Designing underground water and sewage lines for the Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Vine City made me wonder about the families there, the impacts of infrastructure development on communities, and what the westside of Atlanta would become 30 years from now. I developed my concept and submitted a proposal to Art on the Atlanta Beltline in 2021. My vision for the project was so small. But as I worked with Miranda Kyle, she challenged me to think bigger and offered me a mural location under Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. near Cascade Road on the Westside Trail. I’d already been playing with augmented reality, murals, and creating podcasts for creative community projects. Working on this project allowed me to put my varied skill sets together for one massive interactive, public art installation.

I called some friends, long-time residents and transplants, to ask for help in finding the participants. I decided to focus on the voices of Black men, and I wanted them to be community contributors, with a voice and a love for their community. With the help of good friends, we came up with 10 willing participants who would allow me to showcase them on the mural, and most importantly, be a part of the documentation process for The Storybox Mural Project. The interviews touched on the notion of HOME: What it means, why it is important, and who it belongs to. 

The documentary podcast features the powerful voices of George Cathcart, Jacques Traylor, Jeff Bond, Richard Dunn, Julian K. Smith, Jr., Greg Ponder, Vincent Reynolds, Shannon McCullom, J.R. Murphy, and Jeremiah Evans. They are each a treasure in their own unique way. I am grateful for their participation in this project. The mural incorporates an Instagram filter designed to let you hear a snippet of their voices. Their full interviews provide insight on what they loved about the westside and their vision for its future. The full episodes are available on Spotify STORYBOX: An Art on the Atlanta Beltline Mural Project by TeMika Grooms.
 
If you get a chance to walk on the Westside Trail, I hope you walk slowly, take in the cool shade, hear the silence of the underpass, and listen to the voices of the 10 men who had something to say about the city we all love. #FILA
---TeMika Grooms

New Years is my favorite time of year. 
 
The business of the holidays has passed, and I can settle in for the quietness of winter.  I start putting my yearly goals into action at least 3 months before the new year to give me time to dream, to practice, to fail, and to adjust my vision. The last 3 months are seed planting time for me.
 
Creative Sundays were started in my house when my daughters were young children needing a lot of my attention. I used it as a way to quiet my household so I could do creative work.  It became my large block of time to be creative with all digital devices off in the house.  That meant the children were being creative too!  Crochet, drawing, sewing, dancing or simple playtime.  Just time to create. That was our Sundays.
 
So I want to revisit Creative Sundays in my blogging life.  I want to take a few minutes each week to write to you – my readers – to let you know what’s happening in my art life.
 
I have been so blessed in 2021 – beyond what I could have even hoped for.  My daughters and I did vision boards at the end of 2020.  Most of those things on my studio/office wall have manifested in 2021. Some things will take longer.  But I look at that was every day to remind me of where I am going in the near future.

By that time, I had already sat in on the informational meeting for the Amplify Black Stories program sponsored by the Highlights Foundation and The Brown Bookshelf.  As I listened to the presenters, I said to myself, “I need to be a part of this program”.  So I applied.  Filling out the application made me keenly aware of how much I have grown as an illustrator and storyteller over the years.  I have so much to learn but I have come so far. I felt ready and qualified which says a lot when you put yourself forward to “be seen”. 

There was a lot of groundwork being built in my portfolio of writing, illustrating and art entrepreneurship skills with the support of SCBWI, Black Creators in Kid Lit and my local writing group.  I was learning through mentorships and program connections made through WNDB, the Highlights Foundation, The Brown Bookshelf and my long-time mentor and friend Dan Flores. My Behance (https://www.behance.net/temikagrooms​) and KidsLitATL Youtube   (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvnvGjcerN6O_rTJB9ckrEw/featured)  were being filled with sketching and figure drawing sessions that bring the art community together online.  Figuring out my new life created a tremendous shift.  It wasn’t easy in every moment, but I had the support of a worldwide community behind me.  I cannot express the gratitude I feel about that fact.
 
And then after feeling like I had been rooted in the ground as a seed for so long, the fruits of my labor was starting to show.  Things were happening and happening all at once! 
 

• I was awarded three large mural jobs in Atlanta (more on that in upcoming posts).​
• I have had several private commissions and collaborations from individuals and organizations who felt an alignment with my work and chose to support me as a writer and visual artist.  
• I got two book publishing deals.  
• And after many kind rejections, I finally got a yes on my work from an agency who had been first on my list many years ago (more to come about that in another post)! I’m so excited about the things that are coming down the pipeline for 2022 and beyond.

