Ghana Calls Me Also

Hello Everyone,

I know I have been absent a few weeks, I do apologize. I think the time to recover from Ghana mentally took much longer than I thought. Included in this delay were a few classic problems I had retrieving some documents that were in Ghana. (I cannot escape it!) Besides these now mute details, I do sincerely apologize for having you all wait, as I know many have wanted to see my final reflections and photos from my trip.

I still am digesting the impact of my experiences. Ghana, as any world travel, has once again changed and inspired me. I feel like a different person as I interact with friends and family, even almost a month later. It is so different than before left. The way I regard issues and my priorities has changed. With this trip and some events following I have begun to see what incredible potential lies ahead if I only take my steps wisely and work for it.

Ghana continues to blossom. As learned, it is projected that Ghana’s national GDP will more than double after the newly found resource of oil is harvested. In ten, five or even three years I am sure Accra’s development will astound me and I look forward to the next time I am privileged to visit.

There is not stopping now, I think I have an incessant bug to explore, learn, read and travel. And how the gift to grasp opportunity fills my eyes and heart every day. I am so lucky and blessed to be an American, and to be born into the life that I live in. My art is again placed in this country and quite literally do I feel spiritually part of me is also connected there. That mural will bring my family and my friends to encounter the journey traveling to Ghana provides.

It is incredible, what will and could possibly birth from this work and from my research. Ghana is certainly a part of my future. Though I have only traveled as a young adult to this country I know beyond all others it that fact will remain. I have a million buzzing ideas that I can visualize as possible whirling through my head. Each day a new fruit from its pile I am working to see in my everyday life. One step at a time, one day at a time, I progress confidently.

Thank you all, thank you all, thank you all for being there for me and appreciating this experience! I am truly honored, flattered and moved by all of your emails and comments. Enjoy the photos is the link posted just here:

http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af164/shelbe1288/Ghana%202009/Ghana%20Trip%202009/?albumview=slideshow&track=share_email_album_view_click

May God bless you.
Love Always,

-Shelley

P.S.- There is so much more I wish to write, and I will. Keep my blog in mind every now and then ;) Thank you.

Mural "Ghana Calls" Detail/ Progress Photos

Hello all,

Here are a few shots of my mural in progress! The blog just bellow this has a formal essay on the finished piece as well as a final photo.

I cannot to begin to thank you all enough for your numerous forms of encouragement and support.

Please feel free to email me if you'd like to know anything else about this project.

Enjoy,

-Shelley

Mural "Ghana Calls"

Art Work Analysis:

Mural "Ghana Calls" for the W.E.B. DuBois Centre of Pan Africanism

By Shelley Bruce

Artist- Shelley Bruce
Medium- Acrylic Paint
Dimensions- approximately 4’ x 7’ (feet)
Completed August 26th 2009

The commission to donate this piece to the W.E.B. DuBois Centre was arranged and organized by Dr. Renford Reese. His passing of this monumental opportunity to me has launched my career to another realm and I must mention his gift to me with most gratitude before proceeding.

Once I was able to comprehend the great privilege of painting this work inside the last home of W.E.B. Dubois, I realized several components that it must have. It must reflect his life, his values (especially those pertaining to art), his life in and relationship to Ghana, and most importantly it must continue his mission and work for his people and this world. I also knew, though already very familiar with the African American scholar and genius who directly paved a way for me, that I must become more acquainted with his work. I needed to better understand his perspectives so that I could best capture his spirit in my piece. The first work I came across was an excerpt from The Souls of Black Folk entitled “The Coming of John” that served as a prime example of DuBois ability to use various forms of literature like fiction to relay lessons. The next and very second work I came across was a poem entitled “Ghana Calls” (please see poem at my second blog entry: http://reflectingonmyblessings88.blogspot.com/2009/08/sharing-my-inspiration.html ).

There could have been no more perfect fit to this commission. The twenty-three stanza prose beautifully illustrates an autobiographical narrative starting with DuBois’ childhood and ending in his foretold death, describes the transformation of his concept of Africa, expresses his opinions on the future of the world’s leading nations and supplies incredible imagery from which an artist could easily illustrate. Most importantly, the poem was written to Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and most lovingly described Ghana as a paradise, one in which he would close the book of his life. I acquired a combination of chills, tears and goose bumps the first few times I read the poem and knew that it would be the sole inspiration for my mural.

