FOCUSING ON MAJOR ART
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E AS SE DI T E AR SU H E IS & SS E DS N AI RE V/ AWA
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NOV./ DEC. .2010 ISSUE 3 VOL. 1
LOVE NU ART Focusing on Major
Art
Publisher
Audria Arnold a.arnold@lovenuart.com
Advertising Director Terrell Jones t.jones@lovenuart.com
Senior Photographer Audria Arnold a.arnold@lovenuart.com
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LOVE NU ART focusing on Major
Art
Editor in Chief
Duran Jackson d.jackson@lovenuart.com
Assistant Editor in Chief Ryan Zuber r.zuber@lovenuart.com
Fashion Assistant Kimberly Brown k.brown@lovenuart.com
Arts/Entertainment Editor Markesha Woods m.woods@lovenuart.com
Music Editor
Phillip Faulkner p.faulkner@lovenuart.com
Contributors and Supporters Shirley Arnold, Oliver Martin III, Midnight Star Photography (Briana Fleskes),Plan Blue Design (Courtland Simposon), LeCondra Gibbs, Lamont Atkins, Meredith Slover Wilson, Ashley Brown, Captivation 54, Sierra Marshall Lewis, Marcellous Lovelace, David Quarles, Arick Elion, Markesha Woods, Joseph Boyd, Kimberly Brown, Frankd Robinson, Charlisha Price, Tarrice Love, Kelanie Hayes, Jamond Bullock, Barbara Harding, Heartless Clothing, Regis Lawson, Style Junkie (Andrea Fenise), Ellis Fowler, JP Connections, Eye Con, Creative Seeds Consulting, Dean of Fashion, Peculiar Arts, I am Medatsu, Curvy Divas, Sistas Doin It For Themselves, Flight of Fancy, Fabulous Carpet Care, WRUG Radio, CD Dup King, Allstate, Glasshouse Entertainment, BG Magazine, Makeda’s Cookies, NuAge Networking, Bridging Souls Productions, Hip and Hooked Accessories, Exhale Spa Escapes.
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issue 3 VOL.1
contents woodstar's poetic potpourri page 14
SHIRLEY ARNOLD page 16
ASHLEY BROWN page 30
LECONDRA GIBBS page 22
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MARCELLOUS LOVELACE page 50
exclusive46
cover story 66 UNIVERSOLES CUSTOMS page 46
STATISTICS page 60
HEARTLESS & LOVE NU ART 5
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issue 3 VOL.1
from THE Publisher Greetings, Love Nu Art Magazine readers. Welcome to the third edition of Love Nu Art Magazine. This issue is very important to me because my mother was hospitalized in August due to heart disease. This is also my second year providing awareness of HIV/ Aids. In this issue you will read true-life stories detailing both HIV/Aids and Heart Disease. You will also be able to embrace all the artists that contributed artwork dedicated to HIV/Aids and Heart Disease, both Memphians and artists abroad. I know you will agree that this is our strongest issue thus far. Read carefully and indulge yourself in all the creativity. Have a great holiday season and thanks so much for reading Love Nu Art Magazine this year. See you in 2011! Audria “Nubia” Arnold Publisher a.arnold@lovenuart.com
from THE EDITOR Peace and greetings to all Love Nu Art Magazine readers across the globe. Every issue of Love Nu Art is special, but this issue takes on an even greater significance. Each page is filled with not only art that is inspired by both HIV/AIDS and Heart disease but also true stories and factual introspective pertaining to each disease. There is no art more major than that which is not only focused from the heart but also done for a worthy cause. The major art combined with personable stories lovingly provided by Oliver Martin, who lives with HIV/AIDS, and Shirley Arnold, who lives with Heart Disease, are guaranteed to not only move you emotional but move you to action in your personal life. So just sit back and embrace all that is the third issue of Love Nu Art. Duran Jackson Editor- in- Chief d.jackson@lovenuart.com
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(L-R) Regis Lawson, Audria “Nubia” Arnold, and Najee Strickland
(L-R) Najee Strickland & Audria “Nubia” Arnold
(L-R) Najee Strickland & Audria “Nubia” Arnold
Audria “Nubia” Arnold
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REALITY CHECK
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HIV/ AIDS
WRITTEN BY: DURAN JACKSON
IV/AIDS, the stating of this term be it verbally or subconsciously, evokes many emotions. The majority of those emotions are no doubt negative. But, is this because of what we know individually or because of what was and continues to be disseminated to the masses via “The Media”? Well, speaking from my own personal experience, I am not a physician, patient, or a scientist. The majority of the world’s population isn’t either. Thus the majority of us have not given HIV/AIDS a close look because it isn’t a part of our profession or personal lives. This reality leaves us to be mainly influenced by what is disseminated via “The Media”. The media has provided many stories of government conspiracy, infections transferred via primates, HIV/AIDS originating with men of an alternative lifestyle, and so on. All such information is primarily fueled by stigmas, radicalism, and or prejudice. Each of these is opinions and cannot be accepted as facts. What are the facts of HIV/AIDS? HIV is an acronym meaning Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS is an acronym meaning Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Thus, technically speaking, a person acquires the virus, HIV, leading to the syndrome AIDS. Wikipedia defines a syndrome, from a medical perspective, as: the association of several clinically recognizable features, signs (observed by a physician), symptoms (reported by the patient), phenomena or characteristics that often occur together, so