Category: contemporary art

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Healing Through Art: A Journey of Spiritual Growth

Image by the author Chiara Luz via Generative AI

Sometimes there is a heaviness that we feel in our lives. It may be there for various reasons. It can get difficult to manage in the cold months and when the weather is grey. I was talking to a family member about the healing power of art today and what makes it so powerful. Art doesn’t ask you to talk. It doesn’t judge and when you are in the process of creation—you are free.

I’ve moved into the realm of spiritual art, and as fascinating as it is, it can also feel heavy. Its purpose is healing, yet I realize now that I needed more healing myself before diving into this journey. I’m in a better place these days, more grounded, and more prepared to receive the remarkable gift of communion with the other side.

When I feature saints here on Chiara Atoyebi Media, it’s intentional. Through every challenge and hardship in my life, a saint has walked with me. Even my daughter Calais — whom I imagine praying for me day and night — brings me a deep sense of calm. I share with my readers the same things I lean on in my own life. I may not be as direct as many people, but this is my story. I mention my other site, my life’s work, and my nonprofit because they are part of that story. The House of Maryam is something I had to grow into, and I suspect I’ll always be reaching for the wisdom and compassion I hope it reflects.

In my daily life, people don’t often associate me with struggle, but I have my challenges. Parenting, especially, stretches every part of my soul — particularly when guiding children through a new family dynamic. I think I handle it well, yet when I talk about opportunity, housing, stability, education, creativity, all of it matters. This is life. We only get one, and it should be beautiful.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the beauty I’ve poured into others becomes medicine when I finally give it to myself. That realization felt like a holy ordinance. I never imagined I could offer that kind of love to myself or that joy could be something I truly experienced. For the first time in my life, I listen to love songs. The first was “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder, then “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, and the list keeps growing. I spent a lifetime listening to breakup music. If I have any advice, it’s this: you are what you listen to. If you fill your ears with fighting and making up, you’ll live in that cycle.

In the months ahead, my goal — along with the other writers on this site — is to offer simple, useful information that helps you build a beautiful life right where you are. I believe that when we’re faithful in small things and truly grateful, we rise. I already feel lighter and more elevated simply by having this space to communicate and share with you.

This month is National Hobby Month, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with something you love. What’s life without a little joy that belongs only to you? If you have a hobby you adore, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always open to trying something new. Who knows — I may even join you from afar

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Our News Feed: Exploring UNESCO’s Impact on Cultural Heritage

Image by Khalifah ALHazaa from Pixabay

Thanks for sticking with us! We’ve added the UNESCO Heritage RSS feed to the bottom of “Our Current Media,” and we hope you’ll check it out as we continue our storytelling and crafting mission. What’s so incredible about UNESCO is how it ties into our values—faith, family, and folklore are all rooted in heritage. Growing up in different parts of the world shaped how I see life, raise my kids, and build my legacy. We’re the keepers of our traditions, and I hope you’ll subscribe to our upcoming heritage newsletter and feel inspired to create and learn, no matter where you are. And yes, we’ll definitely be featuring heritage from Maryland and across the U.S.

What Is UNESCO and Why Does It Matter?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 with a bold vision: to build peace through education, science, culture, and communication. Today, UNESCO works with 194 member states to protect cultural and natural heritage, advance inclusive education, and promote freedom of expression. Its flagship World Heritage program safeguards sites of outstanding universal value—from ancient monuments to biodiversity-rich landscapes—ensuring they endure for future generations.

UNESCO’s mission goes beyond preservation. It fosters global dialogue, sets ethical standards for emerging technologies, and advocates for cultural diversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development. In a world facing climate change, conflict, and rapid digital transformation, UNESCO reminds us that peace is rooted not only in treaties but in shared knowledge and cultural solidarity.

Image by Marisa04 from Pixabay

The Role of Heritage in Modern Society

Heritage is more than monuments or artifacts—it is the living memory of communities, expressed through crafts, traditions, and stories. Preserving heritage means protecting identity, fostering creativity, and inspiring innovation. In an era of globalization, heritage offers a sense of belonging and continuity, anchoring us in values that transcend borders.

Chiara Atoyebi Media: Crafting Stories That Matter

At Chiara Atoyebi Media, we believe heritage is not a relic of the past but a vibrant force shaping the future. Our commitment is to deliver heritage news, artisanal crafts, and legacy narratives that celebrate cultural richness while embracing modern storytelling techniques.

Through curated features, interviews with artisans, and explorations of cultural trends, we aim to:

  • Revive ancestral wisdom by spotlighting traditional crafts and practices.
  • Bridge tradition and technology through digital storytelling and immersive media.
  • Amplify underrepresented voices to ensure diverse cultural narratives reach global audiences.
  • Foster intergenerational dialogue so heritage becomes a shared experience, not a forgotten chapter.

Why This Matters for Our Readers

Our readers seek more than information—they crave connection. By aligning with UNESCO’s vision, Chiara Atoyebi Media offers content that inspires pride, curiosity, and responsibility. Every article, photo essay, and craft feature is designed to spark conversations about sustainability, identity, and creativity.

