Introduction

“We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind." -Marcus Garvey

Introduction

My father always called me his “greatest work of art”. He was not wrong. Life itself, of any kind, is a work of art, and people of indigenous heritage have known this now for millenia.  I grew up on the land of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of the Anishnaabe people, who refer to life as a ceremony. Neil Degrasse Tyson can tie the feeling of the grand expanse of the universe to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. My whole life, the more I observe the universal tenants that unify people, it has always been the fact that this universe is a grand creative ecosystem. If you would like to join me in getting closer to that ecosystem, closer to yourself and closer to the answers we so desperately need as humans to survive in the coming decade, I encourage you to join me on this journey. 

Before we get started, there are two very important things to know: 

1. This book is about creative enrichment and

2. It was made for you! 

Yes, YOU! 

It is not about shaming you for struggling to create, especially in these harsh times that seem more and more bleak. This book was created to heal you, to nourish you and to love you– even when you find it hard to love yourself. This book was created with the intention to heal your creativity, but it may also heal your relationships, your mental health, your self-confidence, your self-esteem, your productivity, your ability to create positive change in the world and most importantly, your profit. I mean, money is what everything is about these days! This is late stage capitalism! This book is not for those who believe in “creative block”, or that they may be “blocked” themselves, this book is about believing in our inner creative capacities and enriching and accessing the creativity that is always there. Anyone can use this book, but it was created by a Black artist with Black artists in mind, so to follow this book is the path to follow A Black artist’s path.

Primarily, this book was made because–if you will let me–I would like to help you stop shaming yourself for being creative. 

How to Use This Book for Your Creative Enrichment