 
Now things are moving in the direction I imagined when I created the vision board this time in December 2020.  This post is not a bragging post or one to put on airs that my life is perfect.  I have learned so much, including that it’s ok to “Dream BIG Homie” and to “take up space”.  I learned that I can do what I want to do with the proper balance of desire, decision, planning, rest, work, good vibes and the ability to allow good things to come to me.  This post is one so full of gratitude for everything that this year has brought me in terms of opportunities, good health, and the people who love and support me. Individuals often rise with the help of many others.
 
I am just grateful.  Simply grateful. Here’s to all that this year has given and to all the blessings that have yet to come.
 
-TeMika
 
 
 ​

In a year of challenges, loss, and dramatic shifts in the world, I must say that 2020 held out until the very end to show me it wasn't done with me yet.  I had an intense feeling that I wouldn't make it out of 2020 without one last surprise.  Somewhere around midday on December 31st, a message came through....I had been accepted into the We Need Diverse Books Mentorship Program!

Excitement is an understatement for what I experienced in that moment.  I'm glad they couldn't see my response because there were many joyful tears and praises to unseen forces coming out of my mouth.  My daughter witness all of that. She thought some one died.  I could hardly tell her what was right through the lump I had stuck in my chest because my heart was about to burst wide open!

Ya'll lemme tell you.  I have been working at this craft for a long, long time.  I have received a tremendous amount of support along this journey to keep me on the path and I have given a lot along the way. All I want to do is tell great stories.  I can see how my work has grown, how my vision for my career has become more clear.  I know it will grow more and I'm here for all of that.  But sometimes you just need a little nod, just one more pull forward when you think you can't take another step.  Being accepted into the mentorship program was that BIG push forward to say, "TeMika, you can do this."

So a new leg of the journey begins.  I am so happy that Higgins Bond will be my mentor this year! Her work is phenomenal and she has had so much success in there career.  I look forward to soaking up every ounce of it.  I'm ready to do the good work, the passionate work, the purposeful work.  I'm here for all of it....you just wait and watch.

You've written a great story, it's been critiqued and edited. Now, what do you do?  

CREATE A QUERY LETTER

• If traditional publishing is your goal you need to do your research to find the best agent or editor for your work.
• If traditional publishing is your goal, you need to write a tight query letter specifically tailored to your target.
  

​
If you need to create a query letter, sign up to download template to get started:
​https://mailchi.mp/33dd31948dba/query-letter

​https://c4atlanta.org/2020/03/leading-lady-temika-grooms/

I had the pleasure of working along side two powerful female artists in the Atlanta Arts Community during the Village Market ATL event at Ambient+Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.  The theme of the event was "Ladies First" as artist Courtney Brooks curated artist's work around the theme.  The three murals produced by myself, Courtney and Charity "CAKE" Hamidullah also centered on this theme and sent a message that "Support is a Verb" when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners.  

I wanted to share a few work in progress images and videos with you because this project was fast and furious.  I did the design for this roughly 20-ft x 10-ft mural with acrylic and mixed media and incorporated the digital arts with an augmented reality application.  Beyond viewing the painted wall, viewers were able to download the app and interact with the work through their smart phone.  Images of the work-in-progress and the augmented reality are here.  

Big shout out to my apprentice artists!  They did a wonderful job at helping me finish this in lightening speed of 5 hours!  Insane but so much fun!

ARE YOU READY TO PUBLISH IN 2019?

Join us for this month's #KidsLitATL Meetup at Cinamaker Studios (https://www.cinamaker.com/) to learn the nuts and bolts of publishing children's books from a panel of creatives -  Writers, Illustrators, Designers and Publishers - with a wealth of knowledge on getting the work out into the world. 

This event is sponsored by Art is King, SCBWI, Lit Story Fest and KidsLitATL.

LINK:  www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Children-s-Book-Writers-Illustrators-Meetup/events/256812570/

DetailsAre you ready to publish in 2019?
We will discuss the planning steps to create a Children’s Book - from the manuscript, to the art, all the way to market.
• Learn the nuts and bolts of creating a children’s book
• Define the most common type of children’s books for each age group and why
• Process checklist for developing and defining your manuscript for the market
• Learn about the climate of Children’s Books Marketing today
• How to find an illustrator or publisher for your next book!

December 8, 2019
Noon – 3 pm
FREE * RSVP

@ Cinemaker Studios
3619 Piedmont Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Parking Entrance is around back, off Old Ivy Road NW, use Habersham RD NE to go around back. Enter the building from the front entrance.

The Atlanta Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Meetup (#KidsLitATL) meets regularly with professional illustrators and writers to share information and resources about the Children’s Book and Publishing Industry. This meetup is presented by SCBWI Southern Breeze Region, KidsLitATL, Lit Story Fest and Art Is King.

