Divded Strokes Make United ART... Welcome to Quentin Vercetty's Matrix.

WHAT MAKES YOU SO STRONG!

2012-02-17T23:24:00.002-05:00

GIVE THANX FOR STRENGTH EVERYDAY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rrcmuJsNOWk#!

:THE MOTHERLAND DESIGN.

2011-12-28T01:43:00.000-05:00

For a larger design that I am working on, I wanted to use the continent of Africa with all the maps within it. When I was looking on google for one I realized that there was absolutely none that was up to date. Thus I made the first up to date Flag Map with the new Libya, South Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia flags with the new borders as well.
But this task made me realize how diverse and intricate the motherland of Africa is as well as colorful.

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T-DOT RENAISSANCE IS NOW HERE!

2011-12-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

AFTER RETURNING FROM JAM-ROCK I was ready to get things moving here.

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MAKE SURE YOU VISIT THE SITE!

http://tdotrenaissance.squarespace.com/

MANIFESTO JAMAICA!

2011-12-14T12:29:00.000-05:00

HAD THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITY to revisit the homeland of parents, Jamaica to parttake in an amazing event and meet some amazing people and do some amazing things.

ABOUT MANIFESTO|JA
Manifesto|JA is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment and nation building through the Arts and Culture. The executive board is made up of young Jamaicans – making it a truly FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH initiative.

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THIS WAS THE ECSTATIC MOMENT OF THE EVENT. When I was asked to do a little art ting to have as a backdrop for the Bob Andy interview. The Backdrop turnt into a tribute piece for the legendary artist, producer, writer and human being. Within less than a 2hours I finished this massive canvas and revealed it to him. Where as he responded with a big smile an embrace and tons of photos.

THIS PAST WEEKEND AWARDS

2011-11-10T09:46:00.000-05:00

Over my packed and fulfilling weekend, one of my last childhood friends/ close family member and my father went to Buffalo where as I did a performance for another brother of mine and amazing up and coming photographer named Joshua Bullock. While spending good times and spitting rhymes across the border, on my native side I was being honor and nominated for awards and other things.

One of them was the Canadian African Caribbean Unsung Heroes Recognition Award.
Which being nominated and winning alone was surreal to me!
Amongst the others was the Public Program Award and another one, which I will post about when I actually physically receive it from who ever has it.

But I dont do acceptance speeches because that would give notion that I am deserving of this award and that I accept that I am worthy of it which I do not. There are very few who understand of fully know my past or where I've come from and those who do know that I walk daily with a heavy heart. For with many accomplishments there will be many failures as with "much wisdom comes much sorrow". I as much as I am grateful and honored I often to feel obligated to pay respects and acknowledge of the wrong I've done in the past in general and all of the friends, associates and peers that I lost have, who will never have the opportunities that I have received. I would also have to acknowledge the rivers that have flown from family members eyes and the bruised knees of praying warrior and worriers. I walk with a heavy heart but with an enlighten spirit, and highly lifted head, as I give thanks to be honored by those who think better of me than I do of myself.

I give thanx to the Creator, to the ancestors and all those who were placed in my lyfe for this blessing...one of my three awards that I was given this week. I told my mom the news and she laughed and told me that life is fully of irony and hidden blessings. Ase to the Universe!

Now although I missed the ceremonies here is a run down of what the organization is about and what the award is for...The Canadian African Caribbean Unsung Heroes committee (C.A.C. Unsung Heroes Awards) was established in January 2011 by Visionary and Director Simone Banton, supported by dedicated Community Volunteers. The purpose of the C.A.C. Unsung Heroes Award is therefore to acknowledge and honour outstanding persons within the black community, who have elevated above and beyond their duties to develop and maintain the African Canadian heritage and culture while contributing to the wider community. Our mission is to create awareness of the outstanding achievements and contributions of African and Caribbean descents to Canada and internationally by providing a platform that publicly shows appreciation and honour to African Canadians, who demonstrate consistency in their concerns for change and improvement within the Black Community.

ITs COMING SOON!

2011-10-14T09:45:00.004-04:00

http://tdotrenaissance.squarespace.com\

INFLUENCES: ARTSHOW RECAP!

2011-10-14T09:34:00.001-04:00

PLEASE CHECK THE AMAZING REVIEW:
http://tdotrenaissance.squarespace.com/creative-zone/2011/10/13/influences-the-color-beauty-kemba-king.html

ONE DAY AWAY FROM ONE DAY SOON

2011-10-06T16:26:00.003-04:00

I don't have much to say other than SUPPORT & SHARE!

OneDaySoon(Sampler) by Ian Kamau

www.iankamau.com

INFLUENCES ART SHOW!!!

2011-09-30T09:42:00.000-04:00

Have the amazing opportunity to be apart of this festival and do my thang!
Please come out to support!

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106 AND YORK ITS GOING DOWN!!!!! SEPT 17th

2011-09-12T18:58:00.000-04:00

I WILL BE PERFORMING AS WELL AS SELLING SOME OF MY ARTWORK AND I HONESTLY EVERYONE COMES OUT AND SUPPORTS THE CAUSE!

www.106andyork.com
SEPT 17th. 2011!!!

SUBTEXT! in Scar-beria

2011-09-12T11:03:00.001-04:00

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TWEETY SWAG! SWAG! SWAG!

BIG BRO DANILO!

AT CUSTOMS (POEM)

2011-09-11T23:54:00.000-04:00

FIRST SHOW BACK FROM AFRICA!

2011-09-11T23:51:00.000-04:00

My brother and revolutionary thinker Chevy X and I went to a show and heard something that triggered ideas into our heads. Chevy X took those ideas that we thought were cool and turned it into a movement and is now working on a documentary. This idea is fundamentally about how slavery and colonization affected our intimacy and relationships between people of the Africa decent. Thus I wrote the theme poem for the movement and I was asked to perform it as BABATUNDE (meaning the Father or Elder returns in the Nigerian Yoruba language)... as the concept of the poem is an Elder speaking today's generation on how far we have strayed away from the way of love. African LOVE!

DA KINK IN MY HAIR x Enwave Theatre

2011-09-11T23:45:00.001-04:00

The feeling was so surreal... Being apart of history in the making. The Return of 'Da Kink in My Hair' with a first time art exhibit to accompany it.

da Kink in my Hair first-ever Art Exhibit!
"LOOK.AT.ME"
August 11 - 21, 2011
Harbourfront Centre - Enwave Theatre
231 Queens Quay

Featuring the works of:

Adrian Hayles
Alexis Finch
Ashley McKenzie - Barnes - Curator
Ato Seitu
Che Kothari
Cheryl Rock
Georgia Fullerton
Hans Poppe
Janet Manning
Jordan Clarke
Mark "Kurupt" Stoddart
Melissa Doldron
Sara Golish
Sharon Norwood
Shirley Mpagi
Sonia Farquharson
Suritah Teresa Wignall
Teryl Brouillette
Wayne Carnergie
AND ME - Quentin Vercetty

CAPE TOWN, S.A.

2011-09-11T23:16:00.000-04:00

This post is long overdue but it will be done...I took an amazing trip/pilgrimage to Cape Town, South Africa where as I connected with numerous artist and people. Having the opportunity to be on the continent was blessing within it self. There's so much to say and tell about the experience but unfortunately I do not have the time nor do I have enough words to express the way I feel. The gratitude and complete overwhelming feeling of being in South Africa. If a picture can speak a thousand words may these images do so for me.

KENNY THE TOUR GUIDE

ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE

AFRICAN SISTA STORY TELLING

AFRICAN BEAUTY

Ley Mboramwe Makakele

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT PUT INTO MY ART WORK

SMILLLEE TORONTO STYLE!!

ONE OF THE MANY EXOTICS BIRDS THAT I'VE SEEN.

An amazing and beautiful soul who bartered one of my art prints for a beaded necklace.

THE EXCLUSIVE IN THE STUDIO

THE FUTURE OF AFRICA! AMAZINGLY TALENTED CHILDREN

21 by 21 VIDEOS

2011-09-11T23:05:00.000-04:00

IF YOU DIDN'T SEE IT BEFORE CHECK IT OUT

ART EXHIBIT RECAP

2011-06-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

I didn't want to write too much about the my first art solo art exhibit as I had so many mixed feelings. I am the type of individual who is really hard on themselves. So their where somethings I was not too content about but other things I was very happy and proud of. Overall though the experience was surreal, on the real. The question that now arises in my head is what am I about to do next to top this.
Challenging myself is a part of my nature unfortunately and "21 by 21" let me know that there is still room for improvement. I just thought of the idea that a tree must challenge the ground in order to spread its roots and grow strong. this is a form nature against it self.

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THE VIDEO FOR THE EVENT IS COMING SOON!

21 BY 21 ART EXHIBIT

2011-05-28T23:10:00.003-04:00

9 days after I turn the pinnacle age of 21 I will be having my art exhibition at the b current studio 251 which is located within the Artscape Wychwood Barns on the 2nd Floor.

This art showing of my work means so much to me that I can not even begin to comprehend. But it will be an amazing night that will feature 21+ life-inspired artwork accompanied with live performances that consist of musicians and poets alike. Also there will be music to vibe to, some finger food, drinks and tons of good people.

