Triburban - 2013

Only a few more days until 2013!

The new year marks a anew start for many of us, including myself. I have many goals for this  year. I am determined to make 13 my lucky number! I do not do resolutions because I never keep them and also, the first of the year is not always the best time to change certain things, why restrain yourself?

I want to double my revenue from last year at least.

I want to organize my work space and put a shipping procedure in place.

Have at least 100 items in the store.

Develop a home decor collection.

Continue to grow my business and my creativity towards the ultimate goal: To be self- employed!

Post blogs regularly about my progress and about others like me who are striving to make the world more beautiful through their art.

Some of my personal goals include:

Get another tattoo.

Get out of debt  (at least a big chunk of it)

Road trip down the west coast with my best friend (already got my ticket!)

Document my room mate starting a business on my blog.

But first on the list is to clean up my space.My great aunt told me that however you bring in the New Year in your house, that is what your whole year will look like! I don't know about you, but I sure don't want my 2013 to look like dirty laundry and old hat.

End of the year but the beginning of new beginnings!

As 2012 is coming to a close I figured I would write a little bit of a reflection blog. Unique - no. Creative not so much. My prerogative- Abso- freaking -lutely!

So here it goes:

This year has been interesting to say the least. I spent half the year in Sweden and the other half back here in Montgomery, AL. In the past year I have been working with kids, seen the Czech Republic, learned how to sell and buy property, attended a funeral, done some souls searching and ultimately learned what I am capable of. I am far from knowing who I really am or what my life is for, but I know now that I can do anything and the only one who can really stop me, is me.

My online Etsy store has changed names from Intertwyned to Triburban, a transition that I think is becoming more and more symbolic of myself and my evolution. Rather than seeing myself as intertwined, constricted by my multiple heritage, I am starting to see myself as a triple threat. someone who transcends multiple cultures, embraces them and becomes them. I am and will always be Swedish but I am also a black woman in America. That automatically connects me back to Africa. My father's family has a lot of Native American blood as well, Choctaw to be exact.Three cultures that I can call mine. That is amazing! I believe all of us can claim at least three cultures and I think it is possible to blend them harmoniously both within yourself and for the world to see. That is what Triburban is all about.

Traditional Swedish Dress

Traditional Tunisian dress.

Traditional Choctaw Dress

In the months to come, I will be working hard to bring my vision of Triburban to reality. what we wear is a reflection of us, what we want people to see and know about us. Clothes and accessories tell a story and are very personal. Triburban is a store for anyone who wants to bring that tribal, original deeply rooted culture into the modern urban world that we live in. Sometimes subtle, sometimes in your face. It is up to you. Triburban is about fashion, but more importantly- it is about people. It is about how you feel in your skin and your clothes and how your clothes make the people around you feel. Embrace your originality, become Triburban!

I just did my first photo shoot last week and I will be doing two more session next week. I am also initiating a project that will allow my items to travel around the world to my friends and family.I am so excited about this and I will tell you more about this in the months to come! 2013 is going to be great, I feel it in my toes!

See you next time! (Unless the Mayans had it right in which case none of what I just wrote will matter in a few days!

Artist Feature: Heather Harris

My Facebook fan page is entitled: Triburban - Cultural Travels Reported from the Urban Jungle. I want this blog to be the main platform for such reporting. So far my blog posts have consisted of my travels around my local area but that is about to change. I strongly believe that we can all travel through the various mediums of art. A texture, smell, image, color or experience can transfer you across the world and back without you moving an inch. This is why I have decided to feature various artists who in my opinion have mastered this skill. Take a look at this picture taken by my friend Heather Harris; can you guess where it was taken?

Where in the world is Heather Harris?

Below is a Q & A session with Heather Harris along with some of her amazing photography.

Heather Harris

What do you want people to know about you?

 Art = life come get some.

First thought in the morning?

Get up you have to go to the gym.

Cous Cous or Bulgur?
Cous Cous!


Tropical Island or Ski resort?
Hard one but less clothing gets me every time, Tropical island.


Favorite travel destination?
Although I know this will probably change in the years to come, but out of all the places I have been I must say Aspen, Colorado. I know I live in Colorado but going to Aspen and being in this place so beautiful, serene, and quiet in the middle of the day surrounded by nature...wow! Just the best place to get away

from the city life to think and meditate.






How did you first get involved in art /photography?
I have always been an artist, I was born with art in my blood. I consider myself
more of a multi media artist because I create with everything. All my life I have
painted, drawn, sewn, and after my second year in college, I decided I wanted to
go in another direction which led me to photography. I am well rounded in art.

What do you love most about being an artist?
I absolutely love being able to express myself through my work. I love being able
to educate people with what I know.


Describe your photography in 3 words.
Heather
Shot
You

What do you do when you are not working on your art?

Thinking of things to create.

What kind of camera/s do you use?

I use a Canon Rebel XT. I'm way past over due for an upgrade, but the photographer

takes a great photo not the camera.

Do you edit your pictures and if so what do you use?

I edit some of my photos with Photoshop through the site Befunky.com. Although I edit, I think my most beautiful photos are the ones that capture that natural light and beauty and I do that so well people might think I adjust and saturate my colors.

Do you prefer editing in the camera or on your computer?
Editing in the camera is way more exciting than the computer. When it is done in the camera its like opening a present when you upload your images for viewing, always nice surprises!

What is one thing that you would like to accomplish in your life time?

I want people to know who I am and what I stand for as a Black woman, mother,

and artist.

What is your dream photography/art project that you would like to create?

I wish to continue on with my installation Myself When I'm Great, I want to fill even more walls I feel this is one of my strongest projects. With my photography I want to go on a years trip around the world documenting art culture, people like me.

View Myself When I'm Great

Name some of your inspirations.

Theory and art combined inspires me. I love reading the thoughts of Bell Hooks, and

Audrey Lorde. Artist that inspire are Carrie Mae Weems and Lorna Simpson just to

name few.

What is your advice to someone interested in getting involved with photography?
It is a field that takes dedication, a lot of learning, and a lot of money!

Favorite photo blog/s?

Dapperlou

Spaceshipgeorge

Sirrealphoto

Favorite saying/quote.

“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” –

Imogen Cunningham

Last thought before going to sleep?

I love my family.

If you would like to see more of Heather Harris and her artwork - and I know you do- please visit her website Heather Shot You and follow her on these social networking sites:

Instagram: @HeatherShotYou

Twitter: @ImBornRebel

Google+: @HeatherShotYou


Tumblr: ILoveHeatherShotYou or HeatherShotYou

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/heathershotyou/

Heather's Blog: http://heathershotyou.blogspot.com/

Heather's Art is for sale here: http://heathershotyou.bigcartel.com