I went to a couple vintage stores and found the perfect vintage fur, but I knew I was at home when I saw Popeyes chicken (laughs). I stood outside to take in the air and scenery of the beautiful street murals on every corner, and then I saw it.....
I looked across the street on Flushing Avenue and I spotted some original Jean Michel Basquiat graffiti. I ran across the street almost causing a driver to hit me. When I saw it I was in shock. I have previously blogged about my fascination with his work, but to see this legendary Artist work randomly on the sidewalk in Brooklyn was something different. I have studied his early works doing "Samo" all over BK and his ultimate struggle to just be an great artist without all the things that come along with it, like fame and fortunes. I could picture him standing there barefoot spray painting the wall as people walked by not knowing the significance of what was taking place.
I took videos and pictures of course, then I started to realize how similar I lives were. I too am an artist of design who can be very reclusive, yet I have visions I want to share with the world. However, I wasn't prepared for the spotlight. It seems as you get to the point where you are at your peek, it becomes scary because then you are forced to be socially accepted which is something I struggle with. Like Basquiat, I just want to make beautiful clothing and art but not have to conform to do so. I too suffer from manic depression at times and just want to be left alone to work. I too struggle with relationships and can be irrational but my heart is likewise pure. At least I want to believe so. This moment became the best part of me trip. Manhattan was cool, but Brooklyn way cooler.
A local resident happened to walk by and I guess he could tell I wasn't from around there. I told him I was from South Carolina by way of Atlanta. He laughed and said what are you doing in CROOKLYN. I said, "just visiting for FashionWeek". He said, "you crossed the wrong being there isn't anything cute out her, just new crooks, old crooks, and baby crooks, some good people but still just what is left from a long history of crazy locals". I asked him had he heard of the legendary Brooklyn street artist Basquiat he replied, "Yea, that famous weird homeless guy. I remember him, he was really a jerk but very talented." I wondered would people remember me the same way and laughed to myself. I have been known to be a jerk myself at times but still passionate about my work.
Like Jean-Michel I noticed when I do a photoshoot, share I ideas, or style models, I look on my FB or IG and see another model or colleague doing something I've done or shared. Like him, I'm not sure if I should be flattered or offended but at the end of the day, it's just proves a point. When something is dope, people will follow suit, I guess it's there way of saying I can do it too. But, just as people sold his work for thousands and and gave him pennies as well as made deals without his knowledge it made me realize I have to take control of my vision in a different manner. I will never get to be mused by Andy Warhol but I am ready to make my own mark on the world.
When I started my business I just did it as an experiment not knowing where it would take me. People around me said do this or do that, like Basquiat, tying push me when I just wanted to make beautiful clothes and be normal. I'm very weird myself and awkward when it comes to social behaviors so I understand how his drove him mad. However, it's a necessity. I continued to walk the quant streets of Brooklyn remembering walking the streets of my own hometown neighborhood, Kennedy Park. I have come a long way but such a long way to go. CROOKLYN serves me some food for thought. If I ever want to be legendary I have to be Mysrlf regardless of what anyone thinks. Despite my shortcomings that's all I can be. If I don't I'm robbing myself and I too am just another Crook in CROOKLYN. I'm ready and willing to step outside the box, the next time I come over the bridge I'll never forget the breakthrough moment I had on Flushing and Nicabaca where I realized before anyone believes in me I have to be myself and never compromise my talent for society's gain. I can't wait to go back. I'm just another Tree that grew in Brooklyn.