With this work I chose to take a path less traveled and one usually not recommended. Rather than simply illustrating the poem or using its text for added detail, I opted to make the entire wording the focal point of the piece. DuBois, as I had learned from a previous tour of the DuBois Centre, was adamant about reading and I wanted viewers to not only experience this work but make it a part of DuBois’ recommended daily intake of knowledge. Furthermore I felt that using the whole piece would serve to educate and “uplift the race” as DuBois thought all art should do from his message in “Criteria of Negro Art” (DuBois 1926). I wanted to further that philosophy and simultaneously use it as a note of intrigue for the viewer.


When once first encounters the work, the four colors of Ghana’s flag along with the overall imagery dominate one’s reaction. I used crimson, green, gold and black to not only reflect Ghana but the colors that represent Pan Africanism and all peoples of the African Diaspora. Just after though, one realizes the maze of writing that completely overlays the images underneath. The third response I feel is a back and forth action that begins to occur as the viewer seeks to pull out the images beneath the words, while coming back to the black and prominent script. As one may read the prose they will notice that the images directly under the words are meant to correspond with that stanza in the story, a revelation I would like the viewer to over time be able to pinpoint for every portion of the mural.

And from this I am well aware that the writing may be overwhelming, but I use the text for symbolism as well as a tool to invite the viewer to spend time reflecting on DuBois and his work. I truly believe that no interpretation or further additions to “Ghana Calls” were needed from me to create this piece. The work unveiled itself from my second encounter during my research, and W. E. B. DuBois’ knowledge and writings were more than enough to inspire my humble work along the unnumbered other forms of art, research and literature influenced by him across the world.

With that notion, DuBois’ portrait (top right) gazes down in reflection on his life and works below. A slight smile in his eye comes from a joy and hope found in a special city called Accra. This pensive and prominent face glows golden as it graces a painting located in the very last place he called home, in Ghana.

(For a larger view of the mural go to http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af164/shelbe1288/Ghana%202009/Ghana%20Trip%202009/?action=view&current=DSCN0566.jpg&evt=user_media_share )

A New Start

Dear Loved Ones,

Hello to you all! You are in my thoughts and prayers as I am fulfilling my purpose here.

So today is officially the first day I am “alone” in Ghana, all by myself. I say officially since the rest of my classmates were to leave yesterday at 10:20 am, when they really left (I hope) today at 8am. I have not had a chance to make this certain, but in my heart I have a feeling Delta wouldn’t mess up a flight that large for the third time in a row!

So this is certainly the first time I have been abroad alone, but I have no fears or worries. I have developed a wonderful family base with my hotel’s staff and with the Aya Centre (the group that arranges the international groups like out trip). I feel that I have several people to call if I need anything, which makes me feel so safe and very blessed to be supported.

Yesterday though when I realized this my entire attitude changed. My purpose and stay here gained more significance and meaning. Every minute of my day must be used for productivity. Every plan that I make must take advantage of the privilege of being here. Also all of my choices must be reflective and responsible knowing that I am independent. I hope these reflections aren’t too scary for Mom, Dad and others concerned ;) but I want everyone to know that I am well, secure and safe, and that I am being watched over and taken care of.

My goals for this week are many but I know they are attainable. The biggest is to make this mural the absolute best that I can muster. I unveiled it to my group in a humble but significant ceremony on Tuesday evening, though it was not entirely complete. I wanted to share the almost finished work with them as they have been curious and ever supportive the past two weeks, but now I have some details left to do. I won’t post the finished pictures until the end (sorry!) I but I will leave you with another sneak peek from last week (below).

Other than that art interviews, painting, spending time with new and old friends, and networking will consume the remainder of my time. In other words, I will sleep on the plane home. ;)

Thank you all again for your support and blessings and prayers. They are working! And keeping me focused and motivated. God Bless you in every moment of this day.

