When Sistahs Get Together Blog

Blackface an already Black face

Posted by Artistik Domestician on Sunday, February 27, 2011 , under | comments (2)

There are many areas to discuss about this. My husband and I were building on this this morning. *sigh* As I watched the video portion I noticed some beautiful outfits, headpieces and Beyonce looked beautiful.

Now, the main shot to discuss, the blackface portion. In the beginning they are paying homage to Black Queens, ok, then to Fela Kuti...? Why do you need to paint her face dark to do that?? Only dark skinned people wear tribal paint? were they afraid it would show up on her caramel skin? Why not just use a dark skinned model or women in the industry? There are sooooooo many strong Black sistrens out there, even models of all complexions especially dark skinned models and why is it that when media/fashion/industry wants to portray a strong Black woman to represent Black women or African /American it has to be Beyonce? She doesn't take a stand when her skinned is lighten for media but she stands her ground when her skinned is painted dark...?? What? I'm confused. What does she exactly stand for? really? Skin hue is a fashion accessory and is only accepted when in the hands of those who choose/decide when it's "appropriate" to be Black or represent Afrocentric beauty.

What is your take on this? Is it offensive, in distaste, acceptable, fashion, beauty, creativity...?

http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/the-thread/beyonce-under-fire-for-blackface-photos-blog-159-shine.html

Tatta Tatt Tatt (Part 3) - Special Spotlight featuring Crystal Buya

Posted by Artistik Domestician on Saturday, January 22, 2011 , under body adournment, body art, Sistah Styles, tattoos, unboxed style | comments (1)

My special featured female for my last post on female body art for this series is, Crystal Buya.

I was introduced to Crystal and her tattoos through a mutual friend when I was looking for women who wanted to feature their body art in my blog post. When I saw pics of her tattoos and when she explained them to me I was like wow. From the artistry, to the meanings, to where they were placed. With pain factoring in... she's good. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out she was pregnant too, in her third trimester and I got her to do a photoshoot. The beauty of a women with child and body art; stunning! Like I always say, don't judge a book by it's cover. Someone who wears body art doesn't look a certain way or have a certain lifestyle. #stereotyping

I asked Crystal to give me her thoughts on women and body art, tattooing and why she decided to adorn her body with her beautiful personalized art.

CRYSTAL BUYA

Photo: Eklipz Flix for Storehouse Media Inc.

When I first started getting tattooed about 5 years ago I used to think that women in particular got tattooed as a symbol of what they may have considered "sexy. I would hear stories of how girls would get tattoos of the typical butterfly, playboy bunny symbol, or a a simple Japanese symbol that meant sexy or something along those lines. I would think "why tattoo yourself with something a million other "girls" have?" As I've hung out at the tattoo shop more often with my tattoo artist, I got to look at beautiful artwork that women have requested and have obviously put tons of thought into and I'm glad to see that more and more women have considered their bodies a canvas that can display true art. I find it liberating to know that women have taken the art of tattoing to help them represent who they are instead of just a way to express sexuality.

When it comes to my tattoos I believe I thought about what I wanted tattooed on my body for at least a month minimum, okay well with the exception of one that I did because I was bored that day . Every tattoo that I have adorned my body with represents who I was or what I was feeling in that period of my life, so I wouldnt be able to narrow down which tattoo I favor most because they all represent who I am and who I have become. I've considered every aspect of art work and body placement. I chose to put the majority of my tattoos in places where they can be hidden if I wanted to, perhaps to keep a certain mystery to myself. You'd be surprised at the reaction I get from some people when they realize I have as many tattoos as I do, but dont get me wrong, along with the amazement of tattoos I've faced a lot of prejudice about it too. But regardless of what negative connotations that follow women with tattoos, I always wear my tattoos proudly for the artists that worked hard to design them for me as well as myself that worked, researched and sat through some long tattoo sessions.

Photo: Eklipz Flix for Storehouse Media Inc.

Here are some close-up pictures of Crystals beautiful body art!

1. down my spine- Japanese Kanji that means beautiful from all sides and perfect serenity.

