I’m telling everybody you’re mine, and I like it.
You heard it — my best friend is now my boyfriend. I could not be more grateful for how we came to be where we are.
This is the most considerate, respectful, hilarious, witty, wise, talented, intellectual, communicative, vulnerable, safe, loving, God-centered, kingly, handsome man I know.
He has been right under my nose this whole time.
I know some of you all would like to think it was something more this whole time but this is new-new. We have been friends for almost two years. And, now we get to be that with endless hugs, kisses, and I get to stare into the depths of his soul through his beautiful eyes.
I knew I needed to be friends with someone before my next romance, and yet still was afraid to lose him as a friend once feeling the emotions. I refused to let fear get in the way of a good man entering into my life, and instead dropped my walls and hardened heart, and leaned into vulnerability.
Thank you to everyone who I faced before him — you all prepared me to be so grateful to receive a fully packaged partner who is ready to love me wholeheartedly and unconditionally, even when I was not even looking for love.
To my man: Every day has been renewing with you as I get to learn more about you and your unique ways. Thank you for always being who you are. The synergy between us is unmatched. I am so grateful for you. You are safe with me. I love you baby (@jakeemdadream ) ❤️
One skill I believe I have strength in analogue photography is double exposures. The way I had been able to explore with them at my earlier stages of seriousness with film was self portraiture.
When taking my own photo, I don’t know placement unless I measure things out like taking footsteps that match the distance on the focus lens or pointing from behind the camera to see where I may need to be without cutting my head off and framing properly.
This is not an easy task and I’ve messed this up a lot. Because I shoot on film, it can be discouraging to “waste away shots” on a roll of 36 exposures, though it is a learning experience, too.
Most of the things I love doing are some of the most challenging things. It’s like, it’s not good enough to do things that are easy for me. If you know me well enough, you can attest to this.
With this comes various states of being that might look like excitement, frustration, determination, patience, uncertainty, resistance, faith and the like.
It might seem that I intentionally put myself through turmoil though who would I be if I never faced challenges that I wasn’t willing to learn from.
That sentence right there is a part of everything that I am. I must find something in everything to learn from, even the small things. A quote I had come to me a couple years back is, “Nothing is ever lost, and there is always something to be learned.”
I grapple with accepting this at times, though it is true.
For the things we have “lost” or “missed out on” we have then gained something from that absence. It is for us to determine what those things are. I challenge you to be optimistic when you are healing, faithful when you fear, loving when there is pain, and listen to what is more for you as you move through each little journey of your greater journey.
This is not to say to put a mask on when you grieve (crying is healthy), but to learn better how to deal with grief each time that you do.
Everything is already okay. You may not always see the plan that has been laid out for you, though trusting God will allow for that plan to be secured and lived through. God will take care of you if you allow God to.
It is time we surrender.
The woman who I am becoming has been guided by the precursor and living iteration of who my grandmother and mom continue to show themselves to be.
It has been my intention to cultivate this photo to illustrate the evolution and generation of growth of who we all are coming from and growing into. As we are individuals and take our unique path of living, there are parts of us that develop from those who have come before us.
Remember who you are, where you came from, and for the One who brought us all here to be in this very place to do His work. Be grateful for where you are in this very moment, this space could not be if all that had happened, had not; and, what greatness is to come will require for you be where you are right now.
So honored and grateful to be a featured artist in the GODBODY Femme exhibition curated by Ty Davis (@_ty.davis ), taking place at Public Works (@publicworksartcenter ).
The show opens this Thursday, May 21st with an opening reception from 5:30-8:30pm. Pull up!
There are other incredible women artists featured in the exhibition that I am so grateful to be showcasing alongside.
Mark your calendars, and I will see you there!
We’ve got another one in order!
A Juneteenth exhibition featuring local Black artists who are showcasing works at both Redux Contemporary Art Center (@reduxartcenter ) and Avery Research Center (@averyresearchcenter ).
We have 15 featured artists to celebrate the emancipation and liberation of Black folk through showing as a collective yet unique expressions of their own work.
The exhibition is themed By Any Means.
By Any Means is a declaration: to intentionally become — fully and truthfully, by whatever means it requires.
This exhibition brings together artists with an unshakable commitment to expression through image, form, texture, and gesture. Each work speaks to the necessity of being seen, felt, and fully realized.
Centering artists who create as an extension of self. The work is unfiltered, unapologetic, and honest—driven not by expectation, but by intention, experience, and identity.
In the spirit of Juneteenth, this exhibition honors the ongoing pursuit of freedom may it be creative, personal, and collective.
There is a sacredness in choosing to be seen. Releasing what is held, and allowing what is within to take form, by any means necessary.
Join us in celebrating this day through the exhibition experience.
