Unpopular opinion

If we stop policing the actions of others, our own lives will be so greatly enriched. -Jonez

One thing I can say about myself, I do not concern myself with the actions of others. I can’t. I’ll go crazy trying to steer someone in the ‘right’ direction. Cuz ultimately what is the right direction for someone? What is the best course of action? Who the f*ck knows! But it’s not up to me to direct a grown up. IF a friend is seeking my opinion, then of course, I’m here to give it, and within reason. I’m just not one of those people who’ll hand out unsolicited advice. Unless someone is on the path to hurting themselves. Otherwise go forth my child, create those lessons in which you will learn from. Also, all lessons are not loses, everything we do and say, should be a method of learning as we continue to grow.

My opinions, cuz I’m minding my own shit, changes often as I continue to live my life. As I believe all opinions should. For example, I’ve been relationship oriented forever, unwilling to deviate from that narrative, but now I’m in a situation where I’m learning to assess things differently. Who’s to say, what ‘should’ be my immediate actions, if a commitment is not being what’s offered? Should I place my happiness, over titles? Over what society deems I should be looking for? Over what my friends/family think I should value at this age? And if I am truly happy, should I continue on that path? These are thoughts I randomly have, but unless folks are looking for advice, we have to stop offering. Sometimes a listening ear is all that’s needed.

Tristan J.

Ebony G Patterson

Since I caught the Nick Cave exhibit in Nashville, I’ve been slightly obsessed with him but more importantly, artist that bring to light racial injustices and social culture using sequins. Introducing Ebony G Patterson, her style, to me, was so similar to Nick Cave, I almost confused her work for his. As a Jamaican born artist, her work “explores the constructions of the masculine within popular culture, using dance hall culture as a platform for this discourse.” Although I’ve been to countless dancehall parties in the Bronx and Brooklyn, it’s really easy to understand the comparison between the sometimes flamboyant lifestyle of gay male and a heterosexual Jamaican man.

IF you knew nothing of the story of the artist, what message she was trying to convey, honestly what would you think the story of the art piece would be? For me, it’s very easy to see what it could possibly represent. If you look closely at the shoes/sneakers that are bedazzled, couldn’t it be mistaken for drag apparel? Could you identify the subects sexual orientation, and if you say yes, how? I’ve very interested in your answer.

Tristan J.

Pieces of my Soul

I’m a crybaby, always have been and will continue to be but I don’t normally get emotional at museums. Well, I wished someone would love told me to bring the tissues. Recently I traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, first stop, Old State House Museum. Perhaps one day I’ll learn to research what’s on display BEFORE I visit but I’ll admit I’m lazy. However I think y’all know that already.

No secret, I love anything black people related. So I damn there bust out in the ugly cry for the A Piece of my Soul: Quilts by Black Arkansans exhibit. I remember being a young girl and snuggling up to the quilt that my grandmother, Theo Western, kept close. If I close my eyes and concentrate I can almost remember every single square. I’m embarrassed that I never inquired about each patch and the significance. My grandmother has since passed but I was able to find pride in her and this exhibit. Fun Fact: Quilts could weight as much as fifty pounds!

The museum has at minimum two hundred Quilts and proceeds to rotate the Quilts so all can be displayed. Yall know I’m super hyped to return. Growing up did you experience the magic of Quilts?

Tristan J

Viva La Puerto Rico

There’s something about the Caribbean, Puerto Rico in particular that I will always be connected to. At times, I’m about to recognize influences in the art, the food or the culture so it’s not surprise I’m smitten with he artist known as Carlos Rolòn. I was fortunate enough to catch his art at the New Orleans Museum Of Modern Art. Flowers will forever be my weakness but then he painted them on an 24K Gold background and it’s almost as if my eyes can’t decide where to look first. The art is set in a dimly lit room with stark white walls, that looks smilies to sand but I could be reaching. Leaving the exhibit, I felt as if I had been brought to the sands of Puerto Rico.

Tristan J

DC baby.

I had the pleasure of overnighting in Washington D.C. last week. Although the sun was shining, it was cold as hell! Spring is having a moment, she can’t decide if she wants it to be closer to summer or winter.

Nobody told me the museum scene in DC was incredible. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I arrive in a city, find the closest museum and just explore it. The National Gallery is hands down an experience. Unfortunately because I had dinner plans I wasn’t able to spend as much time as I would’ve liked. I couldn’t obsess over Monet or Van Gogh but the best thing about the National Gallery is the cost; It’s Free!

Even if it wasn’t free, there’s so much to absorb, I would easily pay for such a selection. However I’m excited I (Or you) don’t have to.

Tristan Jonez.

Art De Modern.

