Sierra Luella

28x28 Project:

2012-01-28T23:54:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON.

2012-01-27T22:30:00.001-05:00

This city that everyone believes to be so magical, is toxic. people are literally dying for their dreams out here. it's all backwards..

living here was never my dream. I put mine aside for love in hopes of growth & figured that I'd make the most of where I'm at, wherever I'm at.

And then we grow, things change, people change.. reality sets in. And then you feel that void.

what happens when the things we use become the things that use us?

writing in sync with my tears.

I keep trying to tell myself "forget the past years, fuck it.. I'm here.."

But nothing helps.

I feel hollow.

What happens when you don't know who you are but you're searching so hard, you look desperate to the stars..

I'm lost.

So pardon me, I'm parting sea, part God & part human, part wise & part stupid, part still & part movement.

2012-01-27T03:10:00.000-05:00

Memories aren't to erase,

but to remember, learn, grow.. and continue.

Otherside:

2012-01-27T00:46:00.000-05:00

Humble head low, down & broke like promises.

2012-01-26T23:31:00.001-05:00

"I heard once that they would rather hear about memories than enemies,

Rather hear what was or what will be than what is.

Rather hear how you got it or how much it cost you,

Rather hear about finding yourself and how you lost you.

Rather you make this an open letter,

about family and struggle and it taking forever,

about hearts that you've broken and ties that you've severed

No doubt in my mind that will make them feel better."

Bye Bye Brooklyn:

2012-01-25T23:46:00.003-05:00

This gal has officially left Brooklyn.

Tonight marks my first night living in the city.

Miracles DO happen..
Yet still, I feel a void.

XO.

2012-01-24T01:42:00.000-05:00

Lost me, on my journey to find you..

Sunday Naps.

2012-01-22T18:44:00.000-05:00

2012-01-21T23:05:00.000-05:00

mo' hits & mo' heart.

rewind: hard hits & mo' heart.

old soul, something like mozart

or Beethoven it's all relevant to my art

16 symphonies

that girl is so sharp, so smart

but at the same time, immature fool with a lazy ass mind..

sleepin on my dreams instead of being on my grind..

stayin in the shade instead of tryna get some shine..

got so many people sayin the game is mine,

just do whatcha gotta & don't waste no time

life's too short, you can't press rewind

but i just say "yeah"

and let the seat recline.

Saturday.

2012-01-21T17:16:00.001-05:00

Spending the evening at homeeee, plotting.

;)

King: Gil Scott-Heron.

2012-01-21T01:41:00.000-05:00

And as quick as day turns to night,

we-out-here.

fresh paint.

First installment from me & my partner Andy's "Remembering History//Celebrating Unsung Heroes" street project.

more coming soon.

XO.

Celebrate History:

2012-01-20T22:11:00.001-05:00

The words "go ham" does this situation no justice..

We's about to shower the streets with the right seeds..

Celebrating history, everyday.
because there are far too many unsung heroes.

Fair warning.

Xo.

Photo-timer Chronicles:

2012-01-19T21:32:00.001-05:00

Outty.

2012-01-19T17:14:00.002-05:00

the time has come for me to take down the centerpiece.

the untitled poem.

Currently finishing up packing and i'll be saluting Brooklyn in a week.

I'd like to take this time to thank BK for having me, and for making me into the soldier that I've become.

I'll carry you with me in all that i do..

2012-01-19T15:29:00.001-05:00

I live by the motto: "We are all kings and queens,” .. and believe that we as young people should be aware of the legacy that we are leaving behind..

don't let bad character ruin your legacy.

Free My Soul:

2012-01-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

"Fuck what they talkin'
Nah it ain’t about talent
It’s no longer an art
they piss on your canvas, and parade.."

Always.

2012-01-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

love, as constant as the northern star..

No Love For A:

2012-01-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

Save the Internet:

2012-01-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

We are slowly being chained down and caged up.

The 1st amendment was a lie to begin with.

This country was built on a lie. Selling people hollow dreams.

Pimped up and hoe'd down.

Learn more: HERE.