Love Always,

-Shelley

*Mural in progress on August 15th 2009*

Today is a Great Day

Maachi! (Good Morning) again from Ghana,

It is a beautiful one. Although dusk and grey, I revel in the glowing magnitude and significance that awaits me and my 21 fellow ambassadors today. As they soak in the last few moments of Accra, I will be painting vigorously to finish what for months I have set to accomplish. I am a bit nervous. And though I may not be able to see the end at the moment, I am quite clear that God is cradling me in His/Her safety anywhere that I set my steps. For it is ordained; For it is already put into place and in reassurance to my simmering nerves I share and remind myself of that fact. God certainly did not bring me this far to fail, and whatever so happens today I trust all the events unconditionally.

What a two weeks. I feel as if they have literally slipped by. With no clichéd exaggeration I say if feels that only moments ago we were having our introductory session. Every encounter since then has been ripe with lesson and glorious in its own right. I don’t think though that I have soaked each second in like I did last year, more so in a different way. Of course it may have felt faster since I have been here before but my appreciation spreads differently and wide like my smile. I beam in the lucky knowledge of seven more days of inspiration, while I also reminisce in the fact that Ghana has wrapped me up in her waist. Like the children her daughters carry on their backs I am securely fastened and cannot deny that warmth and familiarity of this home. I tell you, it feels like home! Yes, beyond the tourist attractions, hotels and spoils. “Ghana Calls” me just as it called DuBois as expressed in his prose.

Ah, what a revelation. I am called. And I will continue to follow that calling where ever and whenever it may lead me back here. I can see my opportunities blossoming and am so grateful that I can see my purpose and destiny being revealed.

A Nigerian very accomplished and diligent, business man spoke with me and a friend the other evening. He gave me some advice that I in response agreed to with “I am planning….” But this is where he cut me off. He said “Do not plan! Do!” Do not wait, seize the day! (Carpe Diem) Do not list, accomplish and Work!...each day and thought and moment to that ever present, not future, goal. That lesson I gird today as I finish installing my artwork. I praise God and am Blessed as I look forward to posting the completed photos soon.

Enjoy your day today. Love always,


-Shelley

Gratefulness

Good morning loved ones,

So I sit here today slightly regretful that I haven't been able to keep you posted as I would have hoped, or stay as connected at home as was my original intent. Although I know many of you will tell me not to worry and to enjoy my experience, which I have been doing. I can certainly tell you that this goal is beyond accomplished. Of course a million occurrences could have deterred be from that path but I cannot begin to imagine how this experience could have been dampened (especially with the amount of prayer and good thoughts that I have been receiving). But my outlook when I am in Ghana is in constant effort to avoid compliant, to avoid all negative that might have me miss a lesson I am to learn in these swiftly dissolving three weeks. And how could I complain, when we have been traveling and touring the Gold Coast like kings and queens, staying in the best hotels and absorbing all the cultural riches Ghana has to offer?

And I must of course express, water may not run, bathrooms maybe be slightly, streets may be dirty, facilities may not meet our American standards, but I tell you why is that to matter? When you see people who live owning less that I did when I was five and beaming the most beautiful smiles from smooth, healthy faces how can I begin to muster a cry? We are BEYOND privileged. I wish in my youthful ineloquence I could conspire a more fitting word. The profuse riches that we possess mean nothing. What lasting value do they possess? Happiness and joy, fulfillment and inner peace, these are the makings of the best life and I see that in so many want-for-not Ghanaian people. The heart of this country inspires me. Even bumper stickers (rather that defacing sports teams we dislike or listing profane jokes) boast “DO GOOD” and “GOD IS GREAT”. I have yet to see sarcasm plastered on the back of a vehicle, does that not say something?

And of course I have no intent to sensationalize the people as a whole. There are also the prevalent barriers of sexism and the exploitation of the tourist, and maybe a general attitude that is not as persistent as the go-getting American way. Of course it is not as if this was a country of perfect saints, but there are lessons to be learned (not taught) from these African people. The rates of crime are minute, the car accidents event fewer. I feel so at peace and at home here it is incredible…Sorry Mom and Dad, I will probably be back again. ;)

But that is the captivating affect Ghana has and has had on many. Plus the opportunities for development here are exciting. I am continually grateful to God for this gift of travel and knowledge.