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Over all this art show is meant to serve as a close to one chapter of my life which is my past life as I will be going on to open a new chapter as I go off to do an art residency in South Afrika July 2011. Thus generous dontations besides the buying of art is encourage.

To RSVP to the event the link is ...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175173602538478

PRESS RELEASE – May 29th, 2011

Opening Night: June 17th, 2011 from 6pm-10pm

Duration of Exhibition: June 17th -24, 2011

Location: b current studio 251

601 Christie St, south of St. Clair

(Inside the Artscape Wychwood Barns)

TORONTO, ON (June 17^th, 2011)

Presented by the reConnexion Artists collective at the b current studio 251 (inside the Artscape Wychwood Barns), 21 by 21 is an art exhibition showcasing art created by Toronto based multi-disciplinary artist Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay.

21 by 21 is an art exhibition showcasing work created by Toronto based multi-disciplinary artist Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay. Quentin claims that “life is all about taking chances and change is a risk”. The body of work being shown at the b current studio 251, is focused on visually depicting the numerous influences that help to manifest change for a labeled “at risk youth” before he reaches the age of 21. The age, 21 is significant not only because it is the universal age of adulthood. But according to the Toronto 2009 Police report statistically, 21 is the average age amongst males for criminal activities especially amongst “visible minorities” (http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/statistics/). Having been involved in numerous criminal activities in his adolescents, a grown and changed Quentin “Vercetty” uses expressionist style of art and theories through the use of symbolic colors in different context. The work explore how music, culture, people and different ideologies can affect our lives in a small or big way or even affect our perspective on life.

About the Artist

Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay is an artist who cares for and knows no boundaries when it comes to his artistic expression. His work includes painting, illustrations, mural works, photography, graphic design and spoken word poetry. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He is also one of the founding members of the institution’s first Black Student Association called the Onyx Society at OCAD U (OSO).

Quentin deciphers his experiences and lessons learnt from the street-life that he used to live into multiple art forms. In his own words, "I just want to be an inspiration to others who may have gone through or can relate to some of the things I’ve went through, I want to inspire change or inspire someone to make a change...thus I call it a change-reaction".

Quentin “Vercetty” is an alumni Remix Project participant and has worked with numerous other community organizations and partners. Through the Remix Project he was offered the opportunity to have his work viewed by well-known and respectable people, including international recording artist K'naan, Melanie Fiona, The Honorable Jean Augustine and Her Excellency the Right and Honorable Michaëlle Jean.

Quentin wants to travel and learn as well as share with other cultures in different countries as to him that is greatest method for growth. All sales of art donations given will be used towards Quentin’s next artistic endeavor in South Africa, July 2011.

Exhibit organized by Jajube Mandiela, leading member of the reConnexion Artists collective.
Made possible with support from b current Performing Arts

ROOT OF INSPIRATION : DANILO "EQ"

2011-04-29T15:50:00.000-04:00

THIS BROTHER IS MY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!
Memory Recap:
I met him through the Remix Project where as he became my program mentor and he then upgrade and grew to be my brother. I Adopted him lol. But since then we've been mad close and we've have been learning and growing together as artist and as individuals.

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If it wasn't for this brother I honestly wouldn't be who I be today and where I am now he has inspired me not only to take the artistic route by he help connect me to the right folks and whats not.

Check him out

http://www.seedlingsdesign.com/

http://www.dreamguardians.ca

http://danilomccallum.carbonmade.com/about

ROOT OF INSPIRATION : Unkle KAMAU

2011-04-29T15:43:00.000-04:00

Memory Recap:
I have no clue when I first met this gentlemen but I just remembering always being humbled by his demeanor and presence.
The most memorable memory tho is having the opportunity to sit a whole 16hours with him on my trip to Brooklyn New York for the Hip HOp festival. We talked about so many things and he shared with me a lot of insightful as well as personal matters.
Since then he has been a mentor, supporter, adviser and an uncle figure and friend to me.

I remember finding out that he wasn't only a poet but use to be a freestyle battle rapper I was shocked, then I learnt that his parents are historical Caribbean-Canadians I knew I could learn a lot from him and I have. I learnt about the power of love and that a man can express vulnerability with honesty without being vulnerable. I also learnt through him the importance of putting out positive

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I was also granted to here a snippet of his upcoming album and almost physically fought the man to have a copy of ONE SONG! I really appreciate this brothers insight, poetry and music. He is an root of inspiration not only to me but to the numerous amount of youth that he works and has worked with. I just so happen to be one of them

iankamau.blogspot.com/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamau

http://www.myspace.com/iankamau

Lovely Nikki

2011-04-29T15:22:00.000-04:00

Lovely NIKKI

I seen this picture of this very attractive woman on my homie's Jamaal St. John facebook profile and I decided I wanted to paint her.

After contactingin her she told me that her fav color was purple and I thought that in alot of her pics she had very beautiful styled hair so I took a guess that she took pride in her hurr so I made it her fav color.
and I made her a Yellowish color 2 me Yellow symbolize energy and she carried such beautiful energy in my opinion.

Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
18in x 24in

NEW SITE IS NOW UP A RUNNING PLEASE CHECK IT OUT!!!!

2011-04-14T23:34:00.000-04:00

AFTER LOADS OF WORK AND DESIGNING I HAVE CREATED MY SITE.

CLICK TO CHECK SITE

POETRY VIDEO: Self Portait

2011-04-03T19:22:00.000-04:00

POETRY VIDEO: ON PLANTATION FIELDS

2011-04-03T19:20:00.002-04:00

PAINTING: ONCE TWICE Splilt Portrait.

2011-03-31T01:45:00.003-04:00

FOR my school assignment we had to create an split image self portrait of our selves where as one side had to be achromatic and other side had to be an expressionist or impressionist style, where as the color and technique is emblematic in a sense. Which is how I work anyway so I knew this was going to be easy.

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ACRYLIC and Aerosol and Indian Ink on Wood Panel

Diptych 30in x 24in

Playing on the idea of "once a man and twice a child" statement I wanted to show myself as a young man and the idea is that adulthood is often serious and dogmatic in a sense that makes it almost grayscale. Whereas my childhood was care-free and flamboyant with fun. But as a child although I was all about fun I was about spirituality and acquiring wisdom thus the emphasis on the blues.
The Yellow is symbolize the high energy that I had as well as happiness and the purple is symbolize that my royal or majestic ideology that I was raise on work like a slave but live like a king. I also believe that as I get older and become more successful in my field then I will be able to be more free and child-like.

My concept is basically during my adolescent and on approaching manhood I became more serious and almost plain as a person I was just all about me and getting money and not living life to its fullest.

As I got back into school and started to become more conscious of my potential and started to see "success" as something tangible I began to make changes in my life and started having much more fun...as I became too blessed to be stress over the lil thing thus at times I felt like a kid again.

Yellows -Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. The shades of Yellow symbolizes different type of energy.

Browns - My grounded-ness and ofcourse because I am a shade of brown and essentially theorectically speaking brown is black. solidity.

Green - Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and well being. Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony.

Blues - Blue represent spirituality. As a child I use to pray a lot and now I began to pray a lot as I began to God guiding me.

Purple - My grandfather always told me to maintain the work ethics of work like a slave but live like a king. So even before I became afrocentrically conscious I thought of myself as royalty. Also it is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind

ONYX SOCIETY AT OCAD UNIVERSITY

2011-03-31T01:08:00.000-04:00

The Onyx Society at OCADU (OSO) is a student run organization first conceived in 2010. The organizations purpose is to provide a sense of community, and support network for students of African descent as well as those interested in being members. Within OSO, students will have the ability to easily network and collaborate with those in other disciplines at the University.

For Inquires about the group they can be contacted at Onyx.ocad@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/onyxso

ALSO

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We - The Onyx Society at OCAD U aka OSO, are the Ontario College of Art and Desgin university first officially reconized colored student association and WE are having our first event
April 1st, 2011
at 7:30pm
at OCAD U(100 McCaul St - which a few blocks west of Dundas and University next door to the AGO)

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This event will be a Movie Night that will have Live Performances and a informative Infomation session about the aim of the society.

POETRY: LOVE AND BROWN

2011-03-31T00:57:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Erykah Badu "green eyes" and Ian Kamau's "Love and other struggles" mixtape*also inspired by the man,himself.
Inspired by the workshop I did through Lost Lyrics with Rich Kidd speaking on "what is Manhood?" and from the thought provoking concept that Amanda Parris been giving me on exploring Masculinity. and also by my sista Keisha-Monique & Nikkey & my brothers D.O.D., Chevy, Danilo & Samson for always letting me know that I am loved and the last muse of the piece came from the love-less life that I use to live and seen other males around me living.

LOVE AND BROWN

{Don’t play with the volume}
As I deliver a vast variety of volume of velocity of variables for the vessels of vassals of very vacillated philosophies
see my verbal varsity of my vascular is very much all about veracity
Therefore virtuously you can call me Vercetty
And I got bittersweet brown eyes

and sometimes I love them and sometime I wish I can permanently shut them...

see “my eyes are brown because I’ve seen a lot ish go down”
And I came from a very small town
Where the confusion of love and lust could be found
and
As I grew into my long white tee gown
I frowned at the vain of my veneer for not being near to knowing love
Because love I rarely seen

Until I looked into my essence
and essential seen
That I was born with Love within my being
And that self love is all the love that one really needs

Because how could one tell someone “I love you” without first having love within
Because you can only give what you got …so I gave in
And loved myself first...
but as I grew into love, my perspective on the world grew worst
As I seen the world a loveless sphere
Fancied on others insecurities and fears
Misinforming our visions on what love really is
See if one really loves themselves
Then they wouldn’t sell their soul for the eyes on pyramids. Capitalist.