2012-01-18T02:05:00.002-05:00

New Lots.

2012-01-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

Strollin' down the blocks of New Lots and found this.

Pink painted brink & pink painted bench.

I wanna shoot here.

Mosaic House.

2012-01-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Saw this place today..

I wanna live here.

Day of Service:

2012-01-16T19:00:00.001-05:00

Spent my day at a middle school in Brooklyn, assisting an art class for MLK Day.

I use to wanna be an elementary art teacher after being insanely inspired my MY OWN elementary school art teacher, but that dream got cut short when I found out the amount of math classes I needed for the position.

-___-

My entire life, I've passed math by inches.

But here are the photos from today:

We made "I Lead By" tshirts..

Made murals..

And made care packages for homeless shelters around Brooklyn.

In a world where it's more common to follow than to lead..

Be the one to be the change.

Xx,

Luella

Circa 2010.

2012-01-16T02:03:00.002-05:00

Glory Days.

Midtown:

2012-01-16T00:40:00.000-05:00

Living here is about to be a hugeee change.

My dream has came true.

I have a balcony.

Now all's I need is a hammock.

I Do This In Remembrance Of:

2012-01-15T22:16:00.001-05:00

Martin Luther King Jr.

And for all those who paved the way for us to get to where we are.

I felt his glory shining down on us today..

I spent my entire weekend in Harlem..

researching, writing, listening & watching.

Ended my weekend by attending a screening for the film, "In MLK's Footsteps: Education as a Civil Right".

Currently prepping to volunteer in an art class tomorrow at a Brooklyn middle school in celebration of the MLK Legacy..

We can't stop learning.

Packing:

2012-01-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

Throwback Thursday:

2012-01-12T23:20:00.002-05:00

Lue x Common.

Circa 2007.

haha..

2012-01-12T01:22:00.002-05:00

Bare & Hopeful.

2012-01-12T00:28:00.000-05:00

I Remember When..

2012-01-11T03:59:00.000-05:00

I was young..

and so were you..

2012-01-11T00:52:00.001-05:00

Now as I wonder through the city going mad

I see the fruits are planting evidence instead of grass

Swindled generation with no patience, full of "swag"

Man they so impatient with the stations that they have

As long as they look good, then they be doing bad

And the separation from the truth is getting vast, fast

Be a slave at first or free at, last..

Colorblind:

2012-01-10T21:16:00.002-05:00

Black & White.

2012-01-10T03:25:00.000-05:00

You let people in, and you give few the pleasure of knowing a few lines of your story,

& as quick as day turns into night..

they'll try to ruin your character.

I won't spend my life being a color.

I'm not accepted as white,

and I'm not trying to be accepted as black..

Then, who am I?

I am the human race.

I am the universe.

The sun is my mother & the moon is my father,

and all the stars my sisters and brothers.

And this planet is my resting place.

Now, I have no time to waste on black white brothers,

or white black brothers,

or white white sisters,

or black white sisters pointing their fingers, crying..

"You ain't, you ain't, you ain't"..

Because, I am.

You, and him, and all of them brothers and sisters wasting time,

signifying,

and clarifying,

a color.

I'm the human race.

Hold my hand and understand yourself.

Transcend this unnatural concern,

because we are losing the battle of our tomorrows.

Somewhere..

2012-01-09T20:09:00.001-05:00

Somewhere inbetwen lost & found..

there is me.

I'm New Here.

2012-01-09T03:35:00.003-05:00

No matter how far wrong you've gone..

You can always, turn around..

Dropping Gems.

2012-01-09T01:52:00.000-05:00

3 of my 6 pieces in dedication to Black History Month are now available for presale.

All orders will be shipped out during the first week of Feb.

**Extremely Limited**

Get yours now.

http://www.forthefreedomfighters.com

CELEBRATE HISTORY:

The Unknown.

2012-01-08T23:51:00.003-05:00

Little Things.

2012-01-08T23:49:00.000-05:00

Shot by Rog Walker// http://blog.speakingpixels.com/

Moving.

2012-01-08T01:42:00.000-05:00

Back in NY.

