Sierra Luella

Day 16: Celebrating Unsung Heroes

2012-02-16T12:51:00.000-05:00

Day 16, celebrating Lupe Fiasco.

This is in dedication--

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Remembering to Smile:

2012-02-16T00:16:00.002-05:00

1 Week. Week 1.

2012-02-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

Day 15: Celebrating Unsung Heroes// Zora Neale Hurston

2012-02-15T11:07:00.000-05:00

Zora- folklorist, anthropologist, and author during the time of the Harlem Renaissance.

Of Hurston's four novels and more than 50 published short stories, plays, and essays, she is best known for her 1937 novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.

A documentary titled, "Zora's Roots" available for only $2.99 on itunes HERE.

One Happiness:

2012-02-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

Day 14: Remembering History// Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock

2012-02-14T06:38:00.003-05:00

Film:

Visit: http://daisybatesfilm.com/ to see when it's screening in your area. And until then, follow the youtube video I posted to find more information about Daisy & her journey.

Love Is:

2012-02-14T02:55:00.001-05:00

I Wish:

2012-02-13T16:18:00.001-05:00

i wish that i was told by my father that there will be times where i will feel like i can not win,
and there will come these problems in life that i do not think that i can conquer.
and in those situations, there is just nothing that i can do to make everything better
and that i will struggle and drown and want to break down.
there is no easy way out of those scenarios and i will have to suffer through those darkest times.
those problems to me will feel like an insurmountable mountain range,
one that will be difficult to climb or pass.
but some day i believe that i will look back on these mountains and see how i have conquered them
and i will look back and laugh,
seeing that i have won, that i have not let the world defeat me this time around.

Day 13: Remembering History// Freedom Riders:

2012-02-13T11:22:00.003-05:00

Another great film in my collection:

Freedom Riders

video platform video management video solutions video player

Day 12: Celebrating History// Bob Marley

2012-02-12T13:27:00.002-05:00

"Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect and I don't live to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean." -Bob Marley

At Peace:

2012-02-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

Laying my father to rest under the coldest blue skies this morning..

Love Shines.

Day 11: Celebrating History//The Souls of Black Folk:

2012-02-11T07:37:00.000-05:00

Another MUST READ/ HAVE.

Thank me later.

Let's Make a Revolution:

2012-02-10T19:12:00.001-05:00

page 395, Revolutionary Letter #34 from "The Sixties Papers"..

Day 10: Celebrating History// Miles Davis

2012-02-10T08:01:00.009-05:00

“Knowledge is freedom and ignorance is slavery” -Miles

Lovings'

2012-02-09T14:59:00.000-05:00

An inspiring story on interracial marriage, airing on HBO on Valentine's day.

Oh the beauty of a two-tone color contrast..

Day 9: Celebrating History// The Sixties Papers

2012-02-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

A MUST HAVE:

The Sixties Papers// Documents of a Rebellious Decade

"The turbulent decade of the 1960s has been analyzed and interpreted by numerous journalists and scholars. The former movement leaders, Judith Albert and Stewart Albert "tell it like it was", presenting material generated by the social protest movements. Challenging the prevailing view that the decade failed to produce influential enduring ideas, the authors demonstrate that the new left and counterculture produced a coherent body of critical thought about the nature of American society."

020812.

2012-02-08T12:12:00.000-05:00

Woke up feeling less than whole.

RIP Pops <3

He's the one who crowned me Queen.

Day 8: Celebrating History// Billie Holiday

2012-02-08T06:43:00.001-05:00

Paintings.

"I'm always making a comeback but nobody ever tells me where I've been.."

Day 7: Celebrating History// Gil Scott Heron

2012-02-07T07:57:00.002-05:00

Day 7:

28x28 Project.

Today we're celebrating the late, great Gil Scott Heron.

And another favorite of mine, "Running"..