SPONSORED BY:
ArtisKing.org
LitStoryFest
KidsLitATL
SCBWI Southern Breeze Region

Welcome to Books-N-Beats where we dish over the dopeness of Atlanta's Creative Class.  Follow the hashtag #BooksNBeats and #WhattheATL to learn more about what's going on with Books, Art and Music in Atlanta.

The United States - A place where immigrants chase hope in a new land.  As an American born citizen I hold certain rights by being born here.  Although I am conflicted over the historical  mistreatment of human beings by people and policy in my home country, it is still my home.  With that I also hold the responsibility of giving voice to what I believe is right. 

​Witnessing the recent news reports of the detention of families at the border is a disgrace to what we say we are as a country.  It feels as if politicians are using  these families as pawns and Americans are on either side watching them split apart.   

Back in 2015, I created a fictional graphic novel titled They Call Me Esperanza about a Dreamer traveling to the United States.  Researching the immigration debate made my heart bleed and burn.  Even though it was just a story, I felt compelled to say my piece.  Subsequently, I was able to meet lawyers and community workers doing the work on a grassroots level - every day.  Check out a snipit of the story  here:  https://sellfy.com/p/RU2c/

America has seen the destruction of families in it's not so recent past. This morning it made me ask, what are the generational repercussions of this policy?  What will it do to the families, particularly the children, who are caught up in the decisions of adults on every level? When will the tossing of blame stop and shift towards genuine regard for human life?  Forty-fifth said "Not on my watch"....well I say, #NotOnOurWatch.

#NotOnOurWatch
#NoKidsInCages

As we wind down to the last few days of 2017, I am reflecting on the path I've walked in this past year.

It has been a year. 

2016 was a doozy to deal with in regards to personal, political and worldwide transitions.  As I entered 2017, I was determined to chart a new course because life is so short - so valuable - and when we blink it is gone.  The years are passing faster and faster.  But I wanted the moments to count.
​
"The Overhaul" - that's what one of my besties called it.  The moment when you know you have to change everything about your life - all at once - to move forward.  It may require you to shift your living space, your friendships, your lifestyle, your employment, your environment.  It may even take you some time, right? But it's really a shift inside of YOU.   You have to change for real change to happen. 

So I shifted.

In January, I took the travel money I'd saved for a year (with no particular designation in mind) and spent it on a cruise for me and my two daughters..  The experience was #EffinPriceless. 
I will preface this to say I am not a fan of cruises (and this was my first one), but I SO enjoyed the ability to plan a family trip easily and effortlessly, to not have to worry about food and to get off that damn ship!  When we got off we

*Paddle boarded in Key West (a first, gratefully before this years hurricane)
*Touched sea animals that looked like excrement (a first)
*Almost barfed on a rocky sea trip to Tulum to see the ruins (a first)
*Literally jumped off a cliff into a Mexican cenote and let the fish eat my toes (yet another first)
*and ate food made by local people. 

The excursions were definite highlights, but eating exotic foods and watching my daughters enjoy the water activities, food and dance on stage with performers was quite entertaining. 

As we ended our trip to Mexico, another black cruiser with her husband pulled my two daughters to the side and told them how grateful they should be to be here with their mother, jumping off cliffs, doing cool stuff.... everyone does not have the opportunity to do so.

That made me smile and she was right. 

It also reminded me of the privilege we have to breathe life at this very moment.  Money comes and goes, it can be acquired and lost.  But doing the things you want to do with your life and spending the time with those who you value most is what this is really all about. That is a privilege that we often forget about as we go, go, go.  
​
The privilege lives between the Reflection & the Visioning because that is when you start to live in The Moment....which is #EffinPriceless.

A few years ago it took everything in me to create a piece of art.  I was stuck in a major way.  With support, nurturing and coaching I was able to get out of my funky artist block mood.  Along the way I picked up some really good tools to use for the inevitable time that the creativity monster comes knocking at my door.

Below are 10 ways (and I have many more) that creative minds can get past artist block and get that mojo back:


1.  Wash dishes, sweep or dig in the dirt
 
Do anything that is repetitive.The action of doing the same thing over and over again actually gives your mind a break.Even if it’s a chore you don’t like (maybe raking leaves ain’t your thang).Repetition may open your mind to new ideas.

2.  Go for a walk or long hike
 
Nature is a healing salve to a stuck mind.I have the benefit of having nature trails nearby, but even if you don’t, a simple walk outside will oxygenate your brain cells and something you see may give you a spark and become your next muse.