that the presence of one feature alerts the physician to the presence of the others. Wikipedia defines a virus as: a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. So, if HIV denotes the presence of an actual illness or disease how does it lead to a speculative syndrome? Research has shown that many individuals in third world countries have been diagnosed with AIDS due to having a weak immune system resulting from malaria and or malnutrition. These are the facts, no other disease related phenomena has ever existed on this planet. I will not dictate to you, the reader, my opinion. If people are dying at record numbers and being recognized as having HIV/AIDS, then it is truly a pandemic. But, there obviously needs to be more truth shed on the virus and syndrome. We all have to live with the future of planet Earth so before any of us give in to propaganda or scare tactics we should analyze the facts. Failure to do so has led to some of the greatest genocides in world history. Let’s not allow our fears and emotions to do the same with HIV/AIDS.
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MIDNIGHT STAR PHOTOGRAPHY PLAN BLUE DESIGN Model: Mia Murchison Photography: Midnight Star Photography (Briana Fleskes) Set Design/Wardrobe: Plan Blue Design (Courtland Simposon) MUA: Krisi Smothers Hair: Latoya Thomas
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK:
A passion for the cause.
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woodstar's POETIC POTPOURRI
Welcome to Poetic Potpourri where the attention is focused on the written word. This is spot is reserved for poets all across the globe who desire to share their works. Each issue some of the most prolific poetry will be showcased on these pages. For this issue we are aligning with the theme of HIV/AIDS Awareness and freedom for Heart Disease. All poetry featured in this issue focuses on these two topics and the individual writer’s perspective or personal experiences with them. If you have a poem that you are interested in having featured in an upcoming issue, please email woodstar@lovenuart.com for submission requirements.
Dont Become HIVs Hazard... Extra…extra… Read all about HIV is rapidly spreading Yet my people constantly doubt it The importance of this mindless virus Is fatally being rerouted Without warning It stares us dead in the face But we’re blinded Its appearance comes in the form of Approachable grace We causally turn and look the other way Comfortably saying it won’t happen to me Yet this destructive disease continues to seep into the pores of millions Destroying their self esteem It’s a blend beyond belief A perfect shade of anonymous It finds passion in and out of multiple sheets Most of its victory is found When lovers are unprotected And secretly cheat with infidelity It prostitutes the initials of anyone’s name It pays itself off by breaking down The stabilities levels in ones brain It’s so famous that it’s heard about each and every day But for some deranged reason, UN infected societies Tends to think that this fury will never make it into their space. What will it take to keep us from being naïve About the misery of not protecting ourselves and keeping it safe Statistics show that this epidemic Has found refuge amongst a high percentage of people Who look just like me? Yet my same people Won’t allow their minds to become infatuated With knowledgeable information On ways to keeping them from this unfriendly disease It’s been repeated time and time again But we refuse to allow protection to be are new found friend This flame of fire doesn’t seem to have a cure
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But we can protect ourselves So that this is one burn That doesn’t have to be a life lesson to endure. Poet: Shanteria “Poetizer” Griglen City: Miami, FL Contact: www.poetizeronline.com
Pump At times we seek to sit with ourselves and we find only one chair and we feel that we need two because we are sitting with ourselves two of us one chair is for the one that draws things in the other is for the one that pumps things out and somewhere in the midst of looking for material to construct another chair we never sit and we choose poorly in material then the channels of communication become narrow between us the chest drawns in instead of the ovne the one appointed and without a word we are alone without a friend short of breath small unfelt and then by some work of divine craftsmanship we are given a chair for our friend constructed of the necessary materials and our heart is no longer heavy Poet: Djadja N Medjay Contact: Renpent331@yahoo.com
ART One Moment The rhapsody of one moment suspended in time Forever etching the epitaph of the rest of your life A needle prick infected Hazy highs reflected A sheer magic moment unprotected Making life like never before Awareness now awakened Fear filled hours Sprinkled with triumphant days Atop apprehensive months Wish night would stay away Sweats, chills, fevers Long hospital stays Pills in the morning More pills for evening Sleep
Poet: Hashim Hakim (H2) Home City: Chicago, IL Contact: www.eracismrecords.com Please note: All poems featured are in the approved format submitted by their respective writers. All poems are printed by permission of the artists who penned them and under copyright of their individual writers. Love Nu Art is not responsible for usage of the varied language, ideations, or expressions presented in the poems featured. The perspectives taken in poems featured in this section do not reflect those of Woodstar, Love Nu Art, or Love Nu Art Staff.