“Because I always feel like running
Not away, because there is no such place
Because if there was, I would have found it by now
Because it's easier to run,
Easier than staying and finding out you're the only one who didn't run
Because running will be the way your life and mine will be described,
As in "the long run"
Or as in having "given someone a run for his money"
Or as in "running out of time"
Because running makes me look like everyone else, though I hope there will never be cause for that
Because I will be running in the other direction, not running for cover
Because if I knew where cover was, I would stay there and never have to run for it
Not running for my life, because I have to be running for something of more value to be running and not in fear
Because the thing I fear cannot be escaped, eluded, avoided, hidden from, protected from, gotten away from,
Not without showing the fear as I see it now
Because closer, clearer, no sir, nearer
Because of you and because of that nice
That you quietly, quickly be causing
And because you're going to see me run soon and because you're going to know why I'm running then
You'll know then
Because I'm not going to tell you now” -Gil Scott

Films: Celebrating History.

2012-02-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

ST.LOUIS, TONIGHT:

"Wild Women Don't Have the Blues" film screening, exploring how the blues were born out of the economic and social struggles of African-American life.

Tomorrow Night:

"Standing On My Sisters Shoulders" film, telling the story of three Mississippi women who walked into the U.S. House of Representatives in 1965, demanding their civil rights.

Both from 6-8pm.

Both FREE.

Email me, sierramink@yahoo.com for locations

Day 6: Celebrating History// Ruby Bridges

2012-02-06T09:05:00.005-05:00

Ruby Bridges.

In 1960, when she was 6 years old, her parents responded to a call from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and volunteered her to participate in the integration of the New Orleans School system. She is known as the first African-American child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South.

"Don't follow the path. Go where there is no path and start a trail." -Ruby

Day 5: Celebrating History// Jean Michel Basquiat

2012-02-05T13:54:00.001-05:00

Hands down, one of my favorite artists..

Day 5, 28 x 28 Project.

Jean Michel Basquiat.

Large scale print, held up by wheat paste, crowned with yellow spraypaint.

"If you wanna talk about influence, man, then you've got to realize that influence is not influence. It's simply someone's idea going through my new mind." -Jean Michel Basquiat

Never Letting Go:

2012-02-05T02:46:00.000-05:00

Love is til eternity.

Breaking:

2012-02-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

Left NY in the dust.

Back in the Midwest for awhile.

Health & family first, all else.. second.

Day 4: Celebrating History// James Baldwin

2012-02-04T09:44:00.002-05:00

“Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”

-James Baldwin

Stencil work.

Hope you enjoy..

Day 3: Celebrating History// Nikki Giovanni

2012-02-03T02:27:00.000-05:00

As Day 3's feature for the 28x28 Project I chose thee amazinggg poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator, Nikki Giovanni!

I was scared out of my panties whilst stenciling this piece last night!

I did it in a cut off Broadway somewhere near Wooster St. (forgot to write it down)

So if you all pass by it, i'd like for you to snap a pic & send it to me!

“I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do.

I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try.”

-Nikki G.

St.Louis/ Tonight:

2012-02-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

ATTN: ST.LOUIS! "More Than a Month", a film focusing on ending Black History Month, screening TONIGHT at 7pm/ Missouri History Museum-FREE!

Tell a friend, GO, & thank me later!

http://www.morethanamonth.org/2012/

Xo.

Day 2: Celebrating History// Angela Davis

2012-02-02T10:34:00.035-05:00

As you all know, Angela Davis is a hero of mine!

I had the pleasure of meeting her a few months ago whilst occupying Wallstreet..

Her strength & courage is unmatched.

Here is yet another stencil made especially for this project.

If you haven't already, PLEASE do yourself a favor & go checkout the "Black Power Mixtape" film (available on itunes) and there you can get to know a little bit more about her & her role in the "Black Power Movement".

"Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary's life. When one commits oneself to the struggle, it must be for a lifetime."
-Angela Davis

Simply put, Our work is never done.
;)

Day 1: Remembering History

2012-02-01T13:36:00.002-05:00

So, the 28 x 28 Project is very simple and straight to the point.

