Hey Bekka Tribe! Many of you are aware of the Juneteenth Tote collaboration between Nichole Burton (Kincs by Nicki) and myself. I'm still reveling in the fun moments the project has given; from planning the collab, to the photoshoot with photographer Rance, to the drop on Friday, June 10th! This collaboration was fulfilling on so many levels.
Coming together to shoot the bag was so great! It was nice bringing our vision to life. Our photographer executed flawlessly. We laughed a lot. But we also got to dial in to our respective gifts and bring our own personalities to the project. Collaboration is compromise but when there is no ego involved, it makes for a seamless and peaceful opportunity.
It was nice to work with another black woman artist. I got to match my creativity with Nichole's, and we created a canvas and leather wearable art piece. I see the value of collaboration in a new light. I know the art piece's price point may make some people think that we are crazy, but when you combine a handcrafted leather bag that includes amazing hand-painted line work, you have to price accordingly.
We are only offering six (6) of them, so not only are they beautiful pieces of art but they are exclusive bags that only six people will own. Whether you want it to hang in your home on the wall like a canvas (one buyer actually did that) or rock it for the world to see, these bags were made with pride and are symbolic of who we are as a people. The Juneteenth Tote celebrates our ancestors who made a home out of land that wasn't home, persevering through unscrupulous treatment and conditions, having hope for future generations, all the way to the final group of slaves who were officially told they were free on June 19th, 1865. This bag celebrates how amazing WE are and that we have purpose!
I hope you love what we created and enjoyed the collaboration as much as we did!
