My gifts have opened doors for me, I’ve only been comfortable walking through them when I can bring as many people with me as possible and create something new within.
I know how to paint, and every now and then my ideas are cool. I sometimes find myself in the right place at the right time. I don't want to dismiss these things as small.
But, I reached a point a while ago where I was able to stop and synthesize what scaling looks like. What does it mean to have enough? What does it mean to be a bigger artist ? What does it mean to demand more attention, more consideration in the minds of an invisible audience? What does it mean to make more money? To drive the prices up? “to look in the mirror and say, there I am…” to see yourself as a flower.
All those versions of the other side of the scale felt in extreme contradiction to how this started for me. The goal wasn’t necessarily to become a flower. But grapple with the question, and imagine alternatives to the present. Interrogate The idea that all great art should be a hospital or a church.
We created @eternalseeds with this question in mind. “What’s more important the flower or the soil that grew it?”
This post has been archived since January because I didn’t know how to post it, I’m still at conflict about how we let people in to the work that we do, how amplifying this practice seems to be in contradiction to why I love this practice in the first place. The audience it requires are the people who find themselves walking through the door curious about the same questions that got us here. But to be clear this practice is for all who find the door. And the door has always been there.
understand we are building something inside 2941royal street. Building something that is taking up most of my capacity at all times. Its a type of tunnel vision I’ve grown to love - the light at the end - a north star of sorts. We got work to do. and we will need your help. Stay tuned.
( photos from when I surprised the team with jackets ) 📸 @tauriacphoto
Today marks 10 yrs since the first mural I painted illegally on the walls of the damaged Florida Housing project in the 9th ward of New Orleans. It would be cliche to say I was lost then, Before those walls called to me. I remember late one night standing at the lake, The closest place I could find at the edge of nowhere. Face full of tears, feeling rudderless and impatient with my purpose. Praying an answer would appear in the darkness ahead of me. The process of painting those walls began to look like a compass. And I made an agreement with myself that I would follow where ever it took me. I don’t think I could ever have imagined it would have taken me here. There’s something to be said about being in the right place at the right time when an idea’s time has come. And I remember that time and place very well. The trespassing through fences and climbing over missing stairs, the experimenting with spraypaint, the amazing people who found their way there, the conversations that lead to the name #ProjectBe, But most of all I remember the silence. The needed escape from the noisy self expectations that started to chip away my curiosity and wonder. Thank you to everyone who helped on this journey, all those who made #ProjectBe a magical place of imagination. Self preservation sometimes tempts us to relocate others to the periphery of one’s own narrative. It’s one of the many flaws of ego. But my forever note is that I am who I am because of who loved me. I’m thankful for all who loved me or found me useful enough for themselves to be a part of this journey, even if it was for only a season, or a conversation, or a hug, or a laugh, or a lesson thank you. Also to not reduce the version of me 10 years ago, I want to thank myself for falling in love with the rattle of a spraycan and the possibilities of the worlds it could produce. For not giving up on myself. For being committed to wonder. A single post can not began to summarize what has happened in the 10 years since, but in an attempt to be true to the lessons learned we created the 10 #EternalPillarsOfBE. Over the next 10 days I will share a pillar a day. as we plan for the next chapter to be the best chapter. Love
What does it mean to scale? I think of the 8 second rule. Grateful to share at @ourworldindesign symposium in Atl at the @highmuseumofart . Love to my brother @michaelpmurphyjr for putting together such an amazing day.
This summer once again, we’re bringing together a select group of young artists to create real work in the city, learn the stories behind it, and build something that lasts.
Tag a young artist who need to be here. Link to apply in the bio. 🙏🏾✨🌱
6 years ago, our Non-profit @eternalseeds , founded by @bmike2c and the @studio_be_ team, was created to serve young and emerging artists in our communities.
We operate within the heart posture of inspiring, educating and empowering artists who walk through our doors, setting them up with the necessary tools they need to become the leaders they were born to be!
We thank you for your support this #GiveNOLADAY and every day as we continue to build toward an equitable and bright future.
If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to donate! Visit our link in bio to learn more 💐✊🏾🧡🎨🎥
Excerpt from @eternalseeds student produced documentary / animation - about their journey during the 2025 summer arts intensive to proudce the mural on the levee wall in 9th ward. Support @eternalseeds this give nola day!
I’ve said this many times before, but I don’t know where I would be if it had not been for this important part of my practice. I believe that if I never paint another canvas or wall, as long as I can continue to be in proximity with the responsibility of passing it on, I will consider it all worth it. Today as we celebrate, give nola day and honor all the amazing work that people are doing to make New Orleans better, I would be remiss to not highlight the work of our organization, @eternalseeds - we are committed to investing in young and emerging artists, giving them the tools they need to develop their voices and their callings. we are grateful to have your support year around, but especially on this give nola day. Here are a few excerpts from the student made documentary from 2025 summer session art intensive, one of the many programs of @eternalseeds at @studio_be_ . ( link to support our give nola day campaign in bio )
Our second—and final—Eternal Flower of 2026.
@lareezymusic a new voice blossoming, shaping sound and story in his own way. Painted by @morrahbe , one of @eternalseeds ‘ own, a young artist stepping into her own bloom.
This one means a lot. A leader of the youth, painted by a leader of the youth. Celebrating the next generation of culture bearers
Numbered andSigned by Morrah and La Reezy prints available. Proceeds of this prints benefit @eternalseeds and @lareezymusic ‘s @channeluth .
What’s up y’all!
Here to share portraits of New York Times bestselling poet, author, and activist @cleowade
Around April 2025, I had the opportunity to photograph Cleo in collaboration with @eternalseeds for the “Eternal Flowers” project for @jazzfest
If you don’t know her by face, you’ve likely felt her through her words. Cleo has a way of meeting people where they are—offering language that holds love, hope, reflection, and resilience all at once. If you ever find yourself in need of inspiration, I highly recommend spending time with her work. We thank you. Our spirits thank you for loving on us through your art.
“You want love, be love. You want light, be light.”
A simple reminder, but one that calls for intention in how we move, speak, and show up for each other.
Eternal Seeds continues to remind us of the importance of pouring into our youth and community.
Grateful to share space with you all.
Give @eternalseeds a follow to learn more about the work they’re building, and be sure to check out Cleo’s latest work, In A World Of Sunrises.☀️🙏🏽
Love love
#eternalseeds #eternalsflowers #studiobe #jazzfest #neworleansphotographer
Limited signed and numbed prints now available on @studio_be_ website and gift shop. Archival prints signed by BMike and Baba Luther Gray. Unlimited poster prints available as well. Proceeds benefit @eternalseeds and @congosquaredrumcircle .