I've chosen 28 Black Leaders/ Heroes and I'll be featuring one a day in one form or another, either on my site (http://www.forthefreedomfighters.com), through street stenciling, doing a pasted street portrait, or in whatever other form I feel is necessary to get the point across.

Today marks day one of "Remembering History// Celebrating UnSung Heroes" 28x28 project.

I'll start off with this Martin Luther King Jr. stencil.

Actual stencil made from scrap cardboard, sprayed with black paint on flat white paper & scanned in, a collaborative effort amongst me and my artist friend Andy.

All stencils I post during the month of February will be available for purchase through my site soon, for those who were asking how they can get their hands on one and do their own street art.

King once said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter"..

With that being said, let's continue to fight for equality, and continue to stand up for ourselves..

Because if we lack passion or the ability to question things happening around us, be curious about our environment, or become silent instead of vocalizing our expressions, opinions or thoughts, we might as well not take part in life itself.

Our right to express ourselves gives us a uniqueness, as not everyone has that freedom.

Picking Apples:

2012-02-01T03:02:00.002-05:00

http://speakingpixels.com/newton/

Soaring Minds:

2012-02-01T02:39:00.000-05:00

2012-01-31T23:24:00.000-05:00

Subconsciously living off the spirit of someone else.

Such a dangerous thing.

Where I'm From:

2012-01-31T13:16:00.001-05:00

Where i'm from:

it's all about milestones that shaped me,

and memories that made me..

the dreams that sought me,

and the realities that taught me..

treasuring the past,

and honoring the scars..

Cause where we’re from,

is who we are.

I'm realizing more & more each day..
that no matter how far we go,
no matter how many amazing people we meet,
and no matter how far up we move in the world..
nothing compares to where you started, and who you started with.

NY Is Killing Me.

2012-01-31T12:46:00.000-05:00

And I have got to go.

Newton:

2012-01-30T22:35:00.003-05:00

"While we're blessed with fallen apples and those that hang low on their branches, we need to continually believe for greater miracles, for a further reach, and for a bigger harvest. We need to continually expand our vision and seek fruit that exists in higher places. We need to do the work and create the systems necessary for progress- not for our own benefit, but to advance the craft, to positively influence others, and create change.

Under Newton's law, the apple falls. We have to learn to pick up the apples that don't."

Check out this amazing photostory I shot in Prospect Park with Rog Walker & Bianca Pandit HERE.

With love.

Next Step:

2012-01-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

Shot by Rog Walker of: http://blog.speakingpixels.com/

28x28 Project:

2012-01-28T23:54:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON.

2012-01-27T22:30:00.001-05:00

This city that everyone believes to be so magical, is toxic. people are literally dying for their dreams out here. it's all backwards..

living here was never my dream. I put mine aside for love in hopes of growth & figured that I'd make the most of where I'm at, wherever I'm at.

And then we grow, things change, people change.. reality sets in. And then you feel that void.

what happens when the things we use become the things that use us?

writing in sync with my tears.

I keep trying to tell myself "forget the past years, fuck it.. I'm here.."

But nothing helps.

I feel hollow.

What happens when you don't know who you are but you're searching so hard, you look desperate to the stars..

I'm lost.

So pardon me, I'm parting sea, part God & part human, part wise & part stupid, part still & part movement.

2012-01-27T03:10:00.000-05:00

Memories aren't to erase,

but to remember, learn, grow.. and continue.

Otherside:

2012-01-27T00:46:00.000-05:00

Humble head low, down & broke like promises.

2012-01-26T23:31:00.001-05:00

"I heard once that they would rather hear about memories than enemies,

Rather hear what was or what will be than what is.

Rather hear how you got it or how much it cost you,

Rather hear about finding yourself and how you lost you.

Rather you make this an open letter,

about family and struggle and it taking forever,

about hearts that you've broken and ties that you've severed

No doubt in my mind that will make them feel better."

