

2010-07-13T12:19:00.003-04:00

My mind just expanded! I'm in the midst of preparing for Innovative Arts' first runway appearance. The accessory line is called "IABTA" pronounced e-ab-ta. Just created my first purse design! Super excited. More to come...

African-Jamaican-American???

2010-07-08T20:12:00.002-04:00

As I wrote my bio, I began to question myself about my issues with identity. I consider myself an African-Jamaican-American woman! Is that too many titles and sub-titles or not enough??

Born and raised in the predominantly Caribbean community of Cambria Heights in Jamaica, Queens, I witnessed many people around me who obviously had the same type of identity questions as I did. It can be confusing figuring out what group of people you fit with and why. Because I was born here in the U.S., my family tends to call me a "Yankee" but what do they mean? I'm NOT white. I eat the same food as you, I wear the same style of fashion, our hair is the same grade, our skin is the same color, we listen to the same music, we know the same dances, we have the same bloodline, we even live together, but I was raised here "a foreign" and we TALK differently?!!? So we're not the same??!! These statements always presented a problem in my mind.

Being the born creator and innovative thinker that I am, I decided at the young age of 6 to learn and practice my Jamaican accent. You KNOW they were laughing at me!! But I didn't care. "How can a person be born from 2 people and those 2 people choose not to identify with that seed? It's simply not sensible" I said to myself.

As I grew up, I watched more and more family come to the states from Jamaica, and learned more and more about the culture of my parents most recent motherland. I lived in the house with my Aunt and 2 cousins who were, shall we say "fresh off the boat" (comedic reference lol) and became even more in tuned with the regular happenings of the island. They were completely tickled in moments of my confidence when I would yell at the dollar van driver in fluent patois "Driva, nex stop!". My aunty would say "Tracy you sound like a Jamaican" and laugh. I thought to myself, "Am I not a Jamaican?? Don't Puerto Rican's children speak Spanish??"

As time went by and we made family trips back to the island, my recently immigrated family would complain about the native lifestyle (that they just recently left), as if they couldn't imagine living in such conditions. Funnily enough, I'm the most comfortable, the most friendly, get the most free stuff from people I don't know, and make the most true lifelong connections. "Seems like she's home to me" I once heard my country cousin say. I smiled.

That validation was proof enough for me. You're not Jamaican because you're born in Jamaica. You're Jamaican because Jamaica is born in you! Likewise for all those people who don't know how to identify themselves because of social ignorance. Stand up and be proud of who you are and whatever you identify with. I know I am proud to call myself an African-Jamaican-American woman.

I'm ba'ack!

2010-06-30T16:24:00.003-04:00

Hey bloggers! New website update, check me out, commentary a plus! Your time and attention are more appreciated than you can imagine. www.IABTA.biz

My Miami

2010-06-14T00:47:00.000-04:00

Recently I was in the presence of Najee Dorsey and Frank Frazier here in Miami on their way to cruise the Caribbean with Tom Joyner. Frank asked me "Where is the black art?" Excellent question. I have only been here for a few short months and have to say that I have been finding it in not so obvious or even traditional places.

I am a nightlife photographer and I witness some very good, bad, and ugly occurrences. The outrageous fashion of the ghetto has definitely caught my eye! Wild sculptural hair, clothing and nails that make me scream with horror, joy and extreme fascination lead me to think..."why aren't these ghetto fabulous innovations more readily accepted as art within the paradigm of art?" Just because Shawntanay Bonquisha Qwantayjah Jenkins (aka Jane Doe) didn't finish any sustainable level of education, it seems that her innately indigenous sense of design is not as readily appreciated as a celebrated fine art sculptor.

The young, jail bound, dope selling, uneducated past 4th grade reading level Black men dress in more custom designed, colorful, diamond filled jewelry than I saw at a recent exclusive Porsche event and it genuinely amazes me! I am forced to look past the ignorance and find a beauty in their "live now, don't worry 'bout money cuz I'ma King and can make it rain" mentality. How interesting. I often find myself staring in wonder as they throw money in the air to "make it rain". And even more appreciative as I collect $50 in singles to pay my cell phone bill. (smile) Seems like the action of a king to me.

The current state of the ghetto's hip hop culture has its ups and downs. For a long time I couldn't listen to mainstream rap music and now I say, at least there is a consistent outlet for self expression be it ignorant or not. Suddenly I have come to see the music as poetic depictions of the various real life situations the ghetto has come to know very well. There is a direct griot ability that has been handed down for centuries present, however, because of the lack of knowledge of the connection to African roots, those unique abilities are misdirected, and not by accident (hint hint). Does anyone realize that there are young people worldwide who mimic hip hop culture to the tee? The ghetto produces leaders!

The connection to African royal roots is quite evident. Natural leadership qualities, that built some of the greatest nations on this planet, are flowing through our very veins. What some people could describe as loud, gaudy and ghetto fabulous, I see as eloquently and undeniably African. I must ask the educators, artists, collectors, historians, Black people...What can be done to return this genre of creativity to its rightful place? How can the creative energy of the ghetto be properly directed?