This society makes me apprehensive to raise (my future) kids
Because their eyes are bound to be brown like mine
cuz they are gonna see sum ish
especially when l teach them with love
and with their lovely eye they will see the difference
for they will quickly notice that this (their) generation has no idea of what self love really is.
For the fact of the matter is...

“My eyes are brown cuz I seen a lot of ish go down
Brothers shooting other brothers down "

not knowing that the tangible things of this world can never change your heart’s frown.

(See) love is the greatest weapon we can fight fights with
but if you really have Love then we wouldn’t want to fight one bit
I rememberer at the age of fourteen I knew four teens ready to fight
Over this one girl who each boy thought they loved
But none of them she liked

One boy got stabbed and 3 others were arrested
Four friends relationship instantly ended
Not first loving themselves or valuing their friendship
And after hardcore hours when the heart become sour and
That tough guy image goes missing
He will tear up and ask himself what did I stab my best friend for

So tell me young man do you know what you are fighting for?
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and say “I love myself”, before?
See I am foreshadowing the forecast
With a foresight because I seen your plight before
Because truth is, is that I’ve been there before

Wherefore, therefore
I encourage those who are "at risk" to love 'em self a lil' more
Before
you end up decease on the floor
See the wages of ignorance is death and I’ve seen it before
Like my cousin who was in pursuit for more
Was gunned down with one round and now sleeps six feet underground…
it wasn't until he died that I realized
that
his eyes were brown…

PAINTING: CHECK IT.

2011-03-31T00:51:00.000-04:00

Did a painting called Check it. Which is meant to show Maurice Ashley and I also really wanted to show my paint something that had to do with the game of Chess.

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Who is he?
Well check it, Maurice Ashley is a Jamaican native who is and was the first recognized black Chess Grandmaster. It is a beautiful thing to see brothers rise above the circumstances of their hoods.

Ink,Acrylic, Aerosol on Canvas
30x24
For price inquiries email qvercetty@yahoo.com

Painting: Soul Sista Cheizda

2011-03-31T00:46:00.000-04:00

For my school project I had to make a synesthesia painting and synesthesia is when ones senses experiencing a sensation from sound or taste (for example the 5gum commercials).Our project was meant for the artist to be intune and inspired by music and expressing it in a visual way.

As I was listening to Bilal song Soul Sista I was envisioning swirls and swarms of colors and vibrations being emitted. As I laid them down abstractly I then began to retrospect Chiedza and I kicking it in a restaurant. During our last conversation she was telling me about the point in her life when she felt disconnected from her native land of birth, Zimbabwe. She then optimistically informed me about her deeper renewed spiritual connection with her ancestors and motherland which was mostly credited to a circle of supportive sistas’ ( notice the subtle Afrikan continent in her eyes).

As I was listening attentively looking into the eyes, which are the windows of the soul, of this young woman or sista’ who has found the essence, the part of her soul that makes her feel more whole and that is her ancestry...I felt like I had to paint her. I felt like the instrumental was making me see a vibrant woman, so the face I gave that woman was that of my deeply rooted friend from Zimbabwe. Chiedza.

After dancing and painting and visualizing and imagining, I felt like synesthesia is not only based on colors but also on the recollection of memory. The color or colors one associate sound with, correlate with the colors we remember or we have seen or experienced. I believe the condition of synesthesia works with our experiences as well as the emotions and feelings and our recollection of them all.
You dun Know.

HOOD BEAUTY: LOST AND FOUND (FINDING) Hidden beauty in the hood art showcase

2011-02-27T20:33:00.001-05:00

One of di exclusive pieces about the beauties in the hood
its called HOOD BEAUTY

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

http://www.blogto.com/events/35832

http://wx.toronto.ca/festevents.nsf/591df5f4e9bb95b0852572ff00502015/5cc619b5ac2f85158525783e006b85c3?OpenDocument

http://www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/news/lost-and-found-finding-hidden-beauty-hood

http://theagyuisoutthere.org/everywhere/?p=2621

LOST AND FOUND (FINDING) Hidden beauties in the hood artshowcase

2011-02-27T20:26:00.000-05:00

I have the honor to be one of the feature artist in this upcoming art exhibit that will be taking place at the Art Gallery of York University and also even better I my work was on the front flyer...DOPE!

Art Gallery of York University, Accolade East Building 4700 Keele Street

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

6:00pm - 9:00pm

About:

Lost and Found: (Finding) Hidden Beauty in the 'Hood group exhibition.

Featuring works by emerging and senior artists: Cade M. Davies, Che Kothari, SUN a.k.a The Real Sun, and Quentin "Vercetty" Lindsay.

Curated by The M.A.D. Poet (aka Melissa A. Dean)

"Open your eyes! Beauty in the 'hood is not lost at all-- all one has to do to see it is just... Take a look!"- M.

Exhibition runs from {March 1st to March 13th}

Opening Reception: March 2nd, 2011

6-9pm

FREE!

2011-02-09T15:15:00.002-05:00

Lauryn Hill Motivational Speech

2011-01-24T21:35:00.002-05:00

Roots of inspiration: D’bi Young the Sunkissed Empress & GODESSS

2011-01-22T02:30:00.000-05:00

Memory Recap:
I honestly don’t remember how I met D’bi Young or what I felt when we first met but I do remember always thinking to myself that she was nothing less than amazing.The first run ins she was like an India Arie, Lady Saw, EVERY GREAT BLACK ACTRESS, My mother, Grandmother and The Jamaican version of Maya Angelo all wrapped in one Tallawah wombman.

I remember first knowing her as a dub poet and as a Jamaican-Canadian who served as a voice for the voiceless and her stage presents and entire demeanor was just divine to me. Watching her perform on Def Jam Poetry and even on stage and even and seeing her act in her monodramatic plays she is a roots of inspiration and a voice of liberation for all people of the African Diaspora.

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There are so many things and memories I can share about D’bi Young but only a fool knows not when to hold his thoughts and his tongue. One thing I can say is that I highly appreciate all of D'bi Young support and her love for lovers of art and who push for the betterment of our people...She has now embarked on a new journey in the motherland and she is a continuous influence to and on me.

You Dun Know D’bi we will be uniting very soon.
You can also checkout more about D'bi Young at

http://dbiyoung.net/

http://www.myspace.com/dbiyoung

www.sorplusi.com

http://papainstitute.org/

ROOTS OF INSPIRATION: Jamaal St.John; the big women advocate

2011-01-19T14:49:00.001-05:00

Memory Recap:
I stumbled across spoken word poetry by accident. It was Novemeber 2008 and I just enrolled at a new high school my teacher named Ms.Morneau invited me to perform at a “poetry” event where as I performed an accapella freestyle rap lyrics. To me it was just rapping but to the audience they called it performance poetry or spoken word. That is when my teacher later on introduced me to an poet she thought I’d like and be inspired by and in my hands she gave me a cd that said Jamaal St. John “Southpaw Stance”.
And from having a lot of knowledge about fighting ( I was on a wrestling team and tried to join a few youth gym programs all of which I got kicked out of) I knew that the southpaw stance is the boxing style of most left-handed people like myself. Whereas the fighter puts there right foot forward and jab with their right hand but their Left –Hand is posed back because when they want to make a powerful hook or haymaker they can use the power from their strongest hand with the use of their shoulder and grounded back left leg to deliver dangerous blows. Also not to mention Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is left-handed southpaw fighter.
But I say all that to say when I read the title I was like YO this cat better be dope and he was… dope enuff to make me want to start writing poetry and perform spoken word poetry.

NOW in 2010 I finally met this brother from New York named Jamaal St.John in person after seeing him perform at different venues and on Youtube and what really impressed me was the convo that we had. He was the 6x reigning champions of the Toronto International Poetry Slam (TIPS) and he was in the zone.
I out of mischief was hoping to intimiadate him some how so this year a Canadian, more specifically a Torontonian would win since it is the TORONTO international poetry slam. I decided to take the initiative to finally get to talk to him and see if I could throw him off his game. But what was suppose to be distracting Jamaal turned into a convo where he was giving me much words of wisdom and advice. His openness and his genuine personality made me feel like I was talking to my own brother or to a close uncle and he was just so well grounded. After the convo he went up and killed the show to became the 7x WINNER of T.I.P.S.. I then went on to learn that he also has so much more accolades and reigning legacies not just in Toronto under his belt like being a a 6 time Grand Slam Finalist for the Nuyorican Poet's Café in New York City and numerous other places across the United States.