Poet:Adriann “The Pen” Bautista City: Philadelphia, PA Contact: justthepen@aol.com ve.com
A Poem entitled the COOTIES (an excerpt) Tell me how you gone act When that skirt gets high And then she works your eye Now she’s bringing the Mac With a hot cherry pie She wants to offer you a slice And she looks better than yours Way better…lives like a whore But she makes more cheddar Wetter with her licks Dips with her hips Better with her chips…zippers are going to rip Don’t trip cause… If aint nobody looking You’re going for the bait And that’s when she puts her hook in Good looking with the hot grease cooking Burned your third leg In some poisonous pudding Boys in the hood Burned in the same night And you don’t know who to blame Cause you’re living the same life Same type And you barely know her name right? All you know is that you came twice. Playing Russian roulette with sex Busting a tech full of syphilis Herpes and Aids right…??? Itchy itchy Ah You got the cooties Itchy Itchy Ah Who got it? You got it?
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HEART DISEASE
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A PERSONAL JOURNEY
eart disease is effecting our communities at what appears to be epidemic proportions. There are many types of heart diseases. Some of the more common heartrelated diseases/conditions are coronary heart disease, heart attacks, congenital heart defects, strokes, and arrhythmia. Heart disease is one of the top causes of death in men and women in the United States. There are many risk factors that contribute to the likelihood that someone will suffer from heart disease. Some of these risk factors are: getting older, race/ethnicity, obesity, cigarette smoking, and high blood pressure. There have been nationwide efforts
WRITTEN BY: MARKESHA (WOODSTAR) WOODS
tivity over time. The EKG revealed poor blood circulation and blood volume being pumped throughout the heart. At that point the doctors attempted to give her heart stints. However, this procedure was unsuccessful and she had to have a triple bypass surgery. Bypass Heart Surgery is performed when there is blockage to the arteries of the heart that need to be opened. The number attached to the bypass is based on the number of blockages found within the individual’s heart. Mrs. Arnold had three blockages resulting in a triple bypass. In her case the doctors removed a vein from her leg and used it as a part of the surgery to get blood flowing freely to her heart. In addition, a
“I FELT NO FEAR.... I THANK GOD, ALL THE DOCTORS SEEING ME WERE PRAYING DOCTORS,” to circumvent the damage of heart disease. Some steps made have been the advocating of more smoke free public environments, improving the quality and healthiness of lunches for children attending public schools, and to make health care more affordable and accessible for treatment. Below is one woman’s account of her recent battle with heart disease.
It All Came as a Surprise Mrs. Shirley Arnold began to get sick eight or nine years ago. She recounts that it started off with a diagnosis of arthritis. During that process she received a stint in her leg which she now realizes was an early sign of her heart disease. After years of battling with arthritis she was forced to retire from the workforce. “It was a miracle,” she expresses when the topic of her current battle with heart disease is approached. Mrs. Arnold states she was having some intense feelings in her chest that appeared to be a bad case of heart burn. She noticed as she attempted to treat it with over the counter medications that there was no relief. August 14, 2010 her youngest son began to insist that she go to the hospital and be checked for chest pain, so her youngest daughter came and took her to St. Francis hospital. Once she was at the hospital she was rushed back for an Electrocardiography more commonly known as an EKG, a method of using electrical currents to track heart ac-
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segment of one of her lungs was also removed during the course of her surgery. “I felt no fear....I thank God, all the doctors seeing me were praying doctors,” Mrs. Arnold expressed calmly. Several hours later she was in intensive care recovering. She was left with a scar down the middle of her breast plate. She states that even now it is still sore but that it represents healing. “It’s there because of what I have been through. It’s a battle scar. It is beautiful. It’s not ugly to me, it’s a reminder of my faith,” she declares cheerfully.