Moving into a new apartment in a few weeks.

Getting out of Brooklyn.

Moving to the city.

Things are changing..

New challanges await.

Explore.

2012-01-02T22:15:00.002-05:00

Just remember where you came from.

Day of Service: 1/16

2012-01-02T00:16:00.002-05:00

Reflect & Act.

January 16, 2012 will mark the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.

Do what you can.

http://MLKDay.gov/

2012.

2012-01-01T20:43:00.001-05:00

Chapter 2012. Page 1 of 366. Leap year, you have an extra day to create your story.

Hometown Glory.

2011-12-31T19:28:00.000-05:00

Study your city.

Learn your history.

Soo many amazing people have came out of St.Louis,

When I was living here I never took the time to stop & take notice.

Celebrate life everyday, knowing that we are becoming hisory with every work, every action, every deed.

Next Chapter.

2011-12-31T19:14:00.000-05:00

I wish you all a safe & amazing evening!

End this year with a big bang & begin this next chapter in a grand way.

I'll be at home, creating, in my crushed velvet maroon dress & a glass of cider in hand!

Love & Love,

Luella

back on z block.

2011-12-30T18:58:00.000-05:00

New Beginnings.

2011-12-30T00:27:00.003-05:00

Less about the exterior.

More about the interior.

Less hair.

More brains,

my focuses are a'changing.

Moving On--

2011-12-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Moving on starts here, and looks like this:

Hair-be-gone.

Xo,

Luella.

Basquiat.

2011-12-28T06:03:00.001-05:00

I usually hate New Year's talk..

But, it is for certain that a New Year is among us.

Tonight I got a jump start on getting up my latest feature, as well as linking all of my social networks together on my site (finally).

Check out the updates/changes here ---> http://www.forthefreedomfighters.com/

If you caught the excitement in my recent "Finding Basquiat" post, you'll understand why I chose Jean-Michel as January's featured face/ Freedom Fighter of the month.

Basquiat inspired jewel pieces, in dedication-- COMING SOON.

Xo,

Luella

Fam.

2011-12-28T05:55:00.000-05:00

I love spending time.

Currently teaching my niece & two nephews how to be kings & queens.

Sub-Consciencely/ Finding Basquiat

2011-12-27T18:07:00.003-05:00

Three Words: Jean-Michel Basquiat.

I was literally JUST introduced to his work through his documentary, "The Radiant Child",

And oh-my-God.

I think his work has subconsciensly been living inside me all along.

It's actually rather mind-boggling to think that we both use the crown to symbolize the same things..

People have been comparing our word & crown usage for quite awhile but I'm just now getting around to researching who he is.

He had me sold during the first 3 minutes of the doc.

May God bless his soul!

Today, And Always.

2011-12-25T11:59:00.001-05:00

Future is a looking glass, On what lies before me..Every situation is a chance to learn,

validity is something I feel, and will never earn.

Today is a new beginning. Forever thankful, today and always.

Happy Holiday's!

X's upon O's..

Luella

Technology.

2011-12-23T03:42:00.000-05:00

Let's stop letting technology steal from us.

Back to disposable.

Winter.

2011-12-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

The last leaf has fallen.

Winter is officially among us. And I wish you all a glorious one..

When You Lie..

2011-12-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

And say it's your birthday..

I'm From A City In The Midwest..

2011-12-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

Best city in the whole wide wide world.

St.Louis.

I made it.

Directly after landing I had doctors/dentist appointments..

the stomach spasms continue,

but I'm getting x-ray'd tomorrow.

Until then,

i'm enjoying the peace of the night & the thickness of the fog.

Distractions.

2011-12-19T23:44:00.003-05:00

Check out Talib Kweli's New video, titled "Distractions", All Occupy Wall Street footage!

What a glorious day, that was.

Check out my 2 second cameo at the 2:00 mark!

"We adapted to the times, but this culture we had to learn,
came about as natural as a perm on a pachyderm"
.. LOL (He thought he was slick!)

#OCCUPY

I Was Told..

2011-12-19T23:29:00.000-05:00

By the snotty ass pharmacist that I spoke with today that I don't look sick..