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

But he is a root of inspiration to me because of his poetry but because of his personality and genuine wisdom and humbleness which then translate almost tell well on page and on stage. In most cases I usually don’t follow or copy what other people do but for once I wanted to be like someone else. But he taught me also in the short convo that we had at the Poor Alex Theatre to always be true to myself his exact quote was “be a person not persona” and those words I know will always live with me…
“Jamaal’s poetry is a cross between old school hip-hop rhyme schemes with cunning wordplay, accentuated with relevant social, political, cultural and economic topics. Jamaal manages to layer these aspects with a comical dexterity that only few poets can match.”
Jam’ has soOo many accolades to his credit and after all he has accomplished he finds time to always have the best facebook status and to always be humble.

He has three CD’s that he has produced that I know of entitled "Enterlightenment", "Won’t Catch Me Runnin’" and " The Southpaw Stance".

F.Y.I. I am working on a painting of him. (COMING SOON)

A MOMENT OF IGNORANCE; READ A BOOKK

2011-01-13T14:58:00.000-05:00

THE Roots of Inspiration: Keisha-Monique Simpson

2011-01-13T02:37:00.000-05:00

This Root of Inspiration is to the lovely and beloved K-Mo
So lets start with a memory ReCAP:

Memory Recap:
I first meet this sistah at my second poetry slam and while I was still naive to whole spoken word poetry scene in 2008 or 2009. I seen this young attractive sister and decided to talk to her. I was in absolute aww when she began to speak as I knew right away that she just as intelligent as beautiful. She then willingly performed her poem self cleaning ovens, which inspired my poem "chilling in the traphouse" which is poem that personifies an oven or dirty stove in a crackhouse.

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

So the sistah's whole demeanor and spirit blew me away... Fast forward a bit...I continued to see this sister at events and whats not and on one of her facebook pictures I made an inappropriate comment...and at that time and stage I had very little respect for my elders, and woman, and made an comment without consideration and impulsively. Well I offended Keisha-Monique and she emailed me about it.
But I respected and was honored to corrected and to put in my place by her...and since then we have been close and we have grown very fond of each other...she is very talented and supportive and not mention a very strong black woman both spiriually, mentally and I guess physically (she got some muscle on her lol)
But she taught me that its ok to love and to express it and that it is something to share... She is very spiritually grounded and I must say I am very grateful that we have grown so close during 2010 and I envision us travel and hopefully performing poetry together (LORD WILLING) for 2011

She will be performing in When Sisters Speak so I hope ya'll enjoy and become enlightened by her wisdom.
<br><br>Sh

THE ROOTS OF INSPIRATION: The AMAZING AMANDA P.

2011-01-07T16:02:00.002-05:00

I'm starting a collection of digital illustrations called ROOTS OF INSPIRATION
that gonna consist of me doing very detailed pen sketches that are enhanced digitally

So even tho this is not the first sketch I did I'm presenting this young lady first.

Memory RECAP:
It was the end of 2008 and I just made the decision to get back into High School again after removing my self from T.L Kennedy Secondary School in Mississauga due to certain situations... I then enrolled at a School called Nelson A. Boylen C.I. ... It was here at this school that I found my poetic voice and began to apply my artistic talent called spoken art.

While still looking for direction, and guidance a very influential teacher named Ms. Morneau saw me hanging around the small school's halls and invited me to a meeting/opportunity that she said she thinks I'd be interested in... Low and behold I met with this very intelligent young woman speaking about The Remix Project. While I sat down and listen to speak so elegantly she locked eyes with me and I swear she began speaking to the inner artist in me. I then began to ask a rapid amount of questions and she told me to save some of the question and we can speak after. After turnt into me getting a personal invite to the Remix Project open house, then Remix Project 4.0 graduation that then turnt into me becoming apart of The Remix Project. But what really interested me about the Remix Project was Amanda's impressive story and her telling me that there are a lot of people like her who doing amazing things...and she wasn't lying.
Through and because of Amanda P. I got connected to my Mentor who then connected to me to thousand of different connections and opportunities... But to know Amanda then and see how she continues to florish as an artist and youth/woman/people of color and an arts advocate inspires me to be...an inspiration.

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

Amanda Parris is an educator, student, emerging playwright, actor, and lover of the arts as well as the first lady of the Remix Project. Born in London, England, with Grenadian and Venezuelan roots, Amanda grew up with just her mummy. Holding an Honors B.A. degree from York University in Political Science and Women’s Studies, Amanda thrives on questioning the conventional. In 2005, she started ROOTS at York University; a student organization exploring history and pursuing alternative education. This unfortunately was short-lived and a difficult learning experience, but an important one nonetheless. Out of ROOTS sprung the idea for their future and beloved project, Lost Lyrics, a venture she shares with her best friend Natasha Daniel. Which I was honored to assisted in running a graphic art design workshop to help them create their event flyer, CD cover and CD face. Lost Lyrics is an organization which is part of an alternative education movement using Hip Hop culture to explore learning, self-identity and advocacy with young people of color.

www.theremixproject.ca

http://www.thebrokenheeldiaries.com/2011/01/01/amanda-parris-lost-lyrics/

AFRICAN PROVERBS

2011-01-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

PRINT ARE NOW AVAILABLE

2010-12-29T15:11:00.001-05:00

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Re&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Recently I came in touch with a gentleman who is now my go to guy to generate Prints off my original work. www.zone10printing.com and his name is Steven Crainford and you can tell him that you know me and he'll give you the "Vercetty discount" LOL

But these pieces are now available in print
MINUS THE "QUENTIN VERCETTY 2010" LOGO

{CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE}

Because I'm JAMAICAN
18x 24 print on canvas for $140
Original painting not for sale

Hip Hop Collage (The legend league of my era)
Acrylic, Ink, Aerosol on Wood Panel

If HIP HOP was a person it would have the traits of all the great emcees. From far Hip Hop might look ugly but when look at closely you understand its appearance and that Hip Hop MUSIC is only bits and pieces that make up a whole. A whole Culture.

Original for $700
30in x 24in

18 x 22 Print on canvas for $120

SUNSHINE GIRL (ALT)
Mixed Medium on Canvas
Original 24in x 18in
$600

18x22 print on canvas for $120

SUNSHINE GIRL 1

Mixed Medium on Canvas
Original 24in x 18in
$600

18x22 print on canvas for $120

"Mama Sue"

Acrylic and aerosol on Canvas

24in x 18in

Original not for sale

18x24 print on canvas for $120

FOR INQUIRES EMAIL:

qvercetty@yahoo.com

2010-12-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

Ghetto Scholarz

18in x 24in

Ink, Acrylic, Aerosol and white conté on Wood Panel

Orginal for $400

Yung James B

18in x 24

Pen, Ink, Acrylic and Aerosol on Wood Panel

Original for $400

18x22 print on canvas for $120

Email for inquires

Qvercetty@yahoo.com

SHARE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE/17th AWARD

2010-12-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

I had the wonder opportunity to receive my 17th Award (10 Scholar Awards & 7 Bursaries) from PROJAM. I then find out that I was in the Share News Paper AGAIN due to the occasion. But I give absolute glory to God and send my thanks to those who believe and believed in me. YOU DUN KNOW

{CLICK IMAGE TO GO TO LINK}

MAESTRO FRESH WES WORD OF WISDOM

2010-12-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

R.G.G.

2010-11-26T22:58:00.002-05:00

I kid you not this was in a long time in the making...but the next piece is coming soon...BEADZ are the new BLING ting LOL

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DREAMER AND REALISTIC GO GETTER IS THE STUBBORNEST OF THE DRIVER

www.stolenfromafrica.com/RGG

http://www.facebook.com/#!/realisticgg

POEM: PROPHESY

2010-11-24T09:15:00.001-05:00

Prophecy!

P-R-O-F…

Naw, naw, naw,

Prophecy? Prophecy? Profit to see

See if our youth don’t come together in a sense of unity

And actually learn how the world turns

Then we can say goodbye to the ideology of having a Utopia society

But I would never call myself a prophet not because I make profit from telling prophecies

But possibly if you knew the man I use to be

Then you’d probably wouldn’t give no props to me

But I say GLORY be to the one I was to blind to see

For he help me survive to strive to learn the lessons of these streets

See I use to sell poison to my own people

Claiming I was trying my best to feed my people

But my people weren’t even my people

Because WE never, ever conceived each other as equal

I mean we were stuck on the principles of the principals,

Which were look after yourself before anybody else

And now our children are raised by You-tube and the Tell-lie-vision and have no knowledge or respect for self

And we have now become way to impulsive for our brain’s to convulse with

The ideology of knowledge being wealth

So those who don’t feel at home don’t do homework

And because parents can’t work things out

in school we don’t know how to do teamwork

And it’s sad to say but that’s how our society works

As repetition is your greatest teacher and it’s constantly teaching me

That I might now have any control over life but does life have a control over me?

As rent goes up along with the taxes

T4 slips and eviction notice passes

Weed Baggies, crack pipes, Heroin vales and Police Harassment (Abuse)

Fitteds, Dou-rag and lil boys with their pants down to their asses

It seems like everybody’s chillin’ as the end of time feels like it’s coming like molasses

But I’m trying to help ya’ll to see clearly but the screen-saver is foreshadowing my glasses

As if stopping the procrastination and going after this thing called education

Will be the only self-gratification through mental elevation

So now there’s no more negotiation for hallway passes

Because these are the school system where the reception never paid any attention

Because our parents could pay to attend in,

So we can’t afford to be skipping

any more classes

And this is not just a prophecy it’s the veracity for the masses.