As for my mural, I am stressed! Having to only start this past Thursday has been hard but I am hoping to finish it for tomorrow. I will be working my very hardest! Let us see how far I get.

And I will leave you with a photo of the day ;) This is a view of Akosombo dam, the largest man-made dam in the world contrasted under the visionary president Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah (whose hundredth birthday is this year!...That also reminds me today is Marcus Garvey’s birthday! Go read something new today to honor the father of Pan Africansim.) It is a beautiful place and a powerful sign of what Ghana can and will produce as a rising leader for the future.

With all of that I pray you enjoy your Monday, stay at peace and be constantly aware of your blessings,

-Shelley

Finally Able to Update!

Dear loved Friends and Family,

I have missed you! As I am sure you have missed me actually posting this blog. ;) My greatest apologies. For some reason I have encountered every obstacle trying to continue my posts, even having to remake an entirely new blog site! I take it as a sign though, as we have been so busy traveling and encountering all the Ghana has to offer. With that please, make note of this new address:

www.reflectingonmyblessings88.blogspot.com

But regardless of these, I continue to remain overwhelmed and in awe of the incredible privilege of this experience. Its emotional rollercoaster has humbled and taught me in every moment. I experience joy everyday from the people, the land, the opportunities and the mere existence of this experience. I am so thankful to those who have helped to get me here and those who support me.

So, ten days later! I don’t know where to start! Instead I will let a few photos tell the story. Check out the captions relating to each.

I truly love and am thinking of you all. I hope you ar well and in good health at home. I will see you at the end of august.

Wishing continued blessings,

-Shelley

Captions: (fyi the order of the photos is backwards)

-Me finally painting! I was only able to begin this past Thursday! It was a bit of an ordeal to get started but I am looking forward to having it finished by this Tuesday.

-The group listening to the story about Slave River, the Last place ensvlaed Africans were able to wash before deported to coastal slave castles, and on to the Americas

-Mr. Nick, the program coordinator and lecturer for the Aya Centre, the organization that helps organize the activites for our trip.

-A few lovely ladies enjoying Accra's Labadi Beach
-Our courageous bus driver Mr. Solomon (aka Uncle Solomon)
-Me with a beautiful view from the University of Ghana Legon

-Our first day! And airport welcome from the Aya Centre

Sharing My Inspiration

In this moment I am slightly overwhelmed by the many tasks at hand, which is to be expected of any person preparing for traveling overseas. In just three days I will return the sweet, dense air of Accra to relive the memories created and begin new ones on this second journey. I am close to tears at many times during the day contemplating the Incredible privilege I have been given by this second chance. Beyond this great gift of even traveling to Africa, I also reflect in awe and humility on the project I have been assigned, to paint a mural at the W.E.B. DuBois Centre.


So as to share a little of the magnitude of this endeavor I wanted to post the poem that is the inspiration for the mural. Only in my second finding of literature by DuBois did I come across this golden treasure. Its message relating to this project is mere perfection. I could not have asked for a better foundation, as my goosebumps demonstrate every time it is read. It is a little lengthy but I encourage you to read it as it encompasses the many topics I intendted to touch on in my mural. Enjoy.


Wishing you Blessings Always,

- Shelley

GHANA CALLS
(From Selected Poems of W.E.B. DuBois)
To Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah

I was a little boy, at home with strangers
I liked my playmates, and knew them well,
Whence all their parents came;
From England, Scotland, royal France
From Germany and oft by chance
The humble Emerald Isle
.
But my brown skin and close-curled hair
Was alien, and how it grew, none knew:
Few tried to say, some dropped a wondering word or stray;
Some laughed and stared.
.
And then it came: I dreamed
I placed together all I knew
All hints and slurs and together drew.
I dreamed.
.
I made one picture of what nothing seemed
I shuddered in dumb terror
In silence screamed,
For now it seemed this I had dreamed;
.
How up from Hell, a land had leaped
A wretched land, all scorched and seamed
Covered with ashes, chained with pain
Streaming with blood, in horror lain
Its very air a shriek of death
And agony of hurt
.
Anon I woke, but in one corner of my soul
I stayed asleep.
For I could not,
But never would I remember
That hell-hoist ghost
Of slavery and woe.