The Recuperation Begins Mrs. Arnold states the first time she opened her eyes after surgery was quite emotional for her. She exclaimed that it felt good to look up and see her family staring back down at her. She shares how good she felt to hear her children talking to her and atoning for things that they had done in the past to hurt her. She states, “They don’t think I heard their promises and apologies but I did”. She expressed that her time in the hospital was an excellent bonding time for her family. Upon return home Mrs. Arnold states that her recuperation really began. She stated that she is currently taking the medication for her cholesterol and blood pressure as prescribed by her doctor. She is also on a breathing apparatus due to the removal of a section of her lung. Mrs. Arnold stated that she
ART sits up a few hours each day as directed by her doctor. She talks fondly about getting exercise through such activities as walking with her husband to the store. She keeps all follow up appointments and tries to follow the recommendations of her medical personnel. However, she admits that there is one area where she continues to struggle and that is with cigarette smoking. While she was not proud that she is still smoking, she acknowledges that it is still an important part of her overall wellness that she still has yet to rectify. Mrs. Arnold stated to smoke at the age of 12. She stated that she is currently praying for deliverance for her addiction to nicotine. She discloses, “I need help, not judgment or chastisement. I got to be delivered from this problem. Used to drink Cokes, beers but I stopped. This is the next thing.” Mrs. Arnold compared smoking to being like an old ugly friend that she needs to end the partnership with.
If you think that you or someone you know has symptoms of heart disease please consult a physician or medical professional who is versed in cardiac care. For more information on heart disease, its causes, and treatments here are some websites to use for reference: www.americanheart.org www.webmd.com www.heart.org www.health-heart.org
Moving Forward in Her Personal Journey Mrs. Arnold expresses gratitude for all that she has been through. She states that she felt that this experience has been pertinent not only for her but for her entire family as well. “It was actually for my five children and five grands(children) to see. To look through that window of ‘what would I do without moma’. They were put in the situation suddenly. It was a test of their faith...it was a family thing. I don’t want them to lose it.” She also elaborates on how this experience has humbled her. She recalls feeling naked and exposed, relying upon God to take care of her as a father would do for his child. She continues to talk about her beliefs stating that she had to believe for her children. She explains that she needs for them to go forward and succeed beyond her own levels. She stated that they need to know that everyone has a purpose and that it is their job to fulfill theirs. When asked about ways that she will draw from her spirituality to continue her recuperation and to go forward in her life she refers back to her earlier years of service and writing. “I used to write spiritual poetry many years ago. I wish I could find it again....I want to be able to go into neighborhood church setting and start teaching the kids about dressing, how to carry themselves, inspire them.” Mrs. Arnold expressed that her intentions are to go back to her creative roots. She states that she is inspired by the drive she sees in her youngest daughter, Audria. Mrs. Arnold closed by saying that she knows that the battle is not over. She vows to keep on fighting and getting stronger. It is no doubt that with the help of her family, her strong faith, and overall determination that Mrs. Arnold will do just that.
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WHICH HEART
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YOU DESERVE?
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REALITY CHECK
HEART DISEASE WRITTEN BY: PHILLIP FAULKNER
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magine you’re a 36 year old mother who has just had another beautiful baby, you enjoy writing poetry, and a heart attack is the last thing on your mind. Then one day you’re experiencing a nagging pain in your left arm, shoulder, neck and breast. You take a shower to relax your muscles because you think it’s a result of the new childbirth. Then the next day its back! You feel like you have “an elephant sitting on your chest!” You dial 911; go to the hospital and you as well as the doctors are surprised to see you’re having a heart attack. It is reported that in the United States someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Heart disease can consist of a number of different types of conditions, which include the most common coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and cardiovascular disease to name a few. It is non-discriminative and can affect people of all ages, but people somehow think “it can’t happen to me.” Heart disease doesn’t care about race, financial status, or celebrity status. It has affected the lives of celebrities like singer Toni Braxton, comedian Eddie Griffin, singer David Bowie, TV host Larry King, and numerous others. With a disease so prevalent in our community it would be hard for you to say that it has not affected a family member or someone you know. The woman mentioned at the beginning of the article, Ronda Monroe, survived her heart attack after numerous days of pain and surgeries and has made a point to educate people about heart disease. “Early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are the three most important things for every woman with heart disease,” Monroe says. She has experienced two heart attacks since her first one and has undergone six subsequent surgeries including a quadruple bypass. No one wants to experience what she and many other survivors and victims have gone through.
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“IT CAN’T HAPPEN TO ME.” Heart disease can be caused by various risk factors, which are usually classified as either major or contributing. Conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and age fall under the major risk factors. The contributing factors include stress, sex hormones, birth control pills, alcohol, and poor diet. Many of these are attributed to the habits and lifestyle that a person leads. Although some people have survived and recovered from heart attacks, the ideal thing to do is prevent it. Fortunately the possibility of prevention can be increased with changes to your lifestyle. There are a number of things you can do such as eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit alcohol use, and eliminate other contributing factors. Some studies have even shown that listening to the right music can help with heart disease. Dr. Dean Ornish has gone as far as to say that his health program of eating a high-fiber, vegetarian diet, and incorporating moderate exercise and some form of stress-management such as meditation or yoga can completely reverse heart disease without surgery. This could be why many people such as President Bill Clinton, actor Robin Williams, artist Moby, civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, rapper N.O.R.E., and athlete John Salley all converted to a healthier vegan diet. These lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve the overall quality of life of those who practice it. Ultimately everyone has to take responsibility for their own lives. You can’t always predict what experiences will come your way, but you can make a point to try to prevent the experiences you know will be life threatening. Educating yourself and improving your lifestyle are the least you can do in order to create and maintain the happiness and fullness of life we all seek. The choice is yours.
