Resilience and individuality

Quote found on the Internet

“Joshua Waitzkin said, “The moment we believe that success is determined by an ingrained level of ability as opposed to resilience and hard work, we will be brittle in the face of adversity”. This quote suggests that if people believe that success is determined by innate ability rather than hard work and resilience, they may be more fragile when faced with adversity.”

Dynamic advocate for mental well-being and individual resilience, dedicated to inspiring others through impactful visual storytelling and empowerment strategies. Passionate about challenging conventional beauty standards and promoting inclusivity, I use my creativity to ignite meaningful conversations that foster self-acceptance. With a strong belief in the importance of resilience—rooted in community, compassion, confidence, commitment, and centering—I empower individuals to adapt, withstand, and recover from life's challenges, prioritizing their mental health and personal growth.

“Individual resilience is the ability to adapt to, withstand, and recover from stress and adversity. It involves thoughts, actions, and behaviors that promote mental health and personal well-being.Individual resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that promote personal wellbeing and mental health. People can develop the ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from stress and adversity—and maintain or return to a state of mental health wellbeing—by using effective coping strategies.Resilience consists of these five elements: community, compassion, confidence, commitment, and centering.”

Resilience. Digital art created on canvas. August 1, 2024. Afrika Abney

This abstract red, plum and brown digital painting is a powerful representation of resilience, with the bold red symbolizing strength, and passion, while the deep brown reflects the richness of individuality and personal identity.

Djimo Kouyate

Commissioned Photography for Baba Djimo Kouyate Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 1997, Washington, DC Photograph by Ms. Afrika Abney "Djimo Kouyaté (August 16, 1946 - August 1, 2004). Djimo Kouyate was from the Malinké tribe, a sub-group of the Mandingo people. Born in Tambacounda, Senegal, he was from a distinguished family of griots who trace their ancestry back to the thirteenth century. A master kora player and a fine singer and dancer, Djimo also played a variety of other instruments including balafon (wooden xylophone), drums, and other string instruments. He worked with the Senegalese National Ballet as a singer and dancer since 1960, and was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble of Senegal."

Simple White

The necessity for acquiring whiteboards has diminished for me, as I ceased offering educational services back in 2018. Since that time, my focus has shifted entirely. I have been working on my branding and digital art where I utilize various digital applications to express my creativity. In this context, the color white serves a significant purpose, often representing simplicity and clarity in my artistic endeavors. “The concept of Simple White embodies the essence of minimalism, where the purity of the color white acts as an open canvas for creativity and innovation, allowing ideas to flourish without the distractions of complexity. The color white encourages a harmonious balance between creativity and tranquility.”

Interpretations or meanings

I am not playing mind games with anyone.I have made it abundantly clear that I am no longer in the role of a student. I was a student from 1978 - 1997 and I will not accept being treated as one. With over three decades of experience providing consulting services, I have established my identity in this field, and I kindly ask that you cease any actions that undermine that status. It is essential for you to understand the importance of respecting my professional journey. I have dedicated many years to honing my craft and building a reputation that reflects my expertise. Therefore, I urge you to take a moment to review the content I have shared and refrain from searching for interpretations or meanings that simply do not exist in my writings or on my blog. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your understanding.

Sky Breeze

Sky Breeze. Digital art created on canvas. September 17, 2024. Afrika Abney “Sky Breeze embodies the spirit of a serene and invigorating light blue hue, evoking the imagery of a pristine sky paired with the gentle caress of a soft wind.” “The influence of solid colors on the emotional resonance and overall atmosphere of abstract paintings, whether they are created through traditional methods or digital techniques, is a significant aspect of art appreciation and interpretation. Colors possess inherent psychological properties that can evoke a wide range of feelings and responses from viewers. For instance, warm colors like reds and oranges often convey energy and passion, while cooler tones such as blues and greens can instill a sense of calmness and tranquility. The strategic use of these solid colors can dramatically alter the viewer's perception and emotional engagement with the artwork. Furthermore, the impact of solid colors extends beyond mere aesthetics; it also influences th...