But I swear I am.

I've been in bed, literally for 3 days.

Today I had to pull myself together and run major errands before I'm out of NY for 2 weeks.

Flight in the morn!

St.Louis, mama's comin' home.

Xo,

Lue

Recently:

2011-12-19T23:22:00.000-05:00

Traci-Josephone x Luella reunion.

Check out her site:

http://www.flyinggiraffe.bigcartel.com/

National Stop Rapping Week:

2011-12-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

St.Louis stand up.

Baby Timmy.

2011-12-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

Isn't he lovely?

My sugar brings me the greatest joy.

:(

2011-12-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

I feel awful.

:'(

Analog.

2011-12-17T03:41:00.000-05:00

No digital camera this holiday season.

All analog everything.

Because sometimes, life be like that.

When the week(ends)..

2011-12-17T02:06:00.000-05:00

I create.

Happy Friday, yall!

;)

photo by: Nyne Lyves

Giving.

2011-12-17T01:32:00.000-05:00

The joy I get from giving is a feeling like none other.

Photo Story:

2011-12-16T01:12:00.000-05:00

A photo story by Nyne Lyves coming soon!

;)

MORE.

2011-12-16T00:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has ordered their "EVOLVING" piece!

I have lots more in stock for those who didn't get their's the first go'round!

2 Years.

2011-12-15T00:08:00.005-05:00

Today marks my 2 year anniversary of living in New York.

Do you all remember that day?

Seems like just yesterday..

Gracious for the challenges, the victories, and the blessings.

I fall down and rise up, again & again.

Love & Love to Shad for showing me the ropes, for forcing me to get out in this world & learn it's ways on my own..

back then.

Crowns.

2011-12-12T22:15:00.000-05:00

"Give me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the entire earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace."

http://freedomfighters.bigcartel.com/product/kings-queens-necklace

Xo,

Luella

cellphone photo-timer chronicles.

2011-12-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

Dance in the Rain.

2011-12-10T01:27:00.002-05:00

As artists and entrepreneurs, we struggle from time to time.

When the rain comes.. we dance, he said.

Today's Playlist Includes:

2011-12-09T13:15:00.002-05:00

May the spirit of Gil Scott Heron, the great..

LIVE ON.

Scanned: Ask Yourself.

2011-12-08T01:05:00.000-05:00

ihop chronicles.

2011-12-07T00:24:00.000-05:00

Scanned: Creativity

2011-12-06T22:52:00.002-05:00

Black Power Mixtape x iTunes

2011-12-06T21:15:00.002-05:00

The Black Power Mixtape, an incredible documentary which I posted about a few months ago is due to hit itunes on December 13th! Available for pre-order now!

I've already seen it 6 times in theaters & I still can't get enough.

Made entirely of 16mm footage filmed by Swedish journalists between 1967-1975, Black Power Mixtape is their journey through the culture and figureheads of the Black Power Movement. showing the "black experience" in America during that post Civil Rights era.
Left in a basement until now, the footage is absolutely stunning and is combined with a gorgeous soundtrack provided by Questlove of The Roots.

last night.

2011-12-06T19:27:00.001-05:00

Last night, I got spit upon by a man who has been trying to get my attention.

For ignoring him.

I'm usually a fan of balance.

And I used to like my neighborhood simply because of the fact that it kept me in tune with reality.

Because it's so easy to escape our realities..

But the line has been crossed, and I, have got to go.

The Otherside.

2011-12-06T18:37:00.000-05:00

"We're all, on a journey..

Down the hall of memories,

Don't worry bout whatchu ain't got,

Leave with a little bit of dignity.

Never loved what I had,

Always felt like I deserved more,

But when I make it to the otherside.."

THE ROOTS 13th album "undun" in stores TODAY.

Get it HERE.

I'll Be Home for Christmas..

2011-12-04T15:02:00.000-05:00

Coming back to St.Louis for Christmas..

And I, am overly joyed.

Each Day..

2011-12-03T12:03:00.002-05:00

We grow into ourselves a little more.

