Are ya down?

Recently I've been pondering my relationship with hip hop.  Just like all my relationships, I want this to be a healthy, fruitful one.  Reading through the book "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" has been a huge catalyst in bringing so many different things to light for me, but with this new information has come a flood of questions.  All I know is that at this point hip hop is my favorite genre of music, and that's where it stays.  I respect hip hop.  And apparently it shows.

A guy yesterday, while I was waiting for an elevator, looked at me and said, "Ya down wit da Wu-Tang?"  I was distracted, on the phone when he was trying to talk to me, but after I hung up I turned to him and asked, "Why did you ask me that?"  He smiled, and said "You look like you's down wit da Wu-Tang." I nodded my head in the affirmative fashion, slowly.  And now, I'm thinking instead of trying so hard to define this relationship right now, I should just learn more about it, grow in it.  I can't force the understanding to come, no matter how hard I might try.  In any case, yeah, I'm down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m148vZDwJA

Wheelies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5oU0fiFn_IM



I'm thrilled that this is happening.   I only know what was covered in the video at this time, but I plan on reading more soon.  My initial reaction to hearing about this: people still have the power to take back the power, and knowing that this awesome group of people are taking control of that power in such a spirited way is beautiful, and an artistic feat. 

Eldridge (Learning out loud)

This is Eldridge.  I'm still unaware of any one specific meaning in my drawings, and still without an artist statement.  You might say I am in a period of honing my craft, not only in my drawing but in all other areas of life as well.  I aim to be in this stage always.  Constantly improving, constantly growing. 

I understand art as being a state of mind, a way of living life. 

Trying, by De La Soul:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8TF1o4H92I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOIMsmP-YkA Living Legends - After Hours
I finished another drawing today.  It is another small step in the evolution of my style.  I had some help from friends in deciding on the color scheme, and I really like the advice I got.  I want to wear clothing that is those colors, or eat some foods that are those colors.  Possibly both at the same time?  Chocolate strawberry ice cream. 

14x17"  "Heartsong"

Cardinal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQcZwgSpNY

The ants vs. the elephant

I'm learning more about hip hop.  Can't make generalizations about its meaning.  It can't be broken down into percentages either, it's bigger than that.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jNyr6BJZuI

Makeda

This song is so cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22HL5ZOOHGI


Perfect to listen to while drawing a quail.

Quail, work in progress