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Le’Condra Gibbs
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: I’m Inspired by the fact of being aware that my heart and body is more important and need to be protected while preventing that which could place me at a dis ease. My head piece symbolizes the continuous cycle of knowledge that should spread thru our minds and stick there and encourage us to practice wellness. As for the earring collage its a representation of attention that needs to be given to such discomfort and wow us to want information on how we can come together to lead by example and prevent cancer. My artwork is love, knowledge, life, and all that which exist in u and I. Photographer: Audria “Nubia” Arnold 901-283-487 quoshrytris@gmail.com www.facebook.com/GoddesscheeZombiekilller
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ANTONIC LAMONT ATKINS
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: I FELT LIKE MY ARTWORK COULD SEND A MESSAGE TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING THE TRUTH ABOUT AIDS AND PROTECTING YOURSELF BY WEARING CONDOMS. I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE SHOULD GET CHECKED OUT AT THE DOCTOR TO MAKE SURE THE HAVE A HEALTHY BODY AND A HEALTHY HEART. ART WORK BY: ANTONIC “LAMONT” ATKINS Contact Information ANTONIC “LAMONT” ATKINS 2956 DOTHAN ST MEMPHIS, TN 38118
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KNOW YOUR STATUS, ONE MAN’S ACCOUNT OF LIVING WITH
HIV & AIDS
“
WRITTEN BY: MARKESHA (WOODSTAR) WOODS
IT WAS 1995 WHEN MEDS AS WE KNOW THEM TODAY CAME AROUND. THEY WERE BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONES,
H
uman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are two terms that have been used synonymously for many years. HIV is transferred from person to person by bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and per-ejaculation. The most common forms of contraction being unprotected/unsafe sex, mother to child transmission, and through sharing of intravenous needles. HIV and AIDS cause the immune system to be weakened and unable to function at full capacity. This provides room for opportunistic infections to invade the body. People typically do not die of HIV or AIDS directly; they die of the infections contracted as a result of having a compromised immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of July 2010 more than one million people were living in the United States with HIV. Up to one fifth of those people are unaware that they have it. HIV/AIDS is attributed to about 18,000 deaths in this country per year. African Americans are the most burdened race in the United States in regards to HIV/AIDS making up almost half of all current cases. It is estimated that 1 in 16 black men and 1 in 30 black women will be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS during their lifetime. This is an alarming rate of 6 times more cases in black men than their white counterparts and 15 times higher in black women than their white counterparts. HIV/AIDS is a pandemic. HIV/AIDS not only affects the infected person but also their friends, families, and communities. World AIDS Day is held every year in December. In many cases, contraction of HIV/AIDS can be prevented. Methods such as safe sex, abstinence, and refusal to share needles are all common solutions stated to keep oneself infection free. It is suggested by health care officials that people are tested annually for HIV/AIDS. There are some exceptions to this standard that should be assessed on a one on one basis with a health care professional according to the individual’s circumstances. Below is the story of one man who is currently infected with HIV/AIDS. He gives us a candid look inside his life, his works, and advocacy.
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”
Just a Routine Health Exam Oliver Martin III has been living with HIV/AIDS for the last 14 years. He was first diagnosed with HIV in 1986. A routine health exam led to his being tested. Mr. Martin states that when he was diagnosed that he took the first ten years to focus on his own health and wellness. In addition, he devoted time to learn about the disease as he realized that he did not know much about it. He recalled earlier messages that he received about HIV/AIDS being a “gay cancer”. In the midst of learning and dispelling myths he began to participate in New York City organizations. HIV/AIDS struck Mr. Martin’s life a second time when his brother was diagnosed in 1990. Mr. Martin recalls that being a very difficult time for his family, being faced with two brothers both battling the same disease. His brother passed in 2005. Mr. Martin recalls when he first started to consider taking medications for HIV per the request of his doctor. “It was 1995 when meds as we know them today came around. They were better than the previous ones,” he explains. In 1998 Mr. Martin states that he caught Pneumonia. This was his first time dealing with an opportunistic infection. Opportunistic infections are those that people with HIV may contract more easily due to the compromised state of their immune system. Where these infections may be easily fought off by someone with a normal functioning immune system, they can be life threatening to someone with HIV. While hospitalized due to pneumonia, Mr. Martin began to take the medication as suggested by his doctor. He found that he began to get better as a result. He is currently taking a regime of six different medications. He also adds though that while the medications are working well for him, they may not be a good option for everyone.
