First and foremost InI Give thanks that the Most High has given us the blessing to link and complete these works. InI give thanks for the love shown and the kindness and teachings of the entire Island of Jamaica. Most High Jah Rastafari be Praised in a Mighty Sound!
” A Shared Vision “
- The Journey and getting to know Miguel Collins started creatively, through art. When one looks at his eyes, you can almost hear the multiple ideas and thoughts, streaming through as he listens and observes silently. Sizzla pulsates creativity, and vision. The Vision is Collective Praise, Honor and Respect to All Nations in abidance of The Word of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie First.
This piece was created in 2022 before we went to Jamaica at Mr. Miguel Collin’s Invitation. Little did I know all the other nations we were to meet in 3 Tabernacles. Ironically I didn’t put the Mexican Flag in this piece which was and is part of the manifestation with the crew. In this piece all nations are being called to Jamaica, to the Tabernacles, for healing, grounding and education. All of which we found and more when we arrived. The True Tabernacle, The Holy of Holies is in Jah, Haile Selassie the First is the Tabernacle, the Temple and the Chapel. To go into HIM is to go into Jah…, what was, is and forever will be. There are 13 Ark’s or vessels in the piece, plus HIM.
This was the beginning, and there are many joy-tings ( paintings) that the Rt. Hon Miguel Collins has encouraged, come up with and put ideas into. We look forward to sharing this series starting with five, plus the new album cover ” Rise Up” and a collective vision of Unity and Rastafari in this time. Jamaica is a Holy Place, chosen by Jah. Blessed are those who are able to see this powerful island and people. Big Up Judgement Yard!
“MIGUEL N CHAZ”
It was evening, and there was a diversity of people in Judgement yard. I was taken back by a child that was watching Miguel and Chaz together drumming and on the guitar, with Dre-Z Melodi peering in back. All those around can see when music is a central point of being, a perfect place. Everyone seemed to be in a perfect place, and so it seemed perfect to do some sketches and take some photos and be able to reflect and meditate on it. I like the sketch with a little ink, it seemed to capture the ease and casualness of being in harmony. Click here for a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/miguel-and-chaz/
“RT. HON. MIGUEL COLLINS “
As InI got to know Miguel and not just go by the music, thru livity and experience, I also began to try and figure out how to paint him in a way that would look like him. Everyone has a particular energy, and as an artist you want to find that flow, and aura. No face is the same, and it takes time to be able to encapsulate a feeling or image of a person. What an artist doesn’t want to do is make the image upsetting or inaccurate, so this was a study of his face. It seemed important in this piece to have his turban because of the importance of faith and order that is a militant part of the Rt. Hon. Miguel Collin’s personality. click here for a print:
http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/rt-hon-miguel-collins/
” SonLight Living Room “
One of the joys was to do a mural in Sizzla’s Living Room at his compound in Judgement Yard. Lots of experiences on the stairs and with his nephew who helped do some of the painting too. It was a piece of Africa with a tear where the Nile River is on the face of a lion. The energy of the living room and the patio had a certain radiance when the sun hit. The color and hours spent watching the gradual changes made it worthy to try and recreate. I can feel the morning, and the excitement of the day, amongst the children of Jah. Click here to get a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/sonlight-in-the-living-room/
” Miguel’s guitar “
Using a different palette and technique to try and add a uniqueness to Jamaica air, trees and earth, this piece is a tribute to Miguel’s love of things to come and traditions of old. From the Tabernacle, which is not heavily decorated to the contrast of the torn jeans and perfect tie and shirt, told a story of a work and person in progress. A place where the spirit and Foundation can sing itself into any place Jah sees fit. A place where the man is there for the world to see rather than hidden in the Tabernacle. click to get a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/miguels-guitar/
SIZZLA’S “RISE UP!”
Album cover of the Grammy nominated reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji. In this piece Sizzla described exactly what he wanted in detail. The appearance to make it look like it was done quickly was part of the intention. In true art, the flow and vibe is more important than making it photographic. The raw and aggressive lines, and the clear message carries an impact the sublime does not. It is meant to hit the viewer. This included the letters, which are all hand done. He wanted it to feel Rastafari, and also show real street letters that ones could read and are true to form. Something we could see on a wall and smile. I was very pleased listening to the album and that the art and the album also flowed, it was a work of art in perfect balance, clear and upfull. Raspect.
This is the first look at an ongoing series of creative ideas from a musical legend and genius, Rt. Hon. Miguel Collins, aka Sizzla Kalonji, one that will take the viewer into different visions and prayers, as well as human emotions that we all can relate too. I cannot not thank him enough for the warm invitation that touched the hearts of InI, Priest Abba, Dre-Z Melodi and Ras Gilbert profoundly. It is a joy to share the experience artistically at this time. Many wonderful and powerful ideas were and are being shared. More to come. Give thanks for viewing and supporting Rastafari Culture.
In His Mercy and Truth,
Most High Almighty God, Holy Emmauel I, King Selassie I, Jah Rastafari.
One Perfect Love.
Ras Elijah Tafari
