The term “Beloved Community” first came into the American consciousness through the Californian philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce in the 19th century, but it was not until the 20th century civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that it was reignited. The Beloved Community describes a global vision of humans cooperating together in sharing […]
My Beautiful Amazing Loving Daughter, I cannot tell you enough that you were conceived in love, no mistake, no “heat of the moment” indiscretion. Nothing reckless in your creation. Under a waning moon in a Boston playground your mother and I planned you, from the America in my DNA to the wanderlust coursing her veins. […]
Only two more of this series for me. Seems like just yesterday I started writing about May holidays, and now it’s February. Time flies. 5. Plum Pudding Day – February 12 Plum pudding – made famous by its alter ego, figgy pudding, from “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” (which, on that topic, is a […]
Curtis Aric, aka Dirty Curty, is an old-world artisan who makes all his art from car parts and scrap metal. His studio in Pawtucket is filled with half-assembled cars, bikes, patched-together machinery, and his metal flowers. Curtis has been making metal flowers for over twenty years, and at first, he was hoping to connect with […]
Stanley Bois, aka Mr. Hotinri, is an extremely talented, multimedia super-producer/director. He has used his camera lens to capture the city’s biggest events and film his own independent movie. Eye asked him a few questions and it went something like this: Reuben Tillman III (Motif): Who is your inspiration to do what you do? Stanley […]
In 2010, Martha Tsegaye and her family immigrated from Ethiopia to Virginia; it was her first experience with snow. “I had only seen snow in the movies or on television and then I got to touch it.” Ethiopia is mountainous with high plateaus and dry lowlands, with a climate that ranges from arid in its […]
Okee dokee folks… ‘Tis the season once again that shows we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and the dreaded COVID. If you have been paying attention there have been COVID and weather cancellations already this winter. I strongly advise that if you have tickets to anything that you double-check before you head out […]
If you were going to date a beer, which beer would you date? Before you judge me for this question, let me ask you this: Haven’t you ever whispered into your pint glass, “I love you?” No? What kind of beer are you drinking then?! I have spoken these three words to more pints than […]
Guest Editor Anjel Newmann was recently a featured performer in Bliss Body, an experimental performance at Everett Theater and School in PVD, along with Christopher Johnson, Ari Brisbon and Grace Colonna. She talked about the piece and its impact with both makers and audience: “Struggle is a part of it.” In some ways, this is […]
At Motif, unless there’s a scandal, corruption or award, it isn’t often that we go behind the scenes, but… We are mourning the departure of our amazing graphic designer, Francie Eannarino. Francie hasn’t kicked the bucket, but has moved on to a corporate job that actually pays real money! (gasp!) Francie, we will miss your […]