Undivided

At a time when it is increasingly more important to maintain a sense of solidarity within our communities, I think the timing is perfect to introduce a new blog series entitled "Undivided".  The "Undivided" series will showcase individuals and organizations who share their passion for art and science to help inspire others and bring communities together.  What better way to kick off this series then to share my own personal experience of how art and science reigns supreme among the people I love most.

In true "art to heart" form, I enlisted the help of two amazing and talented women, Ashley Thompson and Ana Homonnay of Thompson Homonnay Photography, to shoot our story and launch our brand.  I cannot express to you how much I adore these two.  They continue to inspire me to build a legacy worth capturing.

So without further ado, I present to you Art +Science = Me, "Undivided".

Photography courtesy of: Thompson Homonnay

Coming Soon - Photo Play with Thompson Homonnay

Find out what happens when Art Is Luv teams up with dynamic photography duo, Thompson Homonnay to showcase Art +Science = Me.  Coming soon to a hood near you!

Free

The Bay Area is an ever growing hub of opportunities for art professionals, educators, and enthusiasts alike.  However, despite the notion that art is some what omnipresent, people often ignore the privilege of public art, particularly in Oakland.  I too am guilty of burying myself into my own thoughts relying solely on tunnel vision to guide my path .  So much so that I sometimes forget what it means to be an observer in my own hood.  We often fooled into believing that progress can only be found straight ahead when indeed creativity and innovation exist all around.

Meet artist extraordinaire and all around dope dude, Jet Martinez.  When I first met Jet, I was awe struck by his amazing perfectly, paint-splattered jeans.  Folks, I’m not talking about a pair of pants that can be manufactured by any ole’ high-end denim designer.  I’m talking about a walking indigo canvas with a perfectly orchestrated palette of hues that only a masterful artist could create.  That was my introduction to Jet’s brilliance.  

A year later, I had the opportunity to capture a glimpse of Jet at work though a project coordinated by one of Oakland's leading public art collectives Athen B. Gallery and the thoughtful lens of local photographer, Hasain Rasheed of Hasain Rasheed Photography.  The floral green motif prominently displayed on the west side of Downtown Oakland’s historic I. Magnin building is striking and is characteristic of Jet’s signature style of painting living and breathing murals.  The I. Magnin projects speaks of the bounty of Oakland, here today and here tomorrow.

When I asked Jet about his process and whether he used one of my favorite math concepts of scale to paint murals, his response was, “I used a grid for this project because of the the large scale but I don’t have a usual method.  It kinda depends on the project.  On some, I just free draw.”

Here’s a thought…let’s all join the movement.  Live, think, create, and draw…free.

Building STEAM

Photo Credits: Hasain Rasheed Photography

So one day an engineer walks into an art gallery...and stays.  About 9 years ago, I was invited to join the Art Committee of my employer, who is largely known as an engineering organization. To my surprise and delight, I would spend the next 9 years engaging with the community while curating exhibitions for local and emerging artists.  I am now both the Chair of the Art Committee and the engineer that still finds satisfaction in programming Excel spreadsheets.  

The reality is that when artists and scientist share a space, innovation is born. One year ago, I met amazing artist and kindred spirit,  Jamie Treacy.  Jamie is an art teacher at Skyline High School in Oakland.   We met during an Oakland Creative Neighborhoods Coalition meeting at Betti Ono Gallery . After only a brief conversation during a breakout session, we realized that we shared a common goal and that goal was to build tangible, integrated curriculum in the arts and sciences. Jamie and I continued our dialogue over the following year and together organized a group of like-minded educators from various art and science disciplines and from all around the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to participate in Art Is Luv's first Building STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) Workshop.  I developed this workshop with one goal in-mind, to demonstrate how using creative tools can help build enthusiasm in the classroom when introducing analytical concepts.  The workshop included discussion on topics ranging from the importance of getting to know your students to how teaching with purpose can help students understand their roles as future innovators.  The workshop also included interactive exercises that demonstrated how art and science are at the core of every learning experience and far less abstract than most individuals think.  

All things considered, I believe the world is a better place when art and science converge. It is this very union that fuels a deeper understanding of the world around. Building STEAM is one of the many ways that I hope to foster this exchange.  Special thanks to Jamie Treacy and the Skyline High School Performing Arts Academy for being the first of many!  Next stop...Building Curriculum!

Please send me a note if you are interested in learning more about the Building STEAM Workshop series. 

Sincerely,

Me

And we're off!

Welcome to the Art + Science = Me.   This blog is a personal journal and an open invitation to a much larger and creative conversation.  Don't worry, I'll start.  Just sit back, relax, and take it all in and please do not hesitate to return the favor.  I welcome the exchange! 

Sincerely,

Me