I wish you all a glorious weekend.

With lots of love,

Luella

Cave Woman .

2011-12-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

GEMS.

2011-12-01T13:13:00.002-05:00

Luella x Nyne .

Luella x QuestLove.

2011-11-30T02:07:00.001-05:00

Tonight I went and saw The Roots at the Highline for a rehearsal for their new album set, which is releasing next Tuesday!

Love is the word.

Also, in attendance was Bilal.. and got damn..

his track with the Roots is titled "The Otherside" and is A-MAZING!

Be on the looksss outtt!!

Global Grind.

2011-11-29T19:15:00.000-05:00

Had an interview with Global Grind today for the fashion/arts section.

Amazing ain't even the word.

Manyyy thanks to Gill!
Link will be posted soon.
Xo

Update: FST Hip-Hop Panel Discussion

2011-11-29T00:23:00.001-05:00

I posted a few weeks ago about the Hip-Hop Panel Discussion & Horn of Africa Fundraiser that me & my team organized on Nov.12th, and now i'm coming through with some footage.

scanners & hummingbirds.

2011-11-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

obsessed with my scanner. and hummingbirds.

Polaroid.

2011-11-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

Polaroid is like a box of chocolates..

You never know what you're gonna get.

forget digital.

forever analog.

Technology has stolen from us.

Let's get back to physically being able to touch, smell, caress our photos.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T18:13:00.000-05:00

Give thanks, question everything + self educate everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving you all!

I have no family/food in NY, so I'm spending my day at Occupy Wallstreet with the rest of the orphans.

Chris Turner.

2011-11-23T02:02:00.001-05:00

Last week my apartment was the first stop on Chris Turner's "Apartment Tour" (we need a better name)

And it was just glorioussss!

Presented to you by Nyne Lyves & hosted by myself.

Super amazing & intimate!

Follow him & his journey at: http://amourchild.tumblr.com/

The Revolution Is Love:

2011-11-23T00:08:00.000-05:00

Friend of the People.

2011-11-22T23:29:00.001-05:00

I asked this guy if he was excited for Lupe Fiasco's Friend of the People mixtape..

He said no, I said I don't understand and repeated the question.

FRIEND OF THE PEOPLE, DROPPING ON THANKSGIVING DAY!!!

7 Left:

2011-11-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

7 more Kathleen Cleaver pins left!

If you don't know who she is, pleaseeee Google her, study her, and be inspired!

Get yours HERE!

;)

5 Left:

2011-11-22T12:59:00.002-05:00

Only 5 "Kings & Queens" Necklaces left!

Wear this necklace to serve as a reminder that we are all kings and queens, and that we should work to our full potential and be aware of the legacy that we are leaving behind.

Get yours HERE.

5 Left.

2011-11-22T12:54:00.000-05:00

Only 5 "EVOLVING" necklaces left!

You can get yours HERE.

A Tea Takeover.

2011-11-20T19:28:00.003-05:00

"A Tea Takeover//Influential Women on the Brink of Brilliance" happened this afternoon, hosted by Nyne Lyves. And my goodness! What a blast, it was!

The "tea takeover" served as a bridge to connect female artists/influencers/tastemakers with outstanding community organizations, to inspire and come up with ways to better serve our youth.

It was a hugeee success!
Many thanks to Nyne for bringing us all together, nothing more powerful than a room full of leaders!

Love, Love, Love!

Feature: The Cool Stamp

2011-11-19T14:05:00.001-05:00

MUCH LOVE to TheCoolStamp.com for the feature!

Read it HERE.

Love, Love..

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

2011-11-18T15:25:00.000-05:00

My first 3 pieces are all up & ready for PRESALE NOW at http://forthefreedomfighters.com!!!

All presale orders will be shipped out on Dec 15th!

ONLY 10 AVAILABLE OF EACH!

So get yours now.

;)

Blonde .

2011-11-18T00:12:00.005-05:00

Let's Glow:

2011-11-17T12:26:00.001-05:00

Someone Like You..

2011-11-14T07:01:00.002-05:00

It never gets old..