Learning to Live With HIV and AIDS “First let me clarify something. I am living with HIV and AIDS. The difference is man-made. The CDC decided
ART to state it scientifically,” Mr. Martin explains. He goes on to educate that the CDC is having a nationwide conversation to re-establish how HIV and AIDS are classified and defined. He also points out that the term full blown AIDS is obsolete, and was done away with over 10 years ago. “It is a numbers guided term,” according to Mr. Martin. It is all based on T-Cell counts. T-Cells is short for T lymphocytes which are part of the white blood cells that contribute to the immune system functioning and the body’s ability to fight off foreign particles. He states that he is currently living a wonderful life that he spends jointly in New York City and a city in the Midwest (a city which he preferred not to discuss due to maintaining some level of solitude). He states he is still taking his medications as a part of a total wellness plan that he has implemented for himself. He reports that the medication seems to be working and keeping him stabilized. Mr. Martin gave up drinking all types of alcohol 16 years ago. He explains that total elimination of alcohol from his life was a conscious choice. He stopped smoking cigarettes eight years later which he admits was much more difficult for him. “I had to create a plan for myself to stop. Gradual did not work,” he recalls. He stated that he also found incentive to quit smoking as the price of cigarettes was increasing. However, he quickly withdrew that statement saying they were already way past his previously stated price limits when he stopped. When asked about changes in diet he laughed stating, “I would like to say that I am eating better. My nutritionist would like to hear that too”. Mr. Martin goes on to state that diet is an area where he is still more lenient. He expresses however that he has made some positive changes while he still allows himself to indulge in some of his favorites such as fried chicken and chitterlings. He adds, “Moderation is the difference. I haven’t totally given (food) things up”. All things considered Mr. Martin is happy to be able to report that his cholesterol level had decreased and is under control.
Assigning Actions to Ideations
they needed their own individual budget and to be eligible to apply for funds independently as an organization. The 501(c) (3) status is granted by the IRS to be recognized as tax exempt due to being a charitable organization. They were granted the status in 2008, to service not just their church but the whole interdenominational network that includes the American Baptist Church USA and the United Church of Christ in addition to others. In that same year, Mr. Martin was voted Chairman of the Board of the United Church of Christ HIV & AIDS Network. Their network currently services 5200 individual churches. The network provides information to those churches as requested and educational materials for distribution. The national headquarters is located in Cleveland, OH. Mr. Martin’s primary office is in New York. He also explains that he is able to set up pseudo-offices as needed in conjunction with any of the 5200 churches that the network services. In closing, Mr. Martin expressed that there are two mottos that he likes to live by. The first, “Be careful how you act, you may be the only bible that somebody gets to read”. He explains that it is important that we be living examples for others as we may be the only encounters of God’s goodness that they experience. His second motto is much more self explanatory, “Know your HIV/AIDS status”. Enough said. If you or someone you know is interested in knowing their HIV/AIDS status, please consult a health care professional in your area. HIV/AIDS related illnesses are claiming the lives of people worldwide. Although some populations are seeing a more rapid growth in numbers, HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. For more information about HIV/AIDS, its causes, statistics, and prevention please visit these websites for reference: www.aidshealth.org www.cdc.gov www.mayoclinic.com www.ucaninc.org
In 1996 Mr. Martin became a board member of an agency called AIDS Service Center of NYC. He recalls enjoying his work there yet feeling as if there was more that he could be doing. In the year 2000 Mr. Martin recounts sitting in service at his church, The Riverside Church of NYC. He stated that his minister challenged everyone to be workers in the community and to do things that could be impactful nationwide as well as internationally. His minister encouraged everyone to take the talents and know how that they already possessed and to apply it towards community enhancement projects. That ignited Mr. Martin to become a part of the HIV/AIDS ministry at his church. At the time the acting chairman was on a sabbatical in Africa so he took initiative to forward the works of the ministry by meeting with church and community organizations in the NY area to brainstorm community needs. From those roundtables and meetings a domestic HIV/AIDS mission within the United Church of Christ Network was initiated. In 2005 it was decided that more work needed to be done. The HIV/AIDS ministry division of the church applied for 501(c)(3) status, as they found
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MEREDITH SLOVER WILSON EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: HER OWLS ARE AN EXTENSION OF MY PERSONALITY. THEY ARE THE MESSENGERS WHO EXPRESS THAT OF WHICH I HAVE A HARD TIME EXPRESSING. THIS OWL IN PARTICULAR IS SURROUNDED BY THE SADNESS AND NEGATIVITY OF HIV/ AIDS AND HEART DISEASE. SHE IS TRYING HER HARDEST TO EXPRESS THE POSITIVENESS AND HAPPINESS THAT CAN COME OUT OF SOMETHING THAT ARE SO HARD TO OVERCOME.