PHOTOSHOOT WITH JADA PHOTO

2010-11-19T16:40:00.000-05:00

I just recently did a random photoshoot with an Remix Particpant who is an amazing Photographer and she goes by the name of Jada.
Check as I sway the new bead chain made by CHIPS and the original (30years old) Bill Cosby looking Coogi sweater

{CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE}

TO CONTACT JADA
email: jadaphotos@gmail.com

The Stubborn & the Materialistic (Drawing)

2010-11-18T06:50:00.000-05:00

For my drawing class at OCAD I had to render a visual metaphor for my assignment. Thus be an semi-conceptual individual I wanted to show something to allow my class and my Prof. to see my Hip-Hop influence and invite them to learn a little ebonics and how it applies to life. So this is my illustration

{CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE}

By Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay

Black and Blue Ball Point Pen on Bristol Board Paper

18in x 24in

In the urban dictionary, the term “sneaker-head” refers to one who collects or loves shoes, usually of a specific style or brand. Also the word “loot” is another urban terminology for money or cash; where as the real definition refers to it as stolen goods.

I wanted to play with the idea that the female in the illustration is a materialistic “sneakerhead” that is only with this guy for his money. I made his wallet reltively small in comparison to the figures to imply that he “boot-head” or the male actually has a small amount of money but the “sneaker-head” female is still after it. I played with the words and said that “she is a sneaker (a) head” to implicitly imply that she has a plan, which might be when the guy is not paying attention, and then she’ll take his wallet. So in other words she’s a step ahead of him. On the other hand when someone uses the phrase “you’re a steal toe boot” it is a metaphor that means that you are being hard headed or stubborn. Thus I illustrated the guy as a stubborn character with an attitude, which is exhibited through his gesture and slouching posture. I decided to use only a ball point pen because I like how it felt and also I felt like it exhibits that I am against the ideology of materialism through an easy to use and accessible medium that people use all the time that doesn’t require any assistance to work. For example with a pencil you might need a pencil sharpener, a smudge stick or even different grades of pencil values which all costs “loot”. As an artist, I am also a steal toe boot that doesn’t want to spend loot.

BOONAA MOHAMMED

2010-11-17T09:35:00.002-05:00

Inspiration and Friend of Mine, Boona Mohammed says a few things about his work and about poetry that by it self speaks volume. Very Insightful and focused
He DID any very truthful & inspiring poem for the TED X TORONTO entitled "Kill 'em with Love" Check out this video then check out the poem on youtube.

ART EXHIBIT OPENING NIGHT

2010-11-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

PrufRock Shadowrunner

2010-11-12T16:59:00.000-05:00

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE POETS AND PIECES...

ART EXHIBIT - IF HIP-HOP HAD A FACE

2010-11-11T20:43:00.001-05:00

f Hip Hop was a portrait – what would it look like? About Face Artist Collective is proud to present an art exhibit exploring that very question.

November 12, 2010
8pm

...Proper Reserve
498 Queen St. West

Featuring collective members Kalkidan Assefa, Lindsay Bess, Melissa Doldron + Gabrielle Lasporte

with Nicholas Dabideen, Kwame Delfish, Georgia Fullerton, Peterson Joseph, Danilo McDowell-McCallum, Cheryl Rock + Quentin Vercetty

Music by DJ Sean Sax
(http://www.djseansax.com/)

Pay What You Can event. $5 suggested donation.
We will have a merchandising table selling cards and art prints.

refreshments will be served

****
In conjunction with our love of Hip-Hip, we are proud to support UNITY
Partial Proceeds from Opening night will be donated to UNITY. We encourage you to donate as well! UNITY will be on hand to give more information about their work.

UNITY is a youth led charity dedicated to showing youth how using positive forms of artistic self-expression leads to making positive life choices. Through our performance driven programs and events we display the possibilities of positive self-expressions to help boost the self-esteem of youth while steering them away from violence, racism and other negative expressions.

http://www.unitycharity.com/

THANK YOU TORONTO FOR THE POSTS

2010-11-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS VIDEO POSSIBLE DIRECTOR CALUM DeHarthog and Gavin Sheppard and ofcourse all the support that I had from ppl I call my family & Friends

and thank you for sharing the word abroad I hope that people are constant and will continue to be sharing this video not for publicity but possibly inspire a change or spark something in a young person somewhere, somehow... that is my earnest prayer and desire

{CLICK IMAGE TO GO TO SITE}


SAVING SOULS

OTHER WORTHY POSTS:

http://www.djb-easy.com/2010/10/through-eyes-of-child-by-quentin.html

THE CASE OF MUMIA ABU JAMAAL

2010-11-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

http://www.freemumia.com/

"BE A PERSON NOT A PERSONA"— Jamaal St John "THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD" STORY

2010-11-06T09:26:00.006-04:00

After waking up I say a prayer while still in my bed then I begin to sort out thoughts in my head
Sometime its a to do list
sometimes its just retrospecting things that have happen the previous nigh
or
even things people have said to me
NOW it is one of my favorite poets Jamaal St John
and the first time I finally got to sit down and talk with him when he was here in Toronto
He was giving me mad advice and just giving me so much words of wisdom, encouragement that I didn't even want to here him slam anymore but one particular morning I remember he said to me
"...remember to BE A PERSON not a PERSONA"
So that inspired me to share this personal adventure

I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS VIDEO POSSIBLE. IT IS NO LIE... A STORY OF MY LIFE. Ironically I did get jumped and robbed in the Regent Park area when I was a young street runner. So my first idea was to revisit that site but unfortunate the buildings that it took place in are now at ground zero.

This all came to past when I went to Remix Co-Founder and great mentor and Friend of mine Gavin Sheppard aka Global Gav. and I told him that I had the idea of making a bunch of videos of my spoken word pieces. He pre-warned me that, that would cost a lot of money and time. So I sat back on it for awhile and the start aligned when a director named Calum heard me perform and the light bulb went off in his head and we connected and I told him that I already had an idea and BAM! we just started to work from there. We received the Grant from Bravo-fact and it was all green lights. Most of the Actors/cast in the video are friends and people I grew up with and that were willing to contribute. Surprisingly I even had my Dad come out and play the drunkard father lol.

But the storyline is loosely based off my own life and two others. One whom is in Jail right now and the other is decease. But I first thought of the poem when as away at a private school in Freedom Village and I heard that the first friend died and then it developed even more after my close friend and colleague got incarcerated right around the time I got robbed doing a drug exchange. But I began to question my direction in life and those that were close to me and were dropping off. These two illustration can just show you visually my growth as an artist with in a 12month span...

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

Also I have very strict Christian mother who installed the fear of God in me, and she use to tell me every night when I would come home two or 3 in the morning "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth" (Hebrew 12:6)... and at the time it didn't mean nothing to me but as things got worst for me I began to feel like everything that was happening to me and that did happen was for a reason.

THUS THE INSPIRATION FROM THIS POEM CAME FROM MY LIFE EXPERIENCE AND TWO OTHERS and the bible text "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1)

Through the Eyes of a Child from team seven on Vimeo.

In a interview with some anonymous magazine(still trying to find the article) say the following about the poem.“
I’m often asked what made me different from my peers…how come I was able to make the choice to change my life, where as many of my peers continued down a destructive path…I answer, what made me different was my perspective on life, the system, the world and the streets…I continue to look at the world through the eyes of a child.

So this piece that I created was and is as an ode to all my colleagues, friends, acquaintances and family members who got lost going down the wrong path and it is meant to encourage others to look at things through the eyes of a child which would then allow us to learn and question things more.”

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE THIS VIDEO... I just want it to inspired change and that why I'm more than willing to share my own personal and intimate story with people.For me nothing creates real change in people unless they see it or heard about it

SOME STIlLS IMAGES FOR WHERE I'm FROM and THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

2010-11-02T13:34:00.000-04:00

THE INSPIRATION FOR WHERE I'M FROM

2010-11-02T10:45:00.000-04:00

The style of my video "where I'm from" was inspired from the look and feel from this classical video.
Odetta is a huge inspiration to how I want my work to feel...Her strong facial expression and booming voice that send chills down thine spine. You can feel her passion and she takes you to place...a place where her stories resonates.

IN FLANDERS FIELD REVISED

2010-11-02T10:25:00.003-04:00

MY remembrance day is of the black battalions, the buffalo soldiers, the black militants, the ebony warriors from the motherland who were and still are being stripped of their dignity... I was inspired by elderly friend who's BOSS called him a witty *igger and is still working for the company *SIGH*THUS THIS IS HOW I VENT

ON PLANTATION FIELDS

On these plantation fields the cotton grows

The material that makes our modern day clothes

Croppers crop row by row

Our Mother Africa weeps as the white man reaped what they did not sow

The larks with marks on their backs still singing ‘em hymns

Despite the plight, the light of the Negro cannot be dimmed

Scarcely heard are the cries from the people below

For those who hung from trees, strange fruits that rock in the breeze that blows

Our history is not dead though our King was killed a few decades ago

But as we lived, his dream lives,

so he lives, as his-story glows

Cultural Traditions become conditioned to love the unlovable

But that love is a lie!

because on these plantation fields we are still working until our spirits die

Eternal reflection shows that we are our own foes

With tightly clenched fist to the sky we throw

The shame and the pride, the solution and consequence is our owns to hold

For we have now come to the fork in the road and know not which way to go

Because we are quick to point fingers and little do we know?

