a soulful Q&A with Kirei Na

Kirei Na means beautiful in Japanese. And like the EarthSista that bears the name, it is poignant and graceful. And, to meet her, you would think she is quiet but she is not. Kirei Na is quite open once she lets you in and very warm. I discovered this long before we did the shoot for 20 Questions. But what I didn't realize is how moved I would be by her answers...

In her responses she is intelligent, frank, provocative and nurturing. You can read all of it at PangeasGarden.com in 20 Questions with Kirei Na. And check out her intimate pictorial set with Hershey in "The Dance".

-Vincent

earthsistas Walker....

captures of a momentary stroll thru Cabbagetown in Atlanta...

the works and words of Saddi Khali...

"i believe art can change the world. let's make a difference. i'm tryna do work that looks like no other. i've done magazines, album & book covers, but my current passion is fine art."


"i'm currently workin in natural light. god's illumination on Black skin is magnificent 2 me."


"Black people need 2 see images of ourselves w/ humanity. women beautiful regardless of size, shape or complexion. men strong, sensitive & loving. parents & children caring & happy. couples in love in warm intimate moments. us as lovers, sensual & sexy but not nasty even when we're nasty."



"i can b reached @ saddikhali@gmail.com or on facebook"


You can see more on Saddi's works here and here. Saddi and I had an interesting discussion, expect to see the results of it here soon.

the inspired works of Gus Bennett, Jr

Gus Bennett, Jr. is a Photographer out of New Orleans. I've always admired his techniques of combining photographic images with archival painted abstracts to create a soulful creatively intimate capture. I am humbled and inspired by his works. Hopefully, he will be a part of the portal. In the meantime, I share these extraordinary works here. To see more of his works you can find them here and here.

khade...noirblanc headshots

a pictorial moment...

Khade...a revisit in pink

Khade in a west end butta aftershoot

shea...earth mother....

When I met with Shea, she said she really wanted to do a pregnancy shoot but she did want do one that was limited to the typical portrayal of being nude and draped in white...you know, the usual.

Well we did a few of those anyway, but that not what these captures are about. A wife beater and blue jeans was the style for this set. I liked creating these images because I approached the look of each shot differently and was pleased that we could produce an array of looks to the images from one wardrobe styling.

Shea's had the baby since this (a boy.) We are planning another shoot soon.