PHOTOGRAPHER: AUDRIA “NUBIA” ARNOLD CONTACT INFORMATION: MEREDITH SLOVER WILSON 901-210-0497 SLOVER-WILSON-ART.COM
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ASHLEY
BROWN
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: The painting is titled A Sweet Deception and features the poetry of A.T. Chill. A Sweet Deception symbolizes the common deception of AIDS; that individuals forget that even beauty holds death and a tragic story; that you can never tell who has this disease.
Contact Information: Facebook: Ashley Picassa Brown Email: ashleyb1909@yahoo.com Twitter: PicassaBrown Website: www.artbyashleyb.com
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CAPTIVATION
Photographer: Audria “Nubia” Arnold MUA: Captivation 54 Model: Sierra Marshall Lewis Contact Information: 901-277-4871 901-734-8517
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MARCELLOUS LOVELACE EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: Marcellous Lovelace was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois and now lives in Tennessee. He uses art to express his deepest emotions (energy in motion) and calls himself a unique traveler of the world who brings African American Art into a Factual Light. His art is almost completely self-taught. His favorite subject is the human form. He paints using various media from oil, acrylic, pastels, glue, magazines, house paint, shoe polish, Georgia red dirt, and simple ink pens.
Visit websites: www.2017blackart.com www.myspace.com/2017blackart www.infinito2017.com Email: only1infinito@hotmail.com
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Love Nu Art November/ December 2010
DAVID
ART
QUARLES
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: The reason I created the piece as I did was to represent a victory over heart disease and its related complications. Usually when someone has a serious illness, it is almost as the sickness is wearing them. Yet, the necklace I created is showing how a victorious person can actually show their triumph in wearing a symbol of something that once wore them. The gray (silver) hearts represent the sick heart, on the way to healing. The center heart demonstrates the heart, back to a cured/healthy state (in which it should be)
David Quarles- Jewelry Designer IV Jewelry Designs Website: ivjewelrydesigns.com Facebook: IV Jewelry Designs (Fan page and group) E-mail: dquarle1@hotmail.com
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EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: I wanted to focus more on the “Attention Getter” side of this AIDS awareness campaign. Sex sales and always raises an eyebrow and that’s exactly what I intended to do but at the same time portray an image that was self-explanatory, yet beautiful in its on right. AIDS is a major concern in this entertainment industry and a great deal of people get caught up in the fantasy aspect and fail to see the consequences of what they think is something but it end up being the total opposite and end up paying the ultimate price for their miss-guided fantasies.
Arick Elion 901-219-4823 www.arickelion.com
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MARKESHA
(WOODSTAR) WOODS EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: My earrings for this issue were inspired by speaking with and being educated by Mr. Oliver Martin (my new found brother). He ignited a fire and interest within me to know more about HIV/AIDS and to provide a creative voice for what is going on in the battle that those with this diagnosis face. The earrings are my personal vow in regards to the HIV/AIDS movement if you will. Educate ourselves, advocate for progress, celebrate life. I dedicate these earrings to the memory of a close family friend, Kenny.
Markesha (Woodstar) Woods Arts and Entertainment Editor Peculiar Creative Arts
901-240-7369
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JOSEPH
BOYD
S CUSTOMS EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: UniverSoles Customs Presents “Love Wood”. Joseph Boyd is at it again with a pair of hand painted Nike Air Force 1’s created in honor of the fight with Heart Disease. The shoes front upper panels are painted gray and white to put a different twist on wood grain the Nike swoosh is simply painted red and the back panel is filled with red over sized hearts
www.universolescustoms.com www.flightoffancyclothing.com www.flightoffancyclothing.blogspot.com Twitter @UniverSoles 901-233-5081
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KIMBERLY
BROWN
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Love Nu Art November/ December 2010
ART EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: A heart suffering from heart disease portrays a bleak and undesirable image, yet a healthy heart pulsates with life and energy. This festive, fancy pin symbolizes the beauty and vitality of a healthy heart…a heart that dares to live and captures the attention of all who behold it.
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FRANKD ROBINSON
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: frankd.robinson Jr.native of Memphis,tn. graduate of whitehaven high school,the university of Memphis&a masters of drawing&painting from the school of the art institute of Chicago+his motto is”createORdie!”his message in his art”heal in art”+
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Love Nu Art November/ December 2010
Panthera Sol Designs
ART EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK:
Individualism, art, nature are the inspiring forces behind Panthera Sol Designs. Charlisha Renata uses her natural talent and her belief in being yourself to create one-of-a-kind pieces of adornment. Panthera Sol Designs can be described as abstract art accessories that incorporates an aspect of nature in every design.