That we are our own slaves and masters

Because before them, we already owned our own

our consciousness shall not sleep though the cotton grows

Share Croppers now crop stocks row by row

on these plantation fields

we now call it home...

Because on these plantation fields

We went from being the workers to being (their) scarecrows

STILL SEARCHING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER

2010-11-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

I AM LOOKING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER
WHO HAS A KEEN SENSE OF LIGHTING AND COMPOSTION
I NEED TO HAVE QUALITY AND WELL LIT PHOTOGRAPH
OF SOME OF MY MURALS AND PAINTINGS (THAT I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION AND THAT SOME CUSTOMERS HAVE IN THEIR POSSESSIONS)

IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT MOI AT
QVERCETTY@YAHOO.COM

2010-10-26T14:56:00.000-04:00

Such is LIFE

2010-10-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

My Summer Girl..."AY BABY"

2010-09-02T08:24:00.000-04:00

{click image to enlarge}

Mixed Medium on Canvas

24 in and 18in

This is going to be apart of an upcoming exhibit of new work that I'm going to have. So hear is your sneak peak of what to come...for inquires contact: Qvercetty@yahoo.com

RICH KIDD DOING IT IN THE FAST LANE

2010-09-01T23:32:00.000-04:00

MY BIG CUZ-O Rich Kidd drop his vid "Take IT SLOW" and jeesh I'm just as AMPED watching it now as I was on his CD release of RICH KIDD SHIIIIT vol 4.
YO BIG UPS TO RIDGEWAY ENT. and to RICH and his crew, you dun know its love 4eva

2010-09-01T23:19:00.003-04:00

SOULISM INTERVIEW

2010-08-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

Soulism Presented by Gifted Media from Xolisa Jerome on Vimeo.

GIFTED MEDIA PRESENTS SOULISM...

2010-08-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

For all inquires contact: giftedmediashow@gmail.com

http://giftedmedia.blogspot.com/

1 Love T.O. showing Love to Artstarts

2010-08-19T08:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.1loveto.com/2010/08/16/yorkdale-graffiti-transformation-project/#comment-6344

ARTSTART MURAL LAUNCH IS COMING

2010-08-12T08:47:00.000-04:00

The Yorkdale Graffiti Transformation Project Unveiling/Launch
Wednesday, August 18 5-6PM

Right outside the Yorkdale Subway Station

**There will be Free food and drink!**

For more info Contact: 416 656 9994 / artstarts.net

or check out
Eighthplanet.tumblr.com

2010-08-05T23:39:00.001-04:00

WE ON SOME RICH KIDD SHITT 4 Release PArty

2010-08-01T17:20:00.000-04:00

V

Shout out to Rich Kidd & Ridgeway Ent. and big shout out to SFA for the vid
www.stolenfromafrica.ca

Love & FLowers pt. 1

2010-07-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was talking( well actually texting) my special someone when this thought popped into my head...
How does life or love compare to floweres specifically to Roses...

So this is actually my first attempt and I know it won't be the last... I'm trying to explore the feelings I've negelected due to the insecure gangster, alpha male imagary I use to try uphold... but I think I can express those feelings and thoughts only through metaphors and similies. So here is what I created impulsively

"Our Love will blossom & the petals of Compassion in the wind of passion will sway. As all the flowers of all our tomorrows are in the seeds of today" - Q."Vercetty" H. L.

We ON SOME RICH KIDD SH!!T 4 RELEASE PARTaY

2010-07-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

GOOD Friend & Homie, Rapper & Producer extraordinaire Rich(ie) (Kidd) is dropping his 4th compilation CD...You dun know I'ma be there to support it & pop some bottles lol.
I met Rich Kidd way back in the day and became reacquainted with him at The Remix Project & we instantly became close friends and for awhile before he lost his license & vehicle I was like his road dogg travel to different hoods & turfs; parts of the city I'd normally wouldn't go. Rich Kidd so kindly and generously produce three different tracks for me and recently we've traveled to Brooklyn, New York... and the stories increase from there...

The Ridgeway family is excited to announce the next installment of Rich Kidd's "We On Some Rich Kidd Sh*t" series. The fourth mixtape, and most anticipated to date, will be celebrated with a release party on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at Revival Lounge. The release party will feature live performances from Rich Kidd and surprise special guests. Accommodating the evening will be 3 of Toronto's premier DJ's: Wristpect, Nana & Mensa and will be hosted by Grammy nominated producer Boi-1da. The mixtape series has received media acclamation internationally, including recognition from notarized hip-hop blogs, 2DopeBoyz and NahRight. Entirely produced by Rich Kidd, the series includes selections from Drake, Busta Rhymes, Saukrates, Tona and more. The most recent release of Volume 3 in 2009 saw a long span of charted singles and toured concerts continuing well into 2010, aligning a massive buzz for Volume 4.

The Trilogy is available for download here: http://richkiddmusic.com/weonsomerichkiddshit-thetrilogy.zip

URBAN LEGENS pt 1 ...

2010-07-16T11:46:00.000-04:00

Urban Legends Part 1 Hodan Ibrahim, Ian Keteku, Janine Simon, Marcus Jameel

Music by Arlen Yanch (SoundLife) Directed by Ian Keteku

Part one of a series which features poets from the Urban Legends Poetry Slam (Ottawa, Canada).

2010-07-16T08:10:00.001-04:00

Traveling With Champions

2010-07-14T09:11:00.000-04:00

I recently returned from New York City after travelling there with a batch of talented and amazing artist from the GTA and some other exception of people who came from other places in Ontario...
One of them was the Slam Champion Ian Keteku

http://ianketeku.com/

I was just checking his blog and I seen this short meaningfull poem and thought I should share it

Some people just write poetry

Others Live poetry

Some people write what they live

Others live what they write

Others love what they live

While some write what they love

Some love what they write

Some live what they love

Others love living

Or love what they live

Some get paid for what they love

Some get paid for what they write

Some get paid for what they live

Some love getting paid

———-

When A CHILD BECOMES AN ANGEL

2010-07-08T20:01:00.000-04:00

SO just before I leave to go to New York and while still trying to maintain my humbleness of being on the Share cover I began to reflect on what I can do for the community and the lost that it has experienced.
I began to think to myself although I barely knew both individual it still hurts. Not only does it still hurt but as a society and as a community where do and what do we do from here. So I just thought I'd right a poem so I did.

When a child becomes an angel

The perpetual light that shines on our life changes it angle

Things don’t seem the same

And John 11:35 repeats over and over again

Jesus wept

because when a child becomes an angel before he can shine his light and truly be an angel in this life

God cries

As he already knows the answer to why have Cain slain his brother again?

Our tears that have fallen from the countenance of our skies

We call it rain

But don’t let that rain of pain reigns over your foresight

For you need to keep insight that we who remain,

Have a community and other love one to maintain

For when a child become an angel while still in the stage of adolescent

Birds cease their song and heart-beats beat in silence as we cannot help but to show our condolences

For the pain that remain is an immovable stain

For innocent blood is black and a black hole is often all that remain

As our hearts leak

We realize now that our community is now one too many short of a blessing

And now lesson has not be weaken or lessen for WE MUST NOT LET OUR UNITY FALL WEAK

As all we might want to do is weep for those who have now entered into eternal sleep

Let us not let their memories die as nightmares in the mere- midst of living out our dream

For when a child become an angel

We must gather up the courage and strength to carry on

And keep on keeping on

Because when a child become an angel

We will… fly on... their wings

By Quentin Vercetty

Dedicated to the young ones like

Adrian Ducus and Tiffany Gayle

AJAA EVENT JULY 4

2010-07-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

This was the day I aligned with the Alliance of Jamacian Alumni Association(AJAA) at the 2010 Award Ceremony at the Jamaican Canadian Centre
I received a busary
A Essay writing Competition Award
and I got to rock the mic
wow God ~~is good,~~ naw scratch dat
God IS GREAT especially how he let things happen
enjoy the videos I've uploaded
www.ajaacanada.com

2010-07-07T21:07:00.001-04:00

Random Painting : In the Moment

2010-07-06T19:08:00.000-04:00

Mixed Medium
Acrylic, Aerosol, Indian Ink
20 x 16

Graduation Commencement

2010-06-30T13:48:00.000-04:00

There is alot more material to come I just wanted to post these up real quick
As some may or may not know. I enrolled into highschool in 2004 and dropped out by the 10th-11th grade in 2006. Thus I then went on a year and a half detour and then finally enrolled as a full time student at T.L. Kennedy S.S. in Mississauga after 3months of not feeling comfortable there and getting into trouble already I switched to Nelson A. Boylen C.I.
It is here where I met such wonderful Principals, counselors teachers and students who help me discover myself, my abilities and most importantly a vision.
Now the vision that I had of being a little petty street hustler has become obsolete and obliterated as a received 6 awards and 4 scholarships and 1 medal of honors.

Below is my medal of honor the Governor General’s Academic Medal.