Bye Bye Brooklyn:

2012-01-25T23:46:00.004-05:00

Moved to the city,
yet I still feel a void.

XO.

2012-01-24T01:42:00.000-05:00

Lost me, on my journey to find you..

Sunday Naps.

2012-01-22T18:44:00.000-05:00

2012-01-21T23:05:00.000-05:00

mo' hits & mo' heart.

rewind: hard hits & mo' heart.

old soul, something like mozart

or Beethoven it's all relevant to my art

16 symphonies

that girl is so sharp, so smart

but at the same time, immature fool with a lazy ass mind..

sleepin on my dreams instead of being on my grind..

stayin in the shade instead of tryna get some shine..

got so many people sayin the game is mine,

just do whatcha gotta & don't waste no time

life's too short, you can't press rewind

but i just say "yeah"

and let the seat recline.

Saturday.

2012-01-21T17:16:00.001-05:00

Spending the evening at homeeee, plotting.

;)

King: Gil Scott-Heron.

2012-01-21T01:41:00.000-05:00

And as quick as day turns to night,

we-out-here.

fresh paint.

First installment from me & my partner Andy's "Remembering History//Celebrating Unsung Heroes" street project.

more coming soon.

XO.

Celebrate History:

2012-01-20T22:11:00.001-05:00

The words "go ham" does this situation no justice..

We's about to shower the streets with the right seeds..

Celebrating history, everyday.
because there are far too many unsung heroes.

Fair warning.

Xo.

Photo-timer Chronicles:

2012-01-19T21:32:00.001-05:00

Outty.

2012-01-19T17:14:00.002-05:00

the time has come for me to take down the centerpiece.

the untitled poem.

Currently finishing up packing and i'll be saluting Brooklyn in a week.

I'd like to take this time to thank BK for having me, and for making me into the soldier that I've become.

I'll carry you with me in all that i do..

2012-01-19T15:29:00.001-05:00

I live by the motto: "We are all kings and queens,” .. and believe that we as young people should be aware of the legacy that we are leaving behind..

don't let bad character ruin your legacy.

Free My Soul:

2012-01-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

"Fuck what they talkin'
Nah it ain’t about talent
It’s no longer an art
they piss on your canvas, and parade.."

Always.

2012-01-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

love, as constant as the northern star..

No Love For A:

2012-01-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

Save the Internet:

2012-01-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

We are slowly being chained down and caged up.

The 1st amendment was a lie to begin with.

This country was built on a lie. Selling people hollow dreams.

Pimped up and hoe'd down.

Learn more: HERE.

2012-01-18T02:05:00.002-05:00

New Lots.

2012-01-17T21:59:00.001-05:00

Strollin' down the blocks of New Lots and found this.

Pink painted brick & pink painted bench.

I wanna shoot here.

Mosaic House.

2012-01-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Saw this place today..

I wanna live here.

Day of Service:

2012-01-16T19:00:00.001-05:00

Spent my day at a middle school in Brooklyn, assisting an art class for MLK Day.

I use to wanna be an elementary art teacher after being insanely inspired my MY OWN elementary school art teacher, but that dream got cut short when I found out the amount of math classes I needed for the position.

-___-

My entire life, I've passed math by inches.

But here are the photos from today:

We made "I Lead By" tshirts..

Made murals..

And made care packages for homeless shelters around Brooklyn.

In a world where it's more common to follow than to lead..

Be the one to be the change.

Xx,

Luella

Circa 2010.

2012-01-16T02:03:00.002-05:00

Glory Days.

Midtown:

2012-01-16T00:40:00.000-05:00

Living here is about to be a hugeee change.

My dream has came true.

I have a balcony.

Now all's I need is a hammock.

I Do This In Remembrance Of:

2012-01-15T22:16:00.001-05:00

Martin Luther King Jr.

And for all those who paved the way for us to get to where we are.