Redux Contemporary Art Center
1056 King Street, Charleston, SC
Exhibition Dates: Friday, May 29th - Friday, August 7th
Redux Opening: Friday, May 29th from 5:00-8:00pm
Official Juneteenth Opening: Friday, June 19th from 4:00-7:00pm
Avery Research Center
125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC
Exhibition Dates: Tuesday, June 9th - Friday, August 7th
Avery Official Opening: Tuesday, June 9th from 5:30-8:30pm
Featured Artists:
Barry White @typheadamus
Christopher Kyle @art_is_expressive
Damion Johnson @damionjtheartist
Dogon Krigga @artbykrigga
J Henry @jhenrystudio
Jahnna Blyden @jahnna.png (featured artwork on flyer)
JAKEEM DA DREAM @jakeemdadream
Justin Moultrie @jjm.art93
Kalah Crawford @addartbykalah
Kalianna @kalianna.arts
Michelle Kaye @michellekayeart
Najee Reese @najpaints
Nathalie Watson @nathaliemarievisuals_
Ty Davis @_ty.davis
Zion Shakur @zionshakur
Babe and I were asked to be live models for the Live Portrait Competition this year for ArtFields (@artfieldssc ). The theme this year was Makers & Musicians! How cool :)
We were honored and grateful to have been subjects for some incredible artists. Shout out to Kyle Coleman (@kyleccoleman ) for the invitation and who ran a smooth and wholesome experience around this competition!
I had the pleasure of being painted by a good friend Barry White (@typheadamus ) and Melvin (@melvindnix ), and DOMO was painted by another good friend Chris Harmon (@chrisharmonart , (@lillianacameronart ) and (@barbarayongueart ).
Our story as creatives is not limited to us being visual artists and we are realizing more and more our role and responsibility grows bigger each day.
Not as models, but to be in community and to making life choices together. As we are in partnership, there is not much I need or want to do without my man.
I still get to maintain my independence and autonomy, though I also get to enjoy special moments alongside my person.
I am so grateful to have a supportive partner who encourages me in who I am and I am blessed to be able to do the same for him.
To love everlasting!
What better time than to post this stunning image of Susan C. Gregory (@susancgregory ) a year after it was initially taken. (This was not intentional, but must say aligning.)
Picking up where I left off on my feed posts just to celebrate her in her solo show at Nidum Studios (@nidumgallery ). The show is up now and her closing is on Friday, April 17th with her Artist Talk beginning at 6pm.
Susan is one of my dearest friends — I admire her heart, spirit, creativity, and intentionality across her life and interests.
I know a lot of people, but Susan is truly a friend. It has been incredible getting to know her over these past few years, spending quality time, being in support of each other, genuinely encouraging one another, sharing laughs, being present to listen, creating together, and so much more.
Even with the ebbs and flows of life, the care still remains.
I am so proud of Susan in who she is and what she shares. If you haven’t seen her show yet and/or want to hear her intentions of her show, pull up Friday!
She’s a total badxss. Respectfully.
With photo selections to post..
With whether or not to take a photo.
With people I classify as friends.
With ice cream.
With water.
With eating out.
With what work is worth my time.
With organizing events.
With what brings me out in the streets.
With who and how I want to be..
I’m picky.
And, in your life - you should be, too.
Not everything or everyone is for you. Choose wisely how you are spending your time. It is fleeting!
It might be a point in your life where you need to reflect on what things or people you are in need of letting go.
Do yourself a favor and take the time for yourself to see what is there. By letting go, you will open up doors to those things you had longed for and been distracted from.
Your blessings are already on their way to you, you just have to make room for them to be welcomed in.
Subject: Susan @susancgregory
Location: Studio 19, Redux @reduxartcenter
Camera: Mamiya C220 @mamiya_magazine
Film: Kodak Portra 800 - 120 film @kodak
#analoguephotography #analogueportraits #filmphotography #filmisnotdead #filmforever #filmwave #120film #120filmphotography #kodakportra800 #kodak #kodakportra #mindfulphotography #mindfulnessphotography
So much to say about this special being.
Kind, innovative, ambitious, self-reflective, fine-tuned, playful, encouraging, and confident - and a joy!
I always enjoy being in the presence of Susan (@susancgregory ), and so grateful to be growing a relationship with her in multiple ways. I keep my circle small, but I’m glad to be in the number!
Did you notice this photo is square? 🎇 sometimes bigger is better..
Subject: Susan Gregory (@susancgregory )
Film Stock: Portra 800 | 120 film (@kodak )
Camera: Mamiya C220 (@mamiya_magazine )
Lighting: Amaran 150c (@amarancreators )
Location: Redux Contemporary Art Center (@reduxartcenter )
Going to be hitting you with some special images I’ve been holding onto for a while.
While it’s taken many particulars to get this style of photography nailed down, I am committed to doing all that I can to offer the best outcomes.
It is not guaranteed with film, and I still appreciate your trust in me nevertheless.
If you ever want some cool headshots done to have images for your creative practice to share online, they are taken in my studio with a whole vibe.
DM your inquiries, or email, text, call, teleport - whatever :)
Model: Steph (@rabidlegion )
Film: Portra 800 35mm film (@kodak )
Light: Amaran 150c (@amarancreators )
Studio: Redux Contemporary Art Center (@reduxartcenter )
Camera: Canon AE-1 Program (@canonusa )
#filmforever #filmisnotdead #filmphotography #charlestonphotographer #charlestonartist #charlestonart #35mmfilm #kodakfilm #kodakportra800
Sometimes you just need to take a ride.
Where are you going?
#ferriswheels #irvinespectrum #cityoflosangeles #analoguephotographer #filmphotography #35mmfilm #kodakfilmphotography
God created the earth and the universe.
#joshuatree #analoguephotography #filmphotography #naturephotography #35mmfilm #sunsetphotographs #earthday #thankyougod
