Just a Thought...
Up... thinking about how at times what we envision as our end result is threatened in so many ways by different people and situations. Going against what is traditional or what society expects of you takes courage and a strong will. Never underestimate the power of belief...
Tribal Trend Takes Over
My brother came across a story that was covered by CNN regarding Ghanaian beads. I thought this was especially noteworthy due to the fact that out of all the countries represented on the continent of Africa, Ghana seems to be one country who's cultural influence seems to inspire so many around the globe through many different mediums.
Spring high fashion trends can clearly show that "tribal" is definitely in this season. From "Tribal Punk" shown below (found at whowhatwear.com)...
.... to bold tribal prints that speak for themselves
This is a beautiful thing considering fashion even promotes tribal and world cultures through high fashion, and this "tribal" trend is quickly taking the world by storm, even for young Ghanaian natives who are rediscovering the richness and uniqueness of their culture represented through traditional beads.
All glass beads are imported directly from Ghana West Africa, and a percentage of all proceeds go to Life For Africa (r) which is an NGO created by His Majesty King Adamtey I, a King in the Se State of Ghana. This organization is aimed at assisting in economic, health, and educational development for native Se and Ghanaian people.
Spring high fashion trends can clearly show that "tribal" is definitely in this season. From "Tribal Punk" shown below (found at whowhatwear.com)...
.... to bold tribal prints that speak for themselves
This is a beautiful thing considering fashion even promotes tribal and world cultures through high fashion, and this "tribal" trend is quickly taking the world by storm, even for young Ghanaian natives who are rediscovering the richness and uniqueness of their culture represented through traditional beads.
What are you listening to?
When I was younger I used to be intrigued by the music adults would listen to. I wondered if i would listen to stuff like this when i got a couple years on me. Little did I know, I was listening to it already. Marvin Gaye and Billie Holiday at a very young age having no idea about love and especially nothing about blues. Since these two artist embody those emotions I started wanting to hear more and more. Sade, Lailah Hathaway, Chaka Khan and everything else I used to hear on a Saturday morning clean up session by my mother. Some of her selections were questionable yet interesting. My face would definitely frown at some choices. Fast-forward to the present and I get those same looks from my younger friends. With John Coltrane playing in the background I get that feeling I use to have of intrigue again. I never knew I would be the one preserving good music for the next generation.
Dose of Inspiration for the people...
I've been gone for a second, but in my absence I've had a few months to put a lot of things into perspective as far as creating not only a jewelry line that is fashionable, but one that inspires others through underlying message of culture appreciation/preservation. At times I would get discouraged or unmotivated, but its crazy how inspiration comes through mediums I wouldn't expect. I traveled to Taiwan, China, and Ghana last summer (Summer of 2009), and FINALLY started going through my camera. After going through the images I shot, the simplistic beauty of the native people engrossed in their everyday activities helped me get back on track as to why I want to push PolishedCulture. Many Americans, unfortunately were stripped of their heritage and cultural identity long ago in order for America to become what it is today. As many individuals yearn to learn more of the influence many cultures have on American society via fashion, photography, visual art, music, ect, there are still sooo many who may not get an opportunity to travel and appreciate or identify with other cultures for themselves. This is why I want to share some of the photos I took while I traveled this summer, so you can capture the essence and importance of each culture, in its rawest form.
NOTE: Not a professional photographer, lol... But I'm trying=)
Website (www.polishedculture.com) to launch sooon by the incredible graphic designer Saudia Furcron (twitter.com/viasade <--- Follow her!) Meanwhile, thank you for your pacience, and contact me or Anna Fletcher (twitter.com/annakissel) if you have any questions ab custom jewelry: polishedculture@gmail.com
Let me know your thoughts and Please follow if you have not!
Thanks again for your support!
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