I lived and grew, I worked and hoped
I planned and wandered, gripped and coped
With every doubt but one that slept
Yet clamored to awaken
.
I became old; old, worn and gray;
Along my hard and weary way
Rolled war and pestilence, war again;
I looked on Poverty and foul Disease
I walked with Death and yet I knew
There stirred a doubt: Were all dreams true?
And what in truth was Africa?
.
One cloud-swept day a Seer appeared,
All closed and veiled as me he hailed
And bid me make three journeys to the world
Seeking all through their lengthened links
The endless Riddle of the Sphinx
.
I went to Moscow;
Ignorance grown wise taught me Wisdom;
I went to Peking: Poverty grown rich
Showed me the wealth of WorkI came to Accra.
.
Here at last I looked back on my Dream;
I heard the voice that loosed
The Long-locked dungeons of my soul
I sensed the Africa had come
.
Not up from Hell, but from the sum of Heaven’s glory.
I lifted mine eyes to Ghana
And swept the hills with high Hosanna;
Above the sun my sight took flight
Till from the pinnacle of lightI saw dropped down this earth of crimson, green and gold
Roaring with color, drums and song.
.
Happy with dreams and deeds worth more than doing
Around me velvet faces loomed
Burnt by the kiss of everlasting suns
Under great stars of midnight glory
Trees danced, and foliage sang;
.
The lilies hallelujah rang
Where robed with rule on Golden Stool
The gold-crowned Priests with duty done
Pour high libations to the sun
And dance to gods.
.
Red Blood flowed rare ‘neath close-clung hair
While subtle perfume filled the air
And whirls of whirls of tiny curls
Crowned heads.
.
Yet Ghana shows its might and power
Not in its color nor its flower
But in its wondrous breadth of soul
The Joy of Life
Its selfless role
Of giving.
.
School and clinic, home and hall
Road and garden bloom and call
Socialism blossoms bold
On Communism centuries old.
.
I lifted my last voice and cried
I cried to heaven as I died:
O turn me to the golden Horde
Summon all western nations
Toward the Rising Sun.
.
From reeking West whose day is done,
Who stink and stagger in their dung
Toward Africa, China, India’s strand
Where Kenya and Himalaya stand
And Nile and Yang-tze roll:
Turn every yearning face of man.
.
Come with us, dark America:
The scum of Europe battened here
The drowned dream
Made fetid swamp a refuge seem:
.
Enslaved the Black and killed the Red
And armed the Rich to loot the Dead:
Worshipped the whores of Hollywood
Where once the Virgin Mary stood
And lynched the Christ.
.
Awake, awake, O sleeping world
Honor the sun;
Worship the stars, those vaster suns
Who rule the night
Where black is bright
And all unselfish work is right
And Greed is sin.

And Africa leads on:
Pan Africa!

February, 1962

Welcome Loved Ones

I am so glad to finally start this record of my experiences!

It will start out by tracing my journey to Accra Ghana, and I plan to keep it up long afterward. I feel that I have a calling to share my thoughts, lessons and gained wisdom through writing. I am so excited about this realization of my purpose and hope that you will gain from it in some positive way.

So while in Ghana from August 4th- 26th I will be doing research on Contemporary Visual Arts in Ghana, with a comparison to the Western art world I know so well here. It still presents itself as a very broad topic so you will see it evolve while I am away and interviewing various people in Ghana.

Also I have the esteemed honor and inexpressible gift of painting a mural at the W.E.B. DuBois Centre in Accra! This is Beyond and amazing; there are no words!!! I cannot wait to get started and share more of this with you. You can check out the location at:

http://webdubois-gh.org/
With that I am tired and needing rest, but please look out for my emails as I do my best to keep you all updated. Love Love LOVE and divine blessings!!!

Always,

-Shelley