Oil Pastel Art for the 09...©ArtofTodd.com
Wow – James Ingram is from my hometown of Akron, Ohio. Of course, so is LeBron “King” James & Chris “Beanie” Wells. And the point is…
Akron - home of the Goodyear blimp
Evidently, Ingram is this dope a#s singer from way back in the day. Don’t know how many of you have heard the sappy classic How Do You Keep the Music Playing. But, I was in the mall, heard it, and through the wonders of Google, found out James Ingram sang it.
But I digress…my Mom passed this past October. It’s left a huge hole in my heart. I was depressed (so that’s what it’s like). I’ve heard a parent passing is something you can’t relate to until you go through it. It’s true & I got new found respect and understanding for Kanye West & his public struggles. I pretty much stopped creatively. Had trouble focusing and sleeping. 
A walking zombie…
Thought I was losing it in some ways. No doubt I miss my Mom…her laugh, smile, unconditional love, encouragement, spirit, humor, guidance…but I have to believe she is in a better place. And I know she would want me to get my ‘ish’ together and carry on. I was blessed to have her. I’m blessed with wonderful family & friends.
So – the New Year is here. 
And for the first time I feel this real sense of New Year’s Day renewal all up in my chakras. I set up my art table and painted last night. Was wondering what music to vibe on…having grown past my Tupac and 50 Cent (oh, and Budweiser for now).
Sippin’ on a classier upscale brew (Corona!) while listening to the darkest most sophisticated Steely Dan track ever (Deacon Blues -one of the absolute most killer lyrics in rock history) and some even darker Gino Vannelli (don’t ask where I got it, but Crazy Life is murder) – I flowed again. Always feel gotta’ wallow in the dark to see the light.
My Mom was working through me…and I GOT MY MOJO WORKIN’! This art piece is entitled Crazy. To really get back into my art, I have to do more originals. To top it off, tonight, I even stopped by the local restaurant and am now booked to play an acoustic set on January 21. Haven’t practiced my guitar or sung since right before my Mom passed. And, I joined the local art council. It’s time to get loose! Time to find my voice again.
I hope this New Year, the saddle finds u back in it too! Thanks for stopping by. Thanks Mom…I feel u talkin’ to me.
Let’s keep the music playing! Let’s get Tantric up in the chakras!
God bless, Peace and soul y’all – Todd
p.s. – My Black Folk Art expresses the universal experience…and this is mine…hope u feel my flow…
p.s. 2 – wanna’ make this blog an interactive experience? play the Steely Dan or Gino Vannelli tracks above while studying Crazy. Music sometimes tells me where my head is at a given moment in time. Feel my flow?
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