Contact Information www.pantherasol.com (901) 213-8293
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Love Nu Art November/ December 2010
TARRICE LOVE
ART
EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK:
LOVE AND UNITY IS WHAT WE NEED TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. LACK OF AIDS/ HIV AWARENESS AND HEART DISEASE ARE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT ARE DESTROYING THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND I WANT TO USE AN IMAGE THAT UNITED US IN A LOVING WAY....A SMART WAY.
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KELANIE HAYES
Love Nu Art November/ December 2010
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EXPLANATION OF ARTWORK: WHAT INSPIRES MY WORK IS MY MOMMY AND OLDER SISTER KELLIE WHO SUFFERS FROM MARFANS. MY MOMMY AND SISTER HAVE ALWAYS TOLD ME TO BE MYSELF BECAUSE NOT NORMAL NOT AS FUNNY AS BEING UNIQUE.
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JAMOND BULLOCK
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STATISTICS PHOTOGRAPHER: AUDRIA “ NUBIA” ARNOLD FASHION STYLIST: KIMBERLY BROWN MUA (MAKE UP ARTIST): BENJAMIN COLEMAN MODEL: BARBARA HARDING
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HEARTLESS
LOVE NU ART
PHOTOGRAPHER: REGIS LAWSON CLOTHES DESIGNED & PROVIDED BY: HEARTLESS CLOTHING ACCESSORIES & SHOES PROVIDED BY: STYLE JUNKIE BOUTIQUE STYLIST: KIMBERLY BROWN & ANDREA FENISE MUA (MAKE- UP ARTIST): BENJAMIN COLEMAN III
COVER STORY
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How Could You Be So
Heartless
I
nspiration can come from many sources. It isn’t just limited to productive or positive moments throughout life. In fact, some of the greatest trials in life have the power to produce the most defining inspiration. It all stems from a subconscious moment where one decides to not only get over heartaches but to make the most of them. With that said I introduce to you, Najee Strickland, founder and owner of Heartless Clothing. When asked what his main inspiration for starting Heartless Clothing was he stated, with a smirk of apprehension, “Inspiration…let me see...broken hearts to tell you the truth. Past lovers did me wrong and as a result I am heartless, I really don’t give a damn.” Najee, a graduate of Ridgeway H. S. in Memphis and lifelong student of fine arts, made the subconscious decision to not only get over his heartache but to make the most of it. Audria Arnold, founder, owner, and publisher of both Love Nu Art Magazine and Nubia Creative Images, shares a similar experience. Growing up Nubia always knew she loved to take pictures, but she couldn’t afford the equipment. After obtaining the equipment she developed the desire to have her photography published. In both situations Audria made the subconscious decision to make the most of her trials and obstacles. In 2008, using money she received for her birthday, Audria was able to purchase her first SLR digital camera. Subsequently, in February 2009, using her income tax return check, she rented her first studio. Last but not least, in July of 2010, Audria debuted Love Nu Art Magazine.
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“
Inspiration…let me see...broken hearts to tell you the truth. Past lovers did me wrong and as a result I am heartless, I really don’t give a damn.
”
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he duo first met at “Walking in Memphis Fashion Show”, where Heartless Clothing made its debut. Audria, intrigued by the clothing line’s color scheme and incorporation of hearts, was instantly compelled to introduce herself. “Like Love Nu Art Magazine, Heartless Clothing is fresh, elegant, and really artsy. I noticed his Gumby fade and t-shirt and I loved his work!” said Audria. The two are currently working on an event that will both showcase their art; photography and clothing design, but also bring awareness to HIV/AIDS and Heart Disease. 2010 marks, publisher of Love Nu Art, Audria Arnold’s second year actively bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS. In August of this year Audria’s mother underwent surgery for heart disease caused by smoking cigarettes. With heart disease hitting so close to home Nubia has been struck with a passion to bring light to heart disease as well. The event is entitled Hearts and Art and it will showcase custom designs incorporating Love Nu Art Magazine’s logo as well as visual art, poetry, and other forms of art all bringing awareness to heart disease and HIV/AIDS. It will be held in the heart of Memphis, TN at Station 1942. The duo has done a photo shoot with international fashion photographer Regis Lawson to promote Hearts and Art. Love Nu Art and Heartless Clothing are new, up and coming entities, both born from the will to not view life’s obstacles as displays of heartlessness from the Universe but merely incentives to embrace what they love and creatively bring it to the world. With hearts filled with love for themselves and their art both Najee Strickland and Audria Arnold are focusing their passions and aspirations to bring major art to the world. We all share the same responsibility to make a subconscious decision to not only get over heartaches but to make the most of them. Everyone reading this article is alive, there isn’t anything heartless about that. Focus on your major art and bring it from the depths of your heart to the world.
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