A name is a sort of frame for a picture. For me Thorn, my artist moniker, (which actually is part of my name) is the perfect frame for the picture that is my artwork and advocacy work. Because I received resistance with the various types of artwork and advocacy work that I do (for the incarcerate,formerly incarcerated, and equitable public art access) I began to embrace the resistance. Interestingly enough, I was listening to the book The New Jim Crow and heard a couple thoughts on ‘Gansta Rap Culture’ in what I feel is the proper perspective: “there is nothing abnormal or surprising about a stigmatized culture embracing their stigma”. It is all in an effort to find the positive in the negative. That describes me accurately for sure: definitely always trying to find the positive in all situations.
Let's Break The Wheel!! For Reals This Time.
What we can all do to break the wheel.
#NotAFan But I Really Want To Be.
It’s not the job of artists to sanitize themselves for the sake of public consumption or branding; but it is our responsibility to think about our legacy and how what we produce as artists affects the world as a whole.
The Fear Factor. What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?
Does fear rule your world?
Haters Gonna Hate...
What do you do when those you spend the most time with might be affecting your work negatively?
Giving Thanks For What You CAN Do.
Of course no one is perfect, but what do you do when what you feel like you CAN'T do overshadows what you CAN do?
The Artistic Perils of Constant Agreement
What is the real danger when artists just want to be 'liked'?