‘I thought these were dope when I did them at the time, I don’t think so anymore’ -Ceekreative
Art by Ceekreative
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Monthly Archives: August 2015
“Food-Porn” is to the Eyes, What Actual Food is to the Stomach.
Whether porn is an art or not, is something that is up for debate… and it is, quite honestly, a debate that you can have in your own time. But there is one type of porn that we as the AOJ team view as a art: food porn. Yes, you heard me. Our AOJ photographer, Sameera Soorjee (of Sameera Soorjee Photography) has taken her camera and worked some magic to get us some amazing photographs of food.
So feast your eyes- the pun is most certainly intended- and enjoy some porn of the highest caliber.
Written by Nomsa Fakude
Photos by Sameera Soorjee Photography
Something Blocking Your Creativity?
We are all creative, there is no denying that. But what happens when for some reason the creative spark abandons our brains for a bit and we find that we can no longer come up with the great ideas that we usually do? Well, that is something I like to call a creative block. So, the AOJ (Artizens of Joburg) team has come up with a few things that you can do in order to get your creative juices flowing and to get you out of that creative rut in which you may be stuck.
- Find your poison: For most of us its usually caffeine, and for the brave its sometimes a glass of whiskey. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be something so… can I say cliched? It just has to be something that clears your mind, and relaxes you. Try some fruit, some tea, even nuts if thats what you’re into.
- Music: create a playlist of songs that inspire you because this will get you in the mood to do some work. Nothing can encourage your creativity like listening to some of your favourite jams.
- Work on anything and everything: I know it seems counter intuitive if you’re having a creative block, but if (for example) you’re a writer just keep writing- even if what you write is absolute rubish.
- Take some time away from what you’re doing: I know it seems contradictory, especically with regards to step three, but sometimes it just helps to step away for even a day to get some perspective.
- Always be on the lookout for some inspiration: whatever your discipline, keep your eyes open for what others are doing and how that might inspire you.
- Take some time to yourself. Take an hour away from your friends, parents, children or even collegues to just think about what you’d like to do and to centre and gather your thoughts.
- Surround yourself with things that make you happy: Our creativity often stems from happiness and joy. Although there are situations where it comes from heartbreak- and or sadness- but I think its a lot easier and a lot more pleasant to be happy, don’t you think?
- Nature: I know that this is a very “classic romantic” notion, but nature just has a way of making our brains function a little bit better.
The most important advice we can give you though, is probbaly just to realise that all creatives go through stages where they are unable to “create” like they usually do. It is just a way of life. We suggest that you don’t get too caught up and don’t let your creative struggles taint the belief that you have in yourself. Creative blocks are just nature’s way of reminding us that our creativity is a gift, a talent- if you like- and that it is something that we often take for granted.
So, from the AOJ team, Keep creating and stay inspired
Written by Nomsa Fakude
Photos by Sameera Soorjee Photography
In passing
“Through all walks of life, the essence of artistry keeps us alive.” -AOJ
#AOJqoutes
Photo by Sameera Soorjee Photography
Reggae, Craft and Art.
Just outside the neighbourgoods market, the alley is brightened up by racks of clothing with colourful tribal prints, tye-dye shirts, beaded accessories and woven leather sandals. An all African style-section. You would swear the individuals behind the stalls were cut from the same cloth, and they were. They are a group of creative craftsmen, who share a sense of spirituality and appreciation for nature. To them, their work is more than just art. Their lives revolve around embodying the essence of the work they do, using recycled materials, keeping healthy, being peaceful and attuning themselves to forces larger than life.
Top:Jaqhuline. Bottom: Jabulile ‘Yellow’ Bhengu
We walked up to Jahquline from RAGGAmuffin accessories collection, she let us scan her collection and admire her attention to detail. The earrings shaped as fortune cookies served me life! She explained how the core of her craft is in science, being a former BSc student herself. It was amazing to see how her pieces were inspired by so much of the world, and the depths she goes to create them. She encouraged us to be conscious of the world we live in, and know our self worth.
Literally, a step away was Jabulanie Bhengu’s stall he introduced himself as “Yellow”. He’s been on his journey for 22 years travelling through Africa, selling his craft. His creations had a language of their own, “sign language”, he calls it. He prides himself on creating pieces that speak for themselves.
We rounded up by talking to Mam’ Vicky. She sews traditional clothes that will have you SLAYING at any event! She has been doing this for a great many years and has passed the skill down to her granddaughter. She maintains full ownership of her business and encourages all aspiring artists to do the same.
I realized how much I enjoyed the vibes around there after talking to the faces behind this art, the team couldn’t stop taking pictures and were inspired to keep pushing their.
To all you artizens; remember own your aesthetic, and go forth and do great things.
Written by Kea Mooka
Photos by Sameera Soorjee Photography