2. right side (from breast down to waist) Benten who is the only female Goddess out of the 7 Gods of fortune. she's the Goddess of music, beauty, the arts, etc., riding on her dragon

3. left side (from breast down to wasit) i have a large half finished koi fish which represents good fortune (its half finished because the week before i was supposed to finish it up i found out i was pregnant)

4. Right finger says- "Dum Spiro Spero"- While i breathe i hope


5. Left finger says- "Nil desperandum"- Never despair

On both thights almost to the knees, all the way around the thighs she has "murals"

Left Thight:

6. phoenix- which represents rebirth, rising from the ashes and becoming anew

7. Japanese Kanji- meaning "immortality of the soul"

8. Japanese Kanji- "meaning free will"

9. fu-dog- represents protection (in Mythology a Fu-dog was Buddha's protector)

10. .hanya mask- The hannya mask is specifically used to represent a vengeful and jealous woman. Her anger and envy have so consumed her that she has turned into a demon, but with some important traces of humanity left. The pointed horns, gleaming eyes, fang-like teeth, combined with a look of pure resentment and hate are tempered by the expression of suffering around the eyes and the artfully disarrayed strands of hair, which indicate passionate emotion thrown into disorder.

Right Thigh: She changed out of the Asian theme and went with new school, traditional theme.

11. a group of flowers, chrysanthemums, roses and a peony

12. a "nurse pinup girl with a skull and roses" the nurse is to represent my mom as well as the profession i want to finish in, the skull represents what it stands for, inevitable death.

13. piece at the back of my thigh of the heart with a crown and 2 sparrows flying along side the heart with my nephew "Prince"s name in the center.

14. on top of my right foot i have Filipino tribal that means female soul

15. 5 stars behind my right ear which were basically done out of boredom

If you have any questions or nice comments for Crystal please comment in the box below. : )

I want to thank Crystal for allowing me to feature her on my blog, posting her pics and showing off her radiant, beautiful pregnancy. I also want to thank Eklipz Flix for doing the photo shoot for her.

PEACE! ~ Queen Cee

Tatta Tatt Tatt - Part 2

Posted by Artistik Domestician on Friday, January 21, 2011 , under art, body adournment, body art, culture, Sistah Styles, tattoos, unboxed style | comments (1)

Continued from my last post, here are some tattoos by some women I know and their personal thoughts on tattooing and body adornment. What are your thoughts and/or do you have pics you'd like to share? Peace!

EMMA

I was first interested in the idea for purely aesthetic reasons. I've seen too many tattoos that don't seem to fit the shape of the body or body parts on which they've been placed. I've always loved anatomical illustration, especially classic engravings and prints. I cam up with the idea while looking at some of these illustrations. What could fit the body better than an image of the body itself? My tattoo artist was Andy, who works at Utility in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and he drew up a beautiful and anatomically accurate image of the bones of the back and arms. My tattoo has come to mean a lot more to me now. I love the idea of using the skin to represent what it is supposed to hide and protect. It's also a great conversation starter because I always have people coming up to me to ask me about it.

ANIA

The scripture says: Find rest, O my soul, in god alone; My hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

The angel is to represent myself and to constantly be reminded that The Almighty has my back (that's why its on my back) through all the journeys, struggles, hurts, pains, even the happy positive times etc

He is one who never gives up on me and loves me for me and the wings represent ones he will one day honor me with because each day on earth I try to make a difference and change myself to the person he wants me to be.

Me holding myself in the tattoo emphasizes to hold tight and keep fighting the good fight just like his son Jesus did and to constantly remind myself of that because the natural of this world can steal that away from you in seconds and cause me or anyone to stray away and never be blessed with those wings and/or his presents one day...

The pain of that tattoo was no bearing to what Jesus had to do for us...it was an awesome scoreless to get this on my back and I hold dear to it...with him by my side I can overcome any obstacle !! He's my super hero.