I felt his glory shining down on us today..

I spent my entire weekend in Harlem..

researching, writing, listening & watching.

Ended my weekend by attending a screening for the film, "In MLK's Footsteps: Education as a Civil Right".

Currently prepping to volunteer in an art class tomorrow at a Brooklyn middle school in celebration of the MLK Legacy..

We can't stop learning.

Packing:

2012-01-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

Throwback Thursday:

2012-01-12T23:20:00.002-05:00

Lue x Common.

Circa 2007.

haha..

2012-01-12T01:22:00.002-05:00

Bare & Hopeful.

2012-01-12T00:28:00.000-05:00

I Remember When..

2012-01-11T03:59:00.000-05:00

I was young..

and so were you..

2012-01-11T00:52:00.001-05:00

Now as I wonder through the city going mad

I see the fruits are planting evidence instead of grass

Swindled generation with no patience, full of "swag"

Man they so impatient with the stations that they have

As long as they look good, then they be doing bad

And the separation from the truth is getting vast, fast

Be a slave at first or free at, last..

Colorblind:

2012-01-10T21:16:00.002-05:00

Black & White.

2012-01-10T03:25:00.000-05:00

You let people in, and you give few the pleasure of knowing a few lines of your story,

& as quick as day turns into night..

they'll try to ruin your character.

I won't spend my life being a color.

I'm not accepted as white,

and I'm not trying to be accepted as black..

Then, who am I?

I am the human race.

I am the universe.

The sun is my mother & the moon is my father,

and all the stars my sisters and brothers.

And this planet is my resting place.

Now, I have no time to waste on black white brothers,

or white black brothers,

or white white sisters,

or black white sisters pointing their fingers, crying..

"You ain't, you ain't, you ain't"..

Because, I am.

You, and him, and all of them brothers and sisters wasting time,

signifying,

and clarifying,

a color.

I'm the human race.

Hold my hand and understand yourself.

Transcend this unnatural concern,

because we are losing the battle of our tomorrows.

Somewhere..

2012-01-09T20:09:00.001-05:00

Somewhere inbetwen lost & found..

there is me.

I'm New Here.

2012-01-09T03:35:00.003-05:00

No matter how far wrong you've gone..

You can always, turn around..

Dropping Gems.

2012-01-09T01:52:00.000-05:00

3 of my 6 pieces in dedication to Black History Month are now available for presale.

All orders will be shipped out during the first week of Feb.

**Extremely Limited**

Get yours now.

http://www.forthefreedomfighters.com

CELEBRATE HISTORY:

The Unknown.

2012-01-08T23:51:00.003-05:00

Little Things.

2012-01-08T23:49:00.000-05:00

Shot by Rog Walker// http://blog.speakingpixels.com/

Moving.

2012-01-08T01:42:00.000-05:00

Back in NY.

Moving into a new apartment in a few weeks.

Getting out of Brooklyn.

Moving to the city.

Things are changing..

New challanges await.

Explore.

2012-01-02T22:15:00.002-05:00

Just remember where you came from.

Day of Service: 1/16

2012-01-02T00:16:00.002-05:00

Reflect & Act.

January 16, 2012 will mark the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.

Do what you can.

http://MLKDay.gov/

2012.

2012-01-01T20:43:00.001-05:00

Chapter 2012. Page 1 of 366. Leap year, you have an extra day to create your story.

Hometown Glory.

2011-12-31T19:28:00.000-05:00

Study your city.

Learn your history.

Soo many amazing people have came out of St.Louis,

When I was living here I never took the time to stop & take notice.

Celebrate life everyday, knowing that we are becoming hisory with every work, every action, every deed.

Next Chapter.

2011-12-31T19:14:00.000-05:00

I wish you all a safe & amazing evening!

End this year with a big bang & begin this next chapter in a grand way.

I'll be at home, creating, in my crushed velvet maroon dress & a glass of cider in hand!

Love & Love,

Luella

back on z block.

