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Artist Sandra Majinga

Multidisciplinary artist/musician Sandra Mujinga could be called a citizen of the world. She was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but grew up in Norway from the age of 2 (why am I not surprised—those Scandinavians!) and also moved for a few years to Kenya as a teenager. Her mom was a fashion designer and was intent on exposing her to all different kinds of culture.

Mujinga's art was a standout at a recent visit to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum (the building never disappoints) as part of a show entitled Going Dark: The Contemporary Figure at the Edge of Visibility. Mujinga's installation piece consisted of tall, thin, towering figures draped in fabric, bathed in lime green light, making for a mysterious "afrofuturist" alien vibe while at the same time mirroring the suits of medieval bee keepers.

Mujinga's Louisianna channel interview reveals a very thoughtful and engaged artist—well worth the listen…

Caroline Myss Sacred Contracts

I have come across Caroline Myss's name before but couldn't remember in what context. I am so glad I found her again, this time on an interview with Oprah Winfrey from her program Super Soul Sundays. Myss's book, Sacred Contracts is not new, but her message is still relevant and maybe a game changer for some of us in search of our purpose in life…

According to Myss, so many of us have no idea why we are here on this earth and what our purpose might be. As a result, anxiety, depression and fatigue run rampant, symptoms of a general malaise among our population.

Myss has developed an insightful and ingenious process for deciphering your own Sacred Contract—or higher purpose—using a new theory of archetypes that builds on the works of Jung, Plato, and many other contemporary thinkers. All of this is explained in detail in this interview, and it is one of the best examples of a practical and useful self-help guide I have come across...

Fast Car: Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs

No need to introduce this more--you have probably heard about it already--Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs knocked it out of the park with their Fast Car duet on last week's Grammy Awards--one of the all time great songs of our time. What a wonderful sight to see their pleasure at performing together and the joy it brought their audience.

Combs is a star in the country music world: 2x CMA Entertainer of the Year, multi-platinum, award-winning artist from Asheville, NC.

Tracy Chapman often avoids the spotlight and has not emerged often in reccent years. That is why her Grammy appearance made even more of a sensation.

For the story behind the song, click here.

Painting of the Week

I often put quotes underneath my paintings, to serve as subliminal messages…This one is a Rumi quote: Put your thoughts to sleep, do not let them cast a shadow over the moon of your heart. Let go of thinking. .35” x 111” mixed media on canvas.

Charity of the Week:

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.