The AACL Tour presented by Esther Productions Inc. in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing

The AACL Tour opened on March 16th and took place at Francis Gregory. The next AACL Tour is scheduled to take place on April 20, 2024. Please see details below: (Photo credit from Esther Productions, Inc's programs)- https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/aachildrensliterature Esther Productions Inc., in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing presents two authors Ms. Joy Jones and Mr. E.Ethelbert Miller on April 20th. Info: aachildrenslit2023 @gmail.com . " Joy Jones has taught creative writing and public speaking to middle school students and coached poetry slam teams. Her children’s book Tambourine Moon (Simon & Schuster) was chosen in 2000 as a Kid’s Pick of the Lists by the American Booksellers Association, selected as one of the best books for children by the black caucus of the ALA, and seen on Fox TV’s hit show The Bernie Mac Show. She is also the author of Private Lessons:A Book of Meditations for Te...

Gentle Spectrum

Gentle Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. August 12, 2024. Afrika Abney The name Gentle Spectrum beautifully captures the delicate nature of the colors, showcasing a harmonious blend that invites admiration. It suggests a soothing visual experience, where each hue flows seamlessly into the next, creating a tranquil atmosphere. This title not only reflects the gentle quality of the palette but also encourages viewers to delve deeper into the artwork, discovering the subtle variations and nuances that lie within. By choosing the name Gentle Spectrum, the emphasis is placed on the tender interplay of colors that characterize the piece. This title evokes a sense of calm and serenity, inviting observers to immerse themselves in the artwork's rich tapestry of shades. The term "spectrum" implies a wide array of colors, hinting at the complexity and depth that can be uncovered upon closer inspection, making the viewing experience both engaging and enlightening. Gentle Spec...

Finger Painting Techniques

I am committed to promoting finger painting as a powerful medium for self-expression and creativity. With a background in fine arts, I have honed my skills to create captivating and expressive works of art that engage viewers on a deep emotional level. Summer Blossoms. May 2022. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney Selected Accomplishments: Featured on the book cover of Kaleidoscope with my finger painting "Summer Blossoms" in 2022 Donated my abstract finger painting "Flock of Feathers #1" to Esther Productions, Inc in 2022 Summer Blossoms: https://msafrikaabney.blogspot.com/2023/03/summer-blossoms.html

The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene

“The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and social commentary. Writers often address pressing issues through their work, reflecting the complexities of urban life and the diverse experiences of the city's inhabitants. This literary engagement not only captivates audiences but also inspires action and awareness around various social topics. As the art scene continues to evolve, the integration of literary forms with other artistic expressions promises to further enrich the cultural landscape, making Washington, D.C. a significant hub for artistic innovation and collaboration.” Join Mr. Miller, Ms. Ayala and Mr. Gilmore at Tenley on September 14th. For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com. Additional details can also be found on the official website of Esther Productions, Inc. at the provided link - https://www.est...

Energetic Canvas

Energetic Canvas. Digital art created on canvas. August 14, 2024. Afrika Abney My attention is firmly directed towards my own endeavors.Rather than dwelling on what has transpired in the past, I choose to channel my energy into the present. This approach allows me to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes my projects ensuring that I remain productive and engaged in my work. I find that my focus is best spent on my own initiatives, rather than being sidetracked. The past holds no sway over my current mindset; instead, I am dedicated to advancing my own goals. By concentrating on the services I provide, I can maintain a clear vision of what I want to achieve and how I can best serve my client. I am committed to nurturing my projects and honing the services I offer, which allows me to create a meaningful impact.

Why Work with Women and Girls?

" As women, we have been taught to always compete with each other and compare ourselves on the basis of the way we look and act. Working with each other closely kills that way of thinking, empowers us and helps us create together in an environment that we feel safe in." Therefore, working with women and girls not helps me to empower them to feel good about themselves, but to heal themselves from trauma and other experiences that they may encountered. Organizations such as Esther Productions, Inc and the African American Women's Resource Center allowed me to work with a diverse set of women and girls from different backgrounds and sexual orientation beliefs. In 2004, I began to work with Esther Productions, Inc and from 2017 - 2018, I provided services for the African American Women's Resource Center. Esther Productions, Inc. is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europ...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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