Celebrating Our Differences
Thank you for agreeing to interview for our online magazine! Please send your CV along with portfolio pictures! Keep your answers short & fun. Here are your questions: Do you think you are beautiful/handsome? What would you like to change? I used to despise being tall – I…
On my road trip to the homecoming for Prarie View A&M University, I experienced the welcome and warmth of an overnight visit with Tresie Lewis Kinnell. Housed in Frisco, TX, outside of Dallas, this subdivision, for me, was reminiscent of the brownstones in Chicago. Kinnell’s house had its…
“That’s Nedra,” we declare, as Nedra Camille Shelton takes us into her world of compassion, fire, and unconventional thinking. “People are just different,” is her mantra. As one of her oldest friends, (since second grade), I have fumed at the very thought that I succumb to this notion…
Our Guest Contributor, artist, Alex Wilhite burned Messenger up, strongly encouraging me to “Friend” a performance artist named Christopher Smith. “He’s from Chicago!” What’s so special about this guy, I’m wondering. Then, I browse his Facebook page. Yes, Smith is from Chicago, but Smith is also black, deaf,…
Understanding the effects of fear and reasons why some used and use it, my whole being is deeply disturbed when someone sends me a message about fearing God. We have to stop teaching fear and teach love.“– LaQuanda Simpson Plant and Nurture “My tomatoes are coming along pretty…
I met Rosemary Ollison’s work on Facebook. I had never experienced such a feast of leather artistry. Ollison’s jewelry was vibrant, dimensional, and a celebration of leather I could not stop devouring. I asked if I could feature her work in Garden Spices and after browsing her site,…
Gigi and Sarin getting ready Bernie Basley Bernie loves to take pictures. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in TV Production from Columbia College Chicago, but now lives in Bangkok, Thailand. Bernie has worked extensively in TV production including ABC Television Network where he served as the Associate Director…
What is that playing “peek-a-boo” in the luggage cabinet of that plane? It’s a luggage cover by artist, Ayanna Ali, the 10th grade entrepreneur who is taking artwear by storm. In her own words: “I’m a 15 year-old artist based in Seattle, WA. I’m a native of…
Stage and screen actress, educator, life coach – the list goes on and on for Chrisje Comvalius. A little over a year ago, her kitchen table in Amsterdam was the place to land for counsel, fun, and divine food. Today, you must travel to Rotterdam to receive her…
You guys already know Janis Merrill Gipson and Rhonda Hardy. They have contributed to Garden Spices, and they have both created artful spaces on Chicago’s South side. What makes their spaces worthy of attention? First, I was delighted to visit them both for cuisine and creativity. Secondly, they…