No matter what city I visit, I am drawn to the art museum in that city. Its almost as if my soul is being called by the artist who have painted such masterpieces. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a must see, must experience museum that I throughly enjoyed. Im not sure if museums can be feel good places, but SFMOMA surely was. I found myself falling in love again with Pop, Minimal and Figurative art, and Andy Warhol has captured the essence of my being. Roy Lichtenstein is another absolute favorite of mine! Can I tell you how I’m so not a comic book imaging fan but there’s something about HIS work that just captures my whole entire heart? His work just gives me all the feels I can handle, makes me so warm and fuzzy!

When I tell you I was on the brink of tears, tears y’all, Gerhard Richter had me feeling like I NEEDED his painting with me, in my home. Lord know its priceless, but If I could afford it, I would have placed my bet, then and there. I spent at minimum twenty minutes in a serious trans. I forgot where I was, and if it wasn’t for the scores of people visiting the museum, I would’ve taken off my shoes, and laid out as If I was watching television. Just incredible. I urge you all to visit the museum when you have a chance and just be. Clear out all the noise, and just sit with it. Sit with it as if you’re visiting with an old friend.

Tristan Jonez.

SideNote: Anything Oil on Canvas, Abstract or German artists I just fall in love.

Dating Isn’t Free

I’ve always wondered how men approach dating, how they decided where they should take a date, if they thought through how the evening would go, was any real planning involved or if they just showed up and winged the whole shit. I had a very brief conversation with a friend tonight who stated something along the lines of women only care about a man’s money, and they don’t be wanting to date a broke man. To me, there are degrees of broke so I questioned the word broke but he didn’t break down what he meant by broke.

I can ONLY speak for myself, but I don’t want to date a broke man. Broke being the inability to take US on a date, such as dinner and a movie and the like. I honestly believe myself to be a woman who likes a variety of dates, I’m extremely happy going to The MET museum, and it’s free but it does Cost to date! How will we get to know each other if I never see you interact in social settings. As a grown ass woman, with standards, I shouldn’t have to deprive myself of the activities I like to partake in because you can’t afford to participate. If I love to travel, but you hate to explore a new country, does that mean I should give up my love for travel?

Just like you should live within your mean, you should also date your wage. Perhaps there’s a girl out there that enjoys meeting up to chill, or solely talking on the phone for months at a time. I know that wouldn’t work for me. However if you are upfront with what you expect while dating, lord knows this will save everyone time and energy.

Tristan Jonez

Museum Mile Fest

I’m always in the mood for a festival, the icing on top is free access to Seven Museums?!

Just count me in!

Most Museums in New York City have a suggested fee for entrance, however most folks don’t know that, so they end up paying full price! Well not this gal! My favorite museum in New York is The MET! I am fully obsessed, and like most museum I can, and usually spend all day there. There’s so much to see, and resee! (Word?) During the festival, I do think I am going to focus all my attention on the Guggenheim! I’ve been there exactly once and that was years ago with my mother. If I’m not mistaken she had a school assignment, so naturally I tagged along. To this day, the magic of the Guggenheim still blows me away, and I cannot wait to refresh my memory with its beauty!

I will try to make an effort to visit at least one other museum but I highly doubt I’ll be able to pull myself away from the Guggenheim. I will try to dance in the street, or decorate the sidewalk with chalk! If you are in the New York City area, please do partake in the festivities!

SideNote: Its forecasted to rain but the rain doesn’t stop a thang, just bring your rainboots and umbrella, I’ll see you there!

Tristan Jonez.

Art Institvte Chicago

I’ve dreamt of The Art Institute of Chicago for as long as I could remember. I was in love way before I had the opportunity to visit. And I mean head over heels, so deep in love. But I had this crazy notion in my head, that 27$ was WAY too much to spend on a ticket to the museum. (Blame NYC museums as they are free!) So I told myself there was absolutely no way I would pay to visit. Keep in mind, I love art, and I place no value on the pieces that are on exhibit currently, but I was totally against it.

Thanks to having a well placed vacation, I was able to make a weekend out of visiting The Art Institute of Chicago, and I’ve fallen deeper in love with the city of Chicago. The museum was amazing. Perfection! I did not want to leave, and contemplated sneaking into a bathroom stall and having a night at the museum night! Then I got scared that they would find me, and arrest me so I scrapped that idea. Thanks to Bank of America, I was able to visit for FREE! They have a program, every first weekend of the month (Sat/Sun) if you show your card to select museums you are able to visit free of charge.

Make Sure you check out BankofAmerica.com so you can learn about all the museums you’ll be able to visit with your card. I can’t wait to see you guys there!

Tristan Jonez.