In 1873, the Earl of Dufferin, who served as governor general from 1872 to 1878, created a medal to recognize scholastic achievements.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal is awarded to the student who graduates with the highest standing in her or his institution. (I was fortunate to be that student from my graduating class.)
THE COAT OF ARMS OF HER EXCELLENCY THE RIGHRT HONOURABLE MICHAËLLE JEAN
In the centre of the coat of arms is a sand dollar, which is a special talisman for Michaëlle Jean. Sand dollars are marine creatures found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coast of Canada and northern United States. The royal crown symbolizes the vice-regal function and service to all Canadians.
Above the shield, the sea shell and broken chain allude to the famous sculpture Marron inconnu by Albert Mangonès, displayed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, depicting an escaped slave blowing a sea shell to gather and call to arms his fellow sufferers around the whole island. For Michaëlle Jean this image evokes the victory of her ancestors over barbarism and, more broadly, the call to liberty.
Beside the shield are two Simbis, water spirits from Haitian culture who comfort souls, purify troubled waters and intervene with wisdom and foresight. Moreover, the Simbis’ words are enlightening and soothing. These two feminine figures symbolize the vital role played by woman in advancing social justice. They are shown in front of a rock set with a palm tree, a symbol of peace in Haitian history, and a pine tree representing the natural riches of Canada.
The motto Briser les solitudes, which means “breaking down solitudes”, is at the heart of the objectives Michaëlle Jean (and Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay) intends to follow. An annulus inscribed with the motto of the Order of Canada, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (they desire a better country), encircles the shield, and the insignia of a Companion of the Order of Canada is suspended from the shield.

THESE AWARDs are DUE TO ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORTED ME & TO THE CITY THAT GAVE ME TOUGH LOVE**

We still miss the King (MJ)

2010-06-25T18:22:00.000-04:00

I had a poem for MJ but I don't think it's good enough to present pubically. But What MJ meant to me was an idol of what an entertainer and performer who maintain intergrity to himself and his work. His work ethic, innovation and large heart for others is what made him so loved and great and if there's anything I regret in my life is not getting to meet him.

2010-06-19T00:33:00.000-04:00

Nike "All Together" from Elastic on Vimeo.

Ep. 593: Game 7 Recap from The Basketball Jones on Vimeo.

PAINTINGS FOR SALE.

2010-05-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

These are some of my work with their titles, sizes and prices I would like to sell them.
All the money will be going to towards my tuitions and School fees for when I start attending my first year at OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design)

A legend named Nina S.

2010-05-24T22:49:00.000-04:00

She is by far one of my most fav controversal talented, jaw dropping artist. If you didn't know her song in the intro of my EPK almost got me seud for copyright issues.

There once was a Afro-American pianist named Eunice, Who did little gigs for a while
Negro, Neo-classic, Nifty style, notes held as long as the Nile
Intensified, Inspirational, Intimacy In her music
Never Naïve to Nova Newness
Artistic Attacks Always Allure Audiences Around

She Simply Swung Silence as a Sword to Slaughter Sound

It’s a new dawn, a new day…Feeling Good
Through her ups and down she just ask “Please don’t let me be misunderstood”

Langston Hughes, Backlash Blues
But her complicated game, had complex rules
African roots gave a dark contrast
Love me or Leave me is what she told her jaded past
Eunice Waymon is what she was born as
But as quick as she took stage, her named changed just as fast

To be young black and gifted is a concept easy to understand
I put a spell on you, Mississippi Goddamn
The taste of the strange fruits makes me prefer lavish sugar in my bowl
Relentless still she was the High Priestess of Soul
Wild as the wind
She is NINA SIMONE

Child Of

2010-05-24T22:42:00.000-04:00

This was my first callbo piece that I've done on Canvas and it was with my mentor Danilo McCallum. He did the amazing writing and gave me some advice on the direction this piece could go.
This piece was insipired from a teacher of mine who's brother was abducted and became a child soldier. Also from hearing a lecture/ speech by a well spoken man named Emmanuel Jal and his experience. Also from being involved in a street gang made me feel like I was child soldier as well, so I connected on this topic and issue on so many different levels.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/emmanuel_jal_the_music_of_a_war_child.html

They cry free them free them, freedom from the Dark Continent
Wet dreams of death seem to appeal to their dead conscience
They appear wide awake but remain unconscious
To the opportunities of life, due to their circumstances
Playgrounds become battlegrounds but they lack the sounds…Of laughter
Tears cease to come after
Causalities remain unanimous to the bookkeepers
Because the only thing they know is how to read are firearm serial numbers
While starving to death but living full of hunger
Don’t you dare think that these children are chickens?
Cuz they will put a Mac on Donald and start emptying the clip and
Start putting holes into the hopes of people who already have little to nothing
Understanding that life is a banquet and most people are starving …to death,
So I stress,

That we don’t only have war children in Africa, c’mon how you mean?
We got kids running around with guns in our own streets
Kids killing kids killing kids over foolishness
But there kids in Africa with big guns with big clips
Running around wit slugs bigger than their penises
The way they live is far from childish
I blame the evil men, who rob them of their childhood innocents for their own benefits
Taking their meekness for weakness
Lacking to teach ‘em about what opportunities is
Opportunity is not deal or no deal or any game show
It’s die now or die later that all these children know
But only a few know that life contains more,
Than the wars,
That greed triggers
While our society is like a Utopia to those who reside in a land Where AKs replaces action figures

But we know little to nothing about the depth of the slums
While we play shooting games, they have to shoot game for lunch
Not enough ammunition means Malnutrition causing teeth to fall out their gums
These kids have a lot to say but not enough strength in their tongues
But I believe education is the only way they can escape and run
But if only we can go throughout mother earth and teach her suns
Then maybe this twisted fate can become undone
But while the fee for reality continues to be free
Our lives shall continue to be defined, refined and confined to where we are from
While these children of the streets try 2 sleep to dream of freedom.
We wrap ourselves in democracy’s sheets and dream in freedom,
Forgetting that age doesn’t help distinguish the culprits from the victims.
I am a child of…a broken system

Through the Eyes of a Child

2010-05-24T22:37:00.000-04:00

This is dedicated to all my friends and family members who made the wrong decision or got lost on the narrow path. R.I.P. and to those who still breath I hope you find opportunity and cherish her.

Peering through the eyes of a child for a while
For a while I’ve been sympathizing
But instead of sympathizing, start realizing
Realizing that you are looking through the eyes of truth
The eyes of truth attracting window shopping at the soul
The soul trying to find a clue
A clue to what would posses a youth to go down such a route
A route where as it could lead to death
His early death his mother could have never expect

Expect that the good die young but the bad live old,
Old enough for your head to be pierce with a hole
A whole day’s wage to make a whole dollar,
A whole dollar is enough to make ‘em stick kids holla’
So holla’ at a child with the strive to survive in his eyes
In his eyes you either see the reflection of a gun, a book or a knife
A Knife to slice the lies that were told to us throughout life
Life will close your eyes,

Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the funeral in the rain
In the rain where hearts broken and spirits are trying to maintain
Maintain peering through the eyes of a child, can you sense that pain?

That Pain some may over look
Look at the Young and feeble
Feeble and Hungry for knowledge will we let that brain become un-feed-able
Un-feed-able but not undefeatable because through the eyes of a child all things are possible
Possible that society impetus a child to become a man
But man, what does it mean to a man if he does not understand?
Understand what it means to be a child
A child, Jesus said we should be like
Like them because they are meek and mild
Mild is not how you describe the aura of the streets
The Streets is the devil’s playground
The devil’s playground is where the Lion is looking for some meat

Meet the parents, who do not equip their children with knowledge as weaponryWeaponry to go out into the world and be able to fight to achieve a dream
Dreams that are not protected are fast to break
Fast to break to become breakfast in the harsh reality of society

Through the eyes of a child there are no boundaries
No boundaries through the eyes of a child he is a bird flying free
Free through the eyes of a child is a world full of fun
Fun that the stove is cold, though’ the heat is on
On television the price is right
Right to give the unprotected mind a surprise
Surprise that everything in life has a price
Price-less is the eyes of a child

The eyes of a child will eventually become a man’s
A man’s demands are to be able to look through the eyes of his own child
His own child can then understand and smile
Smile knowing that opportunity is endless
Endless opportunity is what one should see
When peering through the eyes of a child
Because the eyes of a child at risk was once me.

Project Humanity Event

2010-05-24T19:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.projecthumanity.ca/

Shirts Off 2010
Project: Humanity's
4th Annual Clothing Drive

Sunday May 30th
@ Archeo Trattoria in the Distillery
55 Mill St.
$10 plus a clothing donation

Go through your closet
Find the gems that once made you proud
Stuff them in a bag
Bring them to the event

It's actually that simple!

Join us for a night of music, poetry and dance
featuring some of PH's and T.O's favorite performers~

All the clothes will be sorted, folded and donated to over 10 local Toronto area shelters within 3 days!! Plus, this year we are sending baby/children clothes to Chile to help support disaster relief efforts.

Bring 2 friends, and make it a great night as we ring in the spring
with the same feverish fun that we always do.

NB: Do not donate things you would not wear.
Seriously. No really, seriously!