Allow me to paint: Fallen African ancestors are resurrected to their rightful place in the sun, king and queen side by side floating above all falsehoods. They shed the physical aspects of their American experience, retaining necessary information for the growth of a new nation. The sky is a clear blue, clean water is rolling by, fish are jumping, and all is well.

From the hard hair to the disrespectful lyrics, it all has become art to me.

Design Patents

2010-04-28T00:07:00.007-04:00

Hey designers!

Have you ever innovated a design exclusive to this era and realize that somebody with more business savvy than you grabbed the idea plus $50,000 U.S. and manufactured it in China?!?!?! (Pulls hair now!) What is an artist to do? Go to www.uspto.gov and research some of the subject matter dealing with patent laws. What is a patent? How do I know I am the originator of the design? Why do I need a patent? Are some of the questions that this wonderful resource can answer for those of us in need.

I remember 6 yrs ago when I started painting my old, tarnished, dollar store, bamboo hoops. Bright colors, subtle hints of the metals natural color, wild line work, just pure artistic original innovations in design. My clients loved them. Sure enough, what used to be exclusively available through my jewelry design services became widely available for 1/3 of the price in a well-known shoe store (whose name I have deliberately left out of this article).

"Hey that was my design!!" doesn't exactly work in a court of law. So someone suggested that I begin researching patent laws. At first I was skeptic because we all have seen the x brand knockoff of a Gucci original! Come on, I'm from New York!! How can a patent help me, an independent designer??

So screw the skepticism, time for some action! Go to www.uspto.gov to have your patent questions answered and find out artists' rights as the creators of the present day culture. Artists make the world go round, so don't let monopoly owning slave traders dictate who and what we support. We have spending power too so lets stand our ground and say hell no to cheap China made knockoffs! (No matter how cheap and good it looks ;)

Signed, a blessed artist and designer,
Tracy Ann Simmonds

Amazing Show

2010-03-05T08:29:00.004-05:00

My premier solo exhibition has been a great hit with the Ft. Lauderdale community. Entitled "The Adventures of Self Cultivation" because it is a retrospective of the past 4 years of my creative career, from school until now. I showcased photography, mixed media, original jewelry designs, poetry & dance with select themes for each of the 4 weeks. The themes were:
What is an artist?
Defining the self
Liberation
What is self cultivation?

The wonderful artists I worked with (Ingrid Boyd, Michael Wilson & Amon Ra) questioned ourselves & the audience for mind opening dialogue. Coupled with open mic style poetry & music performances for higher learning, it was a family event not to be missed.

I have to give thanks for the creative faculties that I have been blessed with. And the ability to share my visions with the people. Grassroots baby! Holla.

Remember, important times are nearing, stand up and know thyself!! One candle lights another. Peace.

Phoenix Matriarch

2010-01-16T09:04:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-15T09:59:00.002-05:00

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

Higher

2010-01-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-13T15:02:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-13T12:09:00.005-05:00

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

2010-01-12T10:18:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-09T11:06:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-04T22:12:00.007-05:00

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

2010-01-04T09:14:00.012-05:00

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

2009-12-22T09:47:00.005-05:00

SEA OCEAN INTERNATIONAL IS A MIAMI BASED OCEAN FREIGHT FORWARDING COMPANY, OWNED & OPERATED BY JAMAICANS, WHO HAS BEEN PROVIDING ME WITH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES. STEADY GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN WORK IS ALWAYS A PLUS. CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE! WWW.SEAOCEANINT.COM

2009-12-21T21:33:00.005-05:00

PRODUCTION HAS PICKED UP AFTER A 1 MONTH HIATUS ON JEWELRY MAKING WHILE EXPLORING THE JOYS OF PAINTING PORTRAITS IN OIL. CHECK OUT SOME OF MY LATEST DESIGNS. FEEDBACK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED, I LOVE THE IDEAS THAT COME FROM SUPPORTERS OF THE ARTS. PICTURES OF OIL PAINTINGS SOON TO COME & LOOK OUT SOUTH FLORIDA, MY FIRST BIG EXHIBITION IS COMING UP IN FEBRUARY. I WILL BE JOINING FORCES WITH SOME VERY CREATIVE PEOPLES AT THE SAILBOAT BEND ARTISTS LOFT GALLERY IN FT. LAUDERDALE BUT MORE ON THAT LATER, FOR NOW, HAPPY VIEWING!

GREETINGS

2009-12-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

HELLO BLOGGER. SO MY NAME IS TRACY ANN & I'M BURSTING WITH JOY TO BE ENTERING INTO A NEW LEVEL OF CREATIVITY WITH THE TOOL THAT IS THE BLOG! MORE POSTS TO COME VERY SOON! <---------EXCITED!!