3.  Drive a long distance on an open highway
 
There is something about getting on an open highway that seems to make me relax.All kinds of ideas come my way.Adding music that I know and can mindlessly sing let’s my mind go where ever it wants to go.I usually come up with some great ideas on long drives.Have a notebook handy for the rest stop.

4.  See something new – Explore & Travel
 
There’s a big ole’ world waiting for you to explore! Why stay stuck in a rut when you can draw inspiration from new environments, new cultures and new experiences.One of the things I have started doing is hosting artist retreats to give people an opportunity to travel with like-minded creatives.Check out the upcoming artist excursions at www.MuseArtsRetreats.com

5.  Go to the library or bookstore
 
Equal to traveling is going to your local bookstore or library. Fictional stories and non-fiction information on different topics may make you aware of something you have never considered. Browse topics of interest or find something completely out of your element.

6.  Take a nap
 
Children usually feel better, more refreshed and less awnry (as we say in the south) after a good long nap.Take one.See how it works for you.

7.  Dance Play and Sing Loudly
           
Dance hard, play hard and sing OUT LOUD!  Play is hands down a cure-all for everything under the sun.  In a world where we are so doggone serious why shouldn’t we laugh a little more – mostly at ourselves.  We may be able to actually heal the world with a little more joy in our own lives.

8.  Pull out a coloring book
           
Ok, so I know in some circles people think coloring is super childish.  Why revert back to a childhood activity when there is actually world hunger to deal with.  We all should be adults right.  Well guess what?  Adulthood is stressing us out! And we are tired of it.  No, coloring is not professional therapy.  Yes, your problems will still be there when you are done.  But maybe if you just take a moment to slow down then what you are stressing about won’t stress you out and the solution may come to you.  When you wrestle down a monster, sometime you lose.  If you want to add a little more fun to it, grab a friend and go to coloring group meetup like:

http://www.meetup.com/Coloring-for-Adults/

9.  Be around Creative People
 
What better way to spend your time than with someone who reflects and validates who you are when you are wrestling with artist block.  They know what the creative monster looks like.  They just stared him down yesterday and won.  Your art buddy may have the encouragement you need to go back and try again.  Bounce your struggles, ideas and dreams of off your artist friend – and be kind enough to let them do the same.
 
 10. Yoga, Prayer, Meditate and Healing Arts
 
This last one was big for me.  I am really into yoga and meditation.  I know that prayer has worked for me.  Using spirituality to center yourself works for some people.  My personal experience has been that when I close my mouth and my eyes, I can actually receive what I need. Find that thing that works for you and make it a regular practice, even if all you have is a few minutes each day.   The time you take to center your mind and heart may be the inspiration you need. 
 
 

Basically, think of anything that brings you relaxation and joy.  Do that thing and do it relentlessly.  The stress of being a blocked artist will eventually leave you to do your work. When the joy comes, so will the inspiration.
 
 

A few years ago, my doctor told me, “You need a lifestyle change”.  She knew I was going through a divorce and had gained too much weight.  She suggested that stress was a major factor.

Still, I had to keep living.  Bills still needed to be paid, kids still needed to be fed and the world kept spinning.  But I needed to hold a space for myself.  I decided to turn back to my first love – ART. Creativity let me express myself freely – even when it looked like crap.  It didn’t matter because it belonged to me and my job was to create what I saw in my mind.

This year I presented an art exhibit and decide to base it on a graphic novel I created about illegal child immigration.  To lighten the mood on this heavy topic and make it interactive, there were coloring pages and pencils, tables and chairs set up for people to connect through coloring.  Little did I know that there was a major craze going on with coloring books.  But that art exhibit and the feedback I received inspired me to host a Coloring for Adults “Coffee, Coloring & Conversation” Meetup here in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Meetup experience has been interesting.  People come from all parts of the metropolitan area to participate.  They are individuals of all creative abilities, socioeconomic standings, races, genders and backgrounds.  We are a diverse group.  We meet for the love of coloring.

There have been days that I have rushed to the group, stressed out from my own life.  Surprisingly, after twenty minutes of munching of food and drinks, small talk and deeper conversations, the table hits a silence that is surprisingly NOT awkward.  We are in the midst of the moment.  We are absorbed in what is happening right in front of us, right on the page.  It is one of the simplest forms of mindful meditation.

Connecting people through creativity has been a theme in the presentations and workshops I have given in the past year.  Creative play and social activities helped me get out of a mid-life funk.  I think the popularity of my group and others across the world is a sign that we all are creative and we need to connect with people without a computer screen.