Who Am I Becoming?

It's a very deep question. Not just one that I'm asking myself, but one that I'm encouraging everyone of you to ask as well. Yes YOU! If you're reading this blog entry today, I want this message to be specifically for YOU. Doesn't matter where you are, what time of day or night it is, I want you to read this as if I'm talking to you. What are you becoming?

Last night was very eye opening for me. After I posted my Tiger Lily blog, the response that I got from it was enormous in comparison to my other blogs. Likes, actual feedback, shares, people reaching out to me, you name it. I was so thankful and humbled that what I wrote, was being taken seriously. It even made a few of my supporters laugh. I loved that. It is, after all, the GREATEST medicine known to man. So after writing the blog, I began the drawing process of my depiction of Tiger Lily. Have you ever worked on something and ended up shocking yourself?! That's sort of what happened to me last night.

Don't get me wrong, I've always known that I had it in me to create something really good. What I didn't know, was how organic and freeing working on something just for me would feel like. I hadn't done it in quite some time. There was no time restriction, no consultation needed to make changes here or there, didn't need to change the design because it was exactly how I saw it in my head. It felt great. So I posted progress photos of what I was doing. The feedback and response that I got was amazing. For so long now, I've been saying, I just want some feedback. ANY kind. I just want to know how people are receiving this image. Then I started to get wrapped up and consumed by that. I was starting to become an artist that only worried about how others viewed my work and not necessarily how I saw it myself.

So last night, I asked myself, "What am I becoming?"....

Then it hit me. Like a lightening bolt....It stung a little, but it woke me up. I realized, that I'm becoming the kind of artist that I always dreamed I would grow up to be. I created something that made ME happy. I was able to reach others in the process. Humbled and extremely thankful, I'm becoming... me! A better version of myself. This drawing was just the thing to get me started. I still have a long way to go. I'm growing up in art. Last night was like my rebirth of self. I cant wait to see what's next for me, and what's next for you. Don't be afraid to dream and don't be afraid to discover who you are.


Keep Creating,
<3 Karii J.

Finally...Something For Me!!

      I've been one busy person lately. Working with incredible local artists, meeting other artists from out of my area, traveling to NYC for art showcases etc., etc. With all of that being said, I feel like I'm kinda starting to make a name for myself. With the First Friday events, I'm actually starting to get people who are coming out with the sole purpose of seeing my work. Which is always an amazing feeling. Thank you to each and every supporter, motivator, and person who sends me words of encouragement. 

     Okay so now that I have that out of the way, I'm so excited to make this announcement. For quite some time now, I've been creating artwork for the purpose of trying to sell it, or for someone else. It's been a while since I created a piece that was just for my own enjoyment. I think that now is the perfect time for me to do that. Anyone who truly knows me... knows just how much I'm a fan-girl over Disney Princesses. Especially when they're recreated by other artists and they look more....edgy, i.e. the "Disney Punk/Hipster Princesses"! If you're still not following me, I mean THIS version of Disney:

    Pretty badass right?! Well I've always wanted to tackle this one particular character. I don't feel as though she gets the credit she needs even though in the Disney film, she is CLEARLY labeled as a princess. I like to think of her as the "forgotten" princess. Who am I talking about? This lovely little flower here:

THAT'S RIGHT!!!

TIGER LILY UP IN THIS BIOTCH!!!

    Of course, I will be doing my own depiction of her. How could I not?! She is one of my favorites because she didn't get a lot of time to shine, but when she DID... OMG did she show out! Captain Hook wanna tie me up? Toss me overboard?! I ain't stressin'... I'm Tiger Lily. Better ask about me son!

    Growing up, I always imagined that's what was running through her head. I mean... look at her pic. She's calm, cool, and collected! My kinda princess. So I'm very excited to start on this project. Knowing myself the way that I do, I'm seeing a slightly older version, tattoos, face paint, definite attitude, maybe a peace pipe or two lol and a sexy edge about her. Planning on recording my process as well so you can all enjoy this project with me. Stay tuned. It's about to get NATIVE up in here!

Keep Creating,

<3 Karii J.