AUSET HOTEP

Body adornment is a beautiful and sensual way to decorate ones temple. There are multiple ways to adorn ones body from tattooing to henna art to piercings etc. All make the temple beautiful and unique.

MELISSA

I think society today has become much more accepting of tattoo's but there are still many ppl who think it's trashy for females to have body art. Every one of my pieces have a meaning...and I have 12 of them. My first was done when I was 14...it was something my Father and I did together. It is said that your body Is a Temple....and I agree...I however choose to adorn my Temple with body art!

JENNIFER's tattoos symbolize the two cultures surrounded by her nine children.

SAMMI JANELLE

The Ankh is a symbol that's been with me since I was a little girl - and I've always felt strongly connected to it. Be it through a past life, or just plain infatuation, I felt the need to carry this symbol with me for the rest of this lifetime. It protects, grounds and centers me.

ORORO MUNROE

This tat is a cover up. About 7 or so years ago I was engaged to my ex and I originally had his nickname "tattooed on my arm. Yes, I did the cursed "don't tat your bf or gf name on your body, it's the kiss of death" lol. It was also my first tattoo; a valuable lesson for me as the relationship didn't last too much longer. I did not want to walk around with this guys nickname on my arm. In hindsight I''m glad I did have it because it forced me to go bigger and brighter.

I've always had chiaos; related greatly to the 5%; Rastafarian/African culture; knew my cover up had to be spectacular. Since my hair is loc'd I've had many encounters where I would be acknowledged as "Empress" or "Queen" from people I did and didn't know; I also see myself in that light. I'm also a huge fan of graffiti art and urban subculture which inspired the name "Empress" to be done in graf writing, the lion represents the conquering Lion of Judah; the colors of my tat red, gold and green, which to me represent, the blood shed of my people, the gold...the riches of mama Africa; green which means the rich, fertile land/earth.

I think women look amazing with tattoos, as long as the artwork is good and it represents who you are and what you're about.

Tatta Tatt Tatt - Part 1

Posted by Artistik Domestician on , under art, body adournment, body art, culture, Sistah Styles, tattoos, unboxed style | comments (3)

Adorning Fans...

Body Adornment. Some are for it. Some are against it. Some like it from a distance. Some need it to be a part of who they are. I find body adornment to be real nice whether on men or Women (my man’s tattoos are sheexxy!). It’s personal preference and I find it to be real artistic and beautiful when done by a good artist (that is key). If someone chooses to pierce or tattoo their bodies, I believe it’s their personal right to do what they want with their own bodies. We as people tend to judge based upon someone’s outer appearance rather than getting to actually know the person. I’ve met people from all walks of life who are into different styles of body adorning and actually body adornment goes back farther then most of us know and understand. It is ancient cultural tradition in many parts of the world and done for many different reasons. However, in the western world it was once looked at as only being done by jail birds, sailors, army men, navy men and “rebels”; it was also taken in as being a fad when the a larger populous of people started to do it. I believe anything that stems off of historical culture cannot be perceived as being a fad because of its true origin and tattooing is a true art form that not anyone can do and can do well. However, I’m not saying people don’t do it just cause it’s a part of pop culture, because there are many, many people who do it just as a “cool thing” and I’m sure regret it later. Put thought into why you are doing it and why you are getting what you are getting. I highly respect tattoo artists who give their opinions to clients and if they feel the person will regret it later or the design won’t look good, they tell them and maybe suggest some ideas. After all, it’s their artwork that will be showcased.

Now women and body adornment is a whole other topic. Depending where you come from, will depend on how you view this. When it comes to tattoos I’ve seen some of the most beautifully designed tattoos and ideas on women’s bodies. You put together the beautiful sculpture of a women’s natural body lines, artistic detail, design and a skillful tattoo artist, you will see remarkable works of art. I also admire women who put thought, emotion and creativity into their design choices. I’ve talked to a few women in my area on why they got the tattoos they did and everyone’s choice was different, as I think it should be.

Here are a few pieces of female body tattoos that I love, enjoy the artistic beauty and then check out Part 2 of this post that incorporates other women's thoughts on their own tattoos.