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DISCOVER SOULCARE
“My skin didn't start to change until I changed the energy around me.” - Alicia Keys
Mind
It’s no surprise that a person who has broken many of the world’s boundaries is so good at setting her own. And Ming Smith — model, muse, and the first Black woman photographer to be included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art — is one of those people. Ming chatted with us about the art world, her own inner creative life, and why this work is much more than a career, it’s a calling.
The spiritual journey of my life.
I didn’t know or dwell on that too much, but it did give me outside validation and conviction to continue to shoot in my style of photography. As for now, I look back and see it as a blessing that I was a barrier breaker.
I made a choice as a young woman to go down that path of being an artist / photographer, the risk that came with being a Black artist, and the looming threat of the inability to provide for myself. The tenacity that it takes to continue the dream has defined me in my journey as a Black female artist.
I was always kind of like a space child. I mean, I’d be in my own world. And so when I participated in art, it was just the way of being with myself.
I think it’s the only way. You have to come from a place that’s within — the more authentic you are, the more you can reach other folks through art, music, or dance, or any part of life, really.
I met Alicia and Swizz at one of their “Just Because” house parties a few years ago. They have been nothing but amazing. I feel such love, acceptance, and respect from them. They are truly great people and visionaries working towards the good of humanity.
Always look at yourself through your eyes and no one else’s.
I just had a conversation about this! As I age, it’s really about being in the moment. Many times, we fail — we leave the pork chops in the oven, the water boiling — but if you can always try to find a way to get back to being you, that’s truly wonderful.
Love this. Needed this. How are you circling back to you — awkward parts, inner parts, and all — in this moment?
Connection
Spirit