It’s mind over matter right? But there are times when you feel that people at work, or in your relationships are trying to test your limits. They play games and attempt to push your buttons, performing senseless experiments to see what your reaction will be. Some ignore these veiled attempts at social science while others become unhinged. Your manipulative divisive maneuverings are transparent, and this game is getting old quick. Neither lab rat nor toy, so I suggest you stop playing games. (A friend has been going thru some thangs at work, and after hearing some of the stories…well, this is my creative support - hang in there.) - TMNK

Father’s day. And what could I possibly get for someone who gave me life? What could I possibly buy that would adequately express my gratitude for the sacrifices made on my behalf? I searched the stores, then I searched my heart, and realized what the occasion called for was a small yet precious gift. Thank you father. - TMNK

Peacocks and Princesses (mixed media on unstretched canvas 24″ x30″)

From street corners to street fairs, the mating season has begun. And with plumage, kicks, and whips strutting to and fro, the call has gone out. Peahens, chicks, and princesses throughout the concrete jungle are once again heeding the call of the wild.- It’s a ritual as old school as a backward flipped Kangol. - Hollar! - TMNK

I’ve been wondering as I wander, the purpose of my journey. What is God using me for? What is it I am to learn, to do? I find myself with more questions than answers. My retinas have been scorched by the violence I see in the world, which has lead me to quiet reflective meditation. I need to find an inner peace to better survive a world lacking in it. I’ve taken a hiatus from my hip-hop drenched world, and begun to read of all things the writings of Henry David Thoreau. GTFOOH. No really. I’m finding nature at times nurtures my weary soul. - TMNK

The sound of the water cascading over the rocks was very…relaxing. Perhaps I should have brought my paints. Instead, I stood there, gazing thinking, contemplating…I imagine Thoreau, and the inspiration he found a a similar sighting.

Reflecting on life’s small gifts has lead to an interesting art project. Art on gift bags, and the art of giving. And lately sharing both has been quite fun. Especially the latter, why? Because I quietly imagine the ripple effect of  my (our) random acts of kindness.  We’re creating smiles, feel free to join in. - TMNK

The fighter and the fight. Both are complicated. The fighter trains, preparing both mind and body for the inevitable battle, the fight. Only the fight, life, always takes place at a time and location unannounced, and the rules… What rules? Life doesn’t play by any stink’n rules.

And so the battle continues, for the fighter, “No Mas” is not an option.- TMNK

An overheard  conversation while riding the train today, inspired my hypothesis, and this painting. Trickonometry, is not to be confused with it’s sibling trigonometry. The latter is simple mathematics. However trick-o-nometry,  requires computations rivaling quantum physics.

Trickonometry is a combination of advanced calculations, and complex division, and socio-bs used to keep us the human race divided. Disliking, prejudging, HATING each other, simply because of the color of one’s skin. Sadly, while great gains have been made in modern medicine and science, it seems we still have a long way to go before we accept the simple math that we’re all equal. - TMNK

Back from a visit to the dentist. My Lil’ dude had/has a cavity. (yeah it seems super Heros get cavities too). So, off we went to battle tooth decay together. Their attempts to take away his super strength by pumping him full of nitrous oxide failed. It was a fierce battle, but in the end, my sons super powers prevailed. The cavity went unfilled,
And so the battle continues…

The super hero painting is finished, I decided to make it a surprise gift to the SUPER HERO/Super Kid that inspired it. Now I’m working on a painting about a fighter. Not the type who does it for sport or prize money though. Anyway, it’s a work in progress, the fight, and the painting are just getting underway. - TMNK