I first met Papa Edgard in 2001 when traveling to New Orleans to visit Sallie Ann Glassman and through that experience my life and self were forever changed. His impact is never ceasing, from learning attention to detail through knowing it's best to do things 'right' the first time, he is ever present in all I do. I always feel him looking at me from the spiritual realm and making the little noise he made when he was pleased with the results of his efforts.

Dr. Angelou first created change in my own young adult life, as she did many, when I read "I know why the caged bird sings." Then it seemed as if she was ever present in my world as a guiding light showing up at many crossroads with perfectly timed messages. How powerful of an energy she had to make such an impact without ever physically meeting or ever being in her presence. It seemed she was forever presenting 'new' old words of wisdom just when I needed them. From hearing the talks as she sat with Malcolm X, to "a letter to my Daughter", to the ever powerful poem and and documentary "And still I rise." she was always with me.

Greg "Sampson" Lange is a special member of our family. My precious daughter in laws father who was lost to this family too soon. I met him only once, but it was spiritually aligned in a way that still gives me chills when I think about it. Never forgotten, always loved. "May we stand on the shoulders of those who walk before us."

Virginia Griggs was an amazing woman that we were blessed to have been connected with. My precious daughter in laws grandmother who was cherished by many. I remember when I first met her it was overwhelmingly obvious the love she had for her family. Never forgotten, always loved.

"May we stand on the shoulders of those who walk before us."

Nina was more than part of our family she was friend, protector, companion, and so much more. Her impressions on our lives is lasting. Never forgotten, always loved.

“Sam was the weirdest anchor over many years.” Bonnie I think that may be the most accurate description of Sam I’ve ever seen. Early Monday December 27th, 2021 a force on this planet transitioned into the spiritual realm. Somewhere deep inside me I believe Sam and Desmond TuTu rode the boat to Guinee together. A weird thought, but it certainly struck me as true. I say Sam was a force because he taught me so much. He was a shining example of a being that held their boundaries- not against others but for himself- no matter what. An eye dropper fed rescue he NEVER liked human contact. He made clear what his needs were and never asked for more (or less) in his existence. He held space like no other cat I knew. You always knew where you stood with Sam.

Betty White made a personal impression on my life as she did so many others. Her well rounded, straight forward, comedic persona was something to look up to. She coupled her amazing, honest, true self charisma with advocacy for animal rights, LGBTQ support, and opposing racial injustice (among other things). If I had to sum up how I felt about Betty White it would go a little something like this: She was real, and that inspired others to be real as well. Happy 100th, goddess!

I had just finished listening to "The book of JOY" on audible for the second time when I heard that the Desmond Tutu passed. I felt like I had just sat in his presence for the past few weeks, absorbing his words, and those of the Dalai Lama, for the 10+ hours that comprised this book. The comfort of his joy, his faith, his being was almost overwhelming. Waves of gratitude passed through me as I realized that he and my life mate cat, Sam, had passed so very close to the same time on the same exact day... half a globe away from each other. 

This was not the first or only impression that Bishop Desmond Tutu made in my life, but it surely is the one that will last.

Best friend doesn't even come close to what Max was for our sweet lil' Bird. It is truly hard to put into words what he meant and his memory will live beyond any words anyway.

There is just something awe-striking and admirable about a person who can both equally freely express themselves as well as know when they need to be still and within themselves. Betty Davis made her way to my list of "Everyday Saints" straight through my heart. She first caught my eye in the 2017 documentary "Betty- They say I'm Different". (link below) I quite honestly don't know how it took so long for me to find her- or vice verse- but the moment I heard her voice she took permanent residence within me. Not only was her story captivating, but the power of her essence was intoxicating. There is just something about a deep truth that sits just right when you hear it. Her voice, her story, her SOUL is that truth.

It was an honor and a pleasure to lean into the energy of EVH. When a dear and loving friend commissioned this piece I dug into his story and energy to be greatly pleased with what I found. Not only did he mean so much to this sweet friend but the impression he made on this planet went far beyond the fret board. 

How I feel about Prince and his legacy could go on and on for an eternity... as will his legend. Pioneer, icon, example, and star he has been with me through every stage of my life. The consistent musical influence that kept my head above water and my heart full.  

Abolitionist, activist, and later Union Scout she mapped a path to freeing the enslaved in way that forever changed the course of this country. Harriet Tubman has always been a beacon of light in times of toughness. Whenever in doubt in life I can just think of her and all she overcame, all while helping others without hesitation. 

Originally my intention was to create a piece to show my gratitude to Jenna B for all her hardworking editing and producing these videos.... then I fell in love. Mac Miller was a force on this planet and surely took rightful space in this series.

I can say without a doubt that Thích Nhất Hạnh was the most inspirational person in my life - that I never met. Sometimes I feel like I found him late in the game, but the moment his voice crossed my ears I did my best to 'catch up'. Some days I would sit for ten hours or more just listening to him speak the dharma while sequining murals and other works of art. Each word seemed more true than any I had heard before, each thoughtful message speaking directly to my soul. He is that feeling inside me that is evoked when I hear 'take refuge in the dharma." I am grateful beyond any words for his impression in my life.

Sidney Poitier KBE was a Bahamian and American actor, film director, and diplomat. In 1964, he was the first African American actor and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.

I am sure there are more pieces of him to come. Some times it is hard to find the words that match the gratitude in our hearts. For me, it's much easier to express my overwhelming love, gratitude, and respect through art. Without Sallie Ann Glassman and Edgard Jean-Louise I would not be the person I am today, and I certainly wouldn't be a sequin artist!

"WE ARE THE LEADERS WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR."

Grace Lee Boggs was an American author, social activist, philosopher, and feminist. Her undying quest to make people think and see things from many angles earned her space in my Everyday Saints series.

Lily was THE BEST. Companion, friend, family member, and old soul she had a way of being present that soothed the souls of those around her. I am grateful to have been a small part of her world, and to have worked with her energy for this amazing piece. Number 21 in the Everyday Saints series.

Jazz was a force on the planet for love and light.

This piece was started on Friday Dec 02, 2022 at Ambient Studios in Atlanta, GA at Art After Dark an event hosted by WowGr8 of Earthgang. I was honored and grateful to be a part of such an amazing event, and to be able to bring such energy to TakeOffs tribute portrait.

"You gotta bless others so you can get blessed. Keep it real."

She brought the gift Jin Shin Jyutsu to the US. We are forever grateful.

Beloved pet, friend, and protector.