2011-12-30T18:58:00.000-05:00

New Beginnings.

2011-12-30T00:27:00.003-05:00

Less about the exterior.

More about the interior.

Less hair.

More brains,

my focuses are a'changing.

Moving On--

2011-12-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Moving on starts here, and looks like this:

Hair-be-gone.

Xo,

Luella.

Basquiat.

2011-12-28T06:03:00.001-05:00

I usually hate New Year's talk..

But, it is for certain that a New Year is among us.

Tonight I got a jump start on getting up my latest feature, as well as linking all of my social networks together on my site (finally).

Check out the updates/changes here ---> http://www.forthefreedomfighters.com/

If you caught the excitement in my recent "Finding Basquiat" post, you'll understand why I chose Jean-Michel as January's featured face/ Freedom Fighter of the month.

Basquiat inspired jewel pieces, in dedication-- COMING SOON.

Xo,

Luella

Fam.

2011-12-28T05:55:00.000-05:00

I love spending time.

Currently teaching my niece & two nephews how to be kings & queens.

Sub-Consciencely/ Finding Basquiat

2011-12-27T18:07:00.003-05:00

Three Words: Jean-Michel Basquiat.

I was literally JUST introduced to his work through his documentary, "The Radiant Child",

And oh-my-God.

I think his work has subconsciensly been living inside me all along.

It's actually rather mind-boggling to think that we both use the crown to symbolize the same things..

People have been comparing our word & crown usage for quite awhile but I'm just now getting around to researching who he is.

He had me sold during the first 3 minutes of the doc.

May God bless his soul!

Today, And Always.

2011-12-25T11:59:00.001-05:00

Future is a looking glass, On what lies before me..Every situation is a chance to learn,

validity is something I feel, and will never earn.

Today is a new beginning. Forever thankful, today and always.

Happy Holiday's!

X's upon O's..

Luella

Technology.

2011-12-23T03:42:00.000-05:00

Let's stop letting technology steal from us.

Back to disposable.

Winter.

2011-12-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

The last leaf has fallen.

Winter is officially among us. And I wish you all a glorious one..

When You Lie..

2011-12-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

And say it's your birthday..

I'm From A City In The Midwest..

2011-12-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

Best city in the whole wide wide world.

St.Louis.

I made it.

Directly after landing I had doctors/dentist appointments..

the stomach spasms continue,

but I'm getting x-ray'd tomorrow.

Until then,

i'm enjoying the peace of the night & the thickness of the fog.

Distractions.

2011-12-19T23:44:00.003-05:00

Check out Talib Kweli's New video, titled "Distractions", All Occupy Wall Street footage!

What a glorious day, that was.

Check out my 2 second cameo at the 2:00 mark!

"We adapted to the times, but this culture we had to learn,
came about as natural as a perm on a pachyderm"
.. LOL (He thought he was slick!)

#OCCUPY

I Was Told..

2011-12-19T23:29:00.000-05:00

By the snotty ass pharmacist that I spoke with today that I don't look sick..

But I swear I am.

I've been in bed, literally for 3 days.

Today I had to pull myself together and run major errands before I'm out of NY for 2 weeks.

Flight in the morn!

St.Louis, mama's comin' home.

Xo,

Lue

Recently:

2011-12-19T23:22:00.000-05:00

Traci-Josephone x Luella reunion.

Check out her site:

http://www.flyinggiraffe.bigcartel.com/

National Stop Rapping Week:

2011-12-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

St.Louis stand up.

Baby Timmy.

2011-12-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

Isn't he lovely?

My sugar brings me the greatest joy.

:(

2011-12-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

I feel awful.

:'(

Analog.

2011-12-17T03:41:00.000-05:00

No digital camera this holiday season.

All analog everything.

Because sometimes, life be like that.

When the week(ends)..

2011-12-17T02:06:00.000-05:00

I create.

Happy Friday, yall!

;)

photo by: Nyne Lyves