SIR TOM FOOLERY ART/ DESIGN
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According to Sarah Song's essay: What does it mean to be an American? " It is often said that being an American means sharing a commitment to a set of values and ideals." The ideals which shaped and directed our country has dramatically shifted away from the constitutions promise  of liberty and justice for "all."


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Before I get to the reasons leading me into this project, I'd like to acknowledge a few people and projects responsible for it's inspiration.  First,Captain "Bill" Pinkney:First Captain of the Schooner Amistad, first Black man to sail solo around the World via Cape Horn. Captain Pinkney said in an interview that he wanted to leave a legacy which would inspire his children and grandchildren. His courage and ability to dream big and think outside the box has also inspired me to reach further to  build my own legacy.

Second is what I consider to be one of the most influential and relevant documentaries created in years
Split: A divided America by
Kelly Nyks - Writer/Director/Producer, Peter Hutchison - Writer/Producer. This documentary takes a behind-the-scenes look at the partisanship dominating our politics. Balancing candid discussions with citizens coast to coast and commentary from some of the sharpest minds analyzing government and society today, it's a coast to coast investigation of the Divided States of America.There are a number of factors driving our personal politics but sadly most people don't know or care to know what really divides us in this country. Please take some time to look at the documentry below. It has encouraged me to dig deeper into my own politics and understand better why I support the leaders to do.


Best Political Documentary Feature Connecticut Film Festival Split won the top prize for political documentaries at the 7th annual filmfestival in Connecticut over entries from around the world, including Emmyaward winning director David Earnhardt’s Uncounted andEmmy award-winning filmmaker Fran Rzezni’sMarriage makesa Word of Difference.




MISSION


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The concept for AFRICAMERICA - Going home. Coming home is a research project to investigate and understand the  African Diaspora from a cultural perspective. The cultures of the contenant of Africa have intertwined with American culture to influence much of our music, dance, food, art, dress, theology, and much more. A large part of our day to day existence and communication with eachother lives due to ancient traditions forgotten.  Where these traditions meet and merge with one another is the place which creates our identity of today. In my opinion it's important to understand our pasts so that we can all move forward with a better understanding about who we are. In addition to concentrating on identifying where and how African and American cultures influence eachother, I plan to highlight some of people trailblazing this culture. Although the popular media will have us believe that there is a canyon growing between minorities and whites, strait and gay, Christian and Muslim, the youth and elderly, red states and blue state, hell even peanut butter and jelly, we realize that we have more in common today than anytime in recent history. The cornerstone message of this project: "UNITED WE LIVE." Because divided we all will die.

This is a two part research project. Ill be conducting a series of video interviews and open discussions with teachers, artists, students, and people like you to open a sincere dialogue about  this topic. Like most people tackling a project of this sort, I will dedicate my first few months of 2010 to raising awareness and funds for film and editing equipment as well as educating myself on the historical details of the  African Diaspora. My plan is to, with my comrades organize a series of events, i.e. art exhibits to raise funds for equipment and material which will be used to conduct interviews, organize travels, distribute information, ect. This will lead to my ultimate goal of a documented trip to the continent of Africa. The privilege of having an intimate experience with the people, foods, history, music and overall culture is more than any book, museum, or classroom can provide. I'm exited to hear your thoughts and ideas as I take you on this journey with me.


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I'd be hardpressed to do this project without your support. Thank you for your support.



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  • come in and relax
    • Commissions/Mural Work
    • Video & Spoken Word
    • Graphic Design Work
    • Community Painting
    • drop me a line
  • Bernie
  • Paintings
  • Artist Statement + Contact