Rips, Stains, Undies, Random Lame Hats, Your Undesirables .... nobody else wants those. If you won't wear it because it's gross, chances are good that nobody should.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2345198918

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2345198918#!/event.php?eid=120165104678589&ref=mf

AMAZING ANIMATION: LOGORAMA

2010-05-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

Logorama from Marc Altshuler - Human Music on Vimeo.

This is a short film that was directed by the French animation collective H5, François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy + Ludovic Houplain. It was presented at the Cannes Film Festival 2009. It opened the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and won a 2010 academy award under the category of animated short.

In this film there are two pieces of licensed music, in the beginning and in the end. All the other music and sound design are original. The opening track (Dean Martin "Good Morning Life") and closing track (The Ink Spots "I don't want to send the world on fire") songs are licensed pre-existing tracks. All original music and sound design is by, human (www.humanworldwide.com)

Featured: Blood, Sweat & Dub Event

2010-05-24T19:41:00.000-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?pid=30632017&id=1417771085

BLOCKHEADS UNIVERSE Art Exhibit

2010-05-09T17:41:00.000-04:00

Your mind is like using Windows 97 in this millennium, it will process things long after you input it...But On behalf of my mentor & big Bro Danilo "Eq" I am inviting all to Dream Guardians: The Blockhead Universe ...process that quickly

http://www.dreamguardians.ca/

The Color beauty @ Trane Studios Acoustic Soul

2010-04-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9foyHcCLDE

2010-04-11T23:30:00.000-04:00

Dark Clouds Animation

2010-04-07T07:26:00.000-04:00

So I am constantly impressed and inspired by other artist and work I see. This to me is amazing and it speaks to me in so many ways. Check it out, this same cat worked on 'Avatar'. So you know he's dope

Dark Clouds from Peter Szewczyk on Vimeo.

TAKE WHAT I WANT — The TAKINGs

2010-04-05T12:38:00.000-04:00

I seen a picture of this on a shirt somewhere and I re-did it. With some more flavor. I gave each character a specific color according to their personality relating to the quote..."The strong takes from the weak but the smart takes from the strong"

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

MAMA SUE

2010-04-05T08:47:00.000-04:00

This is a very heartfelt piece...I orginally seen the photograph on a Haiti documentry flyer and I thought the woman reminded me of my Great grandmother who we called Mama Sue. My Great Grandmother, Mama Sue was my mother's grandmother and she was a strong woman and she went through a lot of hardship to provide for our family. I don't know her whole story but I wished she was still alive to tell me it. But what I use to remember the most is that she always tell us(her children) to keep on keeping on... Thus it goes into my motto that tough times don't last but tough people do...

A tradition that I do when I paint is create a playlist. So for this playlist I had alot of Earth,Wind and Fire, some Curtis Mayfield, Ella fitzgerald and I was listening to Toronto own and my friend and advisor Ian Kamau. I was listening to his mixtapes and I had his most recent one on repeat the "Love and Other Struggles" because I felt like his message entwine with the message I was trying to create. So download his mixtape and you'll see what I mean.

Download Ian Kamau - Love & Other Struggles Mixtape

http://usershare.net/26ieph8d8ho7 (smaller)

http://usershare.net/6x74ty5xt5e3 (large)

So with that said I present my spoken art piece entitled "Mama Sue"

She thought of home and tears came to her eyes
She thought of her children and wonder if they were still alive
400 years of back breaking labor
She only asked God for strength to carry on and not for one savior
Her feet were bruised; arms cut and wounds were open
Her fingers were numb, back aching and eyes were swollen
But despite the pain and strife of her life her spirit was never broken
She kept on keeping on and endured
She persevered, so our future could be secured…
Because the disease of hope has no cure Acrylic on Canvas 24in x 18in

Bob Marley Painting

2010-04-05T08:42:00.001-04:00

{CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE}

Bristol Board collection # 3
Mr. Marley
Acrylic on Bristol Board

PAPER AIR PLANE DREAMER

2010-04-05T08:09:00.000-04:00

This is a spoken word art illustration piece that I created for a magazine and for some kids...It was made with a regualar ball point pen.

The story behind the work is this...Toronto's is consider one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world and believe every second or first generation Canadians like myself share the same story. Which is our parents or grand parent had a dream to provide a better opportunity for their children and thus building up a better tomorrow for children became a passed down tradition. From my great grandfathers who were indentured workers in Caribbean, to my grandfather to my Father and Mother who came to Canada to continue that tradition of trying to create a better life for their child than what they had. So out of that tradition, I will natural inherit the tradition, but on my own terms. Knowing that I wouldn't have to make as much sacrifices as my fore-parents did before me. Because they equip me with the tools necessary to have a even better future beyond their imagination.

{CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE}

I read somewhere that a boy’s dreams are an index to his greatness

But the boy who cried wolf

Didn’t have a nice jump shot like J

So he couldn’t attain a backpack dream it seemed like all his aspiration faded away

I keep my dreams on sheets of papers in a backpack

I keep a stack on a rack and rock ‘em my back

On every paper leaf these dreams were something my ancestor left with me

Concealed in the genetic makeup of my 5 star binder to prevent crumpling of the paper sheets

My backpack was compacted and stacked and passed down to me

My father wore this backpack dream but school is not going to pay the bills for an immigrant

My mother wore it, until she became pregnant

So now I wear this backpack that contain a sack of papers covered with dreams

It seems like, I like to dream dreams of the future better than the history of the past

So that’s why every time I’m in history class, I always fall asleep real fast

So one day I decided to let one of my dreams fly

So I took a sheet of paper out of my bag and held it up to the sky

Throwing my dreams into the gravity of opportunity

Because I been P.O.O.R but never conducted my self poorly

Because through my backpack dreams I’ve learnt what P.O.O.R really mean

Passing Over Opportunity Repeatedly

So for me to achieve a dream, we must not only act but plan, and not only plan but also believe

So I believe that my dreams will grow wings

So I began to fold the creases out of one of my dreams in my mind

On my right lobe I fold all past failures over my short life time

And on my left lobe I fold the courage of my soul to the center of all my fears

Then I fold the paper dream again, for all my parents’ tears

Their paper plane was for their children to be something

So I folded the other side to ensure them that their sacrifices weren’t for nothing

You see, some people dream of success, while other work hard at it

So I knew that dividing my dreams in parts would be a part of it

After I fiddle a little I divided the entire dream down the middle

And after I then folded it down a some more on both sides

Then I realize the real lies that society has us blind

My ancestor gave me these dreams in a backpack, and we call it history

So now it’s my time to make a dream out of their dreams off the collection of paper sheets

and now that I am ready to achieve… I decided that it’s time to make at least one of my dreams… FLY

“I fly like paper and get high like planes

You can catch me by the border I got visas in my name”

Through knowing the dreams of parents, made my dreams become apparent

Something passed down to me kinda’ like inheritance

So to me this thing makes total sense…

for me to let my dreams fly… and I hope I don’t poke out no one’s eyes

But I hope we all realized you don’t need a paper airplane to let our dreams fly

We just need to believe in ourselves and use tool we were equip with…and then try

My attempt at Ms.Keys

2010-03-22T08:06:00.001-04:00

Like Leonardo Da Vinci once said "Art is never finished, only abandoned." So do expect for me to be doing so more of my fav. artist Alicia Keys but this is my first attempt to add to my bristol board artist collection...{CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE}

"Alica the flower and we are her butterflies"

Acrylic on Bristol Board

24 X 18

Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert...

A MAN OF CHANGE

2010-03-16T22:03:00.000-04:00

So this is not to be cocky but I feel like if I was to die today these are the words I want to be remembered saying...

Also I would like to be remembered as a man who changed his life around and tried to influence change in others...

{CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE}

Memories are the only thing that can live forever... the closest thing that can kill a memory is to forget it... I believe every man who is on a road to redemption or righting their wrong hits a pinnacle moment on their journey when a person they care about tell them words of encouragement... For me that was my momma. She started of complaining about how my paints was too low and started saying things like you better not start this whole gangster thing all over again. Then she start complaining about my tattoo and how she gonna take me to the doctor to get tested and she just kept going on and on and on. Talking about how she use to have to steal and hide my bandanas from me at night so I wouldn't wear them to school and what's not. But she then stop in mid sentence and said but "Son, I'm proud of you". although I play like I wasn't listening the words began to marinate in my inner core...I started to reflect back how I was arrested at the border and couldn't call no one but my mom... the fights, the attitude, the disrespect, all the close death situations, all the lost friends and family member basically everything that I was apart of that caused her pain... but now that I'm doing something different and trying to make a difference she can now smile and say those word genuinely.

I realized I can be the worlds greatest hypocrite and still live and die by my words as long as I stay optimistic... and those words are "Tough time don't last but tough people do"

Still sick wit it

2010-03-16T21:05:00.000-04:00

{click image to enlarge}

I forgot I did this awhile back...LoL yeah I do graphic design as well... My first nick-name was "Quezzy"...I got it from playing ball and freestyling talking trash 2 my opponents...So the older kats strarted 2 call me Quezzy(queasy) cuz "I made hard things seem easy...so all the catties would say Que-be-easy ". So this is just the idea that I'm still ill with the style that defined me as wild.