Looking Ahead

As we expand our coverage, expect deeper dives into UNESCO initiatives, profiles of heritage custodians, and stories that explore how culture adapts in a digital age. Together, we can transform heritage from a static concept into a dynamic movement—one that empowers communities and enriches global understanding.

Don’t forget to click on our current media and scroll down. You will find the UNESCO Heritage Feed. Enjoy.

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Investing in What Matters: My Priceless Purchases

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Outside of this fancy mug I just splurged buying, it’s been hard to think about what I’ve spent a lot of money on. I do have quite a few art supplies and all of them were costly. In the past, my most expensive purchase would have been my computer but I’ve added a few bells and whistles to my life since then. Oh, I do remember buying a few designer bags. They were exciting, but buying the $300 worth of fabric for the first gown I sewed was more exhilarating.

I feel the best in life when I’m getting a deal. While I’m not a full on haggler on prices, I do like to take my time comparison shopping, and scouring the shelves like a detective for discounts. In truth, depending on when the season is, different things are expensive at different times. I remember buying tomatoes as an adult while trying to become an entrepreneur because the job market was meh, was a challenge. But when it comes to my art supplies, and fabric, I have had no regrets.

In the future, I think I may add trips and hotels to this list, but for now, these are things that feed my soul and are worth the expense.

If you haven’t checked out our rapidly growing family shop, head on over today. On our Etsy shop you will find Veterans Day bundles and heritage gifts and more.

Please join the mailing list and visit the shop. Thanks so much for reading.

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What Happens When You Surrender Everything?

Last year was interesting. It was also intense to say the least—but will go down in history so far as one of my favorites.

Here is what I mean. I’d like to think I know a lot, but last year I often felt clueless. For example? knowledge and a general “knowing” comes to me naturally, but it can be more like a fuzzy math than a concrete science. As spontaneous as I try to be, I still plan to jump with my parachute on. This past year I took risks that typically grown adults with responsibilities don’t take. The doing of this thing has proven to be more powerful, challenging, and rewarding than setting an intention and dreaming about it. The gift of space and time is invaluable. I’ve gained a healthy respect for the risk takers of our world.

“Untitled” by La Luz, 2025. Acrylic on Wood

I struggled for a bit, that’s just the truth. But when I began to surrender this false sense of control and ego, did I notice my mind begin to settle and knowledge began to come to me. I even began to recall forgotten memories that I had buried deep within me. Admittedly this is a new development.

Surrendering is not anything I’ve mastered to date, but is the most profound experience I have had so far. From the beginning of 2024 to now, I feel as if I have been reborn. I feel like I’m at the beginning of a great many things. Life seems to begin now.

I chuckle to myself because I am reminded of the phrase, “the more you know, the more you don’t know” and I am humbled. Ironically, I thought I had reached the truest form of myself and I’ve come to understand that I’m simply in better position to obtain that ideal.

So much has changed. Even my artwork. The air of discipline and the desire to go beyond remaining a dilettante forever has been solidified within me. My spiritual gifts now take center stage instead of looming in the back. I hope to teach some people how to help themselves in that regard. Knowledge of self brings about an infectious serenity that extends outward to those lucky enough to bask in that life. Last year I discovered that I like all the things I was told not too, and have become quite good at a few of them. Honestly, I love this energy. It feels liberating and truly where I belong. But again, this is only the beginning of “something.” Life looks different when you are eager to learn.

My advice for anyone this year is to surrender. Surrender your plans. Surrender your ideas and travel down the rabbit hole and see where it leads. Take a bet on yourself, there is no way you can lose.

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Toyin Ojih Odutola: Exploring Relationships With The Power Of The Pen

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Lorna Simpson: The Absence of And Fulfillment (C)olor

Written By: Chiara “Luz” Atoyebi

The 1980s will go down in history as a time that American’s were finding their true voice. Women, LGBTQ, communities of color, and women across the nation were demanding to be heard amidst the bullhorns of Reaganomics and conservative politics. The now-famous -pop art style of the ’80s that was signature to artists like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat depicted the various social issues of the time visually captivating images that utilized repetition as a technique or drew viewers in with their bold color palettes. These artworks and the artists themselves were making bold statements about the world we live in and made us ask questions. Somewhat on the outskirts of the (pop)-ular Pop Art movement were many African-American photographers making art that dealt with the obstacles of navigating race, gender, and sexuality in America. At the forefront of that effort was Brooklyn based artist Lorna Simpson. Simpson is a renowned multimedia artist and photographer whose work often explores themes of memory and representation, particularly in relation to identity, gender, race, and history. She gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with her photo-text installations, such as “Guarded Conditions” and “Square Deal,” which challenge viewers to think deeply about these issues. Simpson’s work frequently combines photography, film, video, painting, drawing, audio, and sculpture to create a multifaceted exploration of memory and history. She is known to juxtapose images with narrative text while encouraging viewers to look beyond surface appearances to consider the deeper implications of representation.

Simpson, Lorna. Twenty Questions (A Sampler) 1986. Photo in the Public Domain

Her work, similar to Baltimore based artist, Zoe Charlton ‘s work deals with debunking stereotypes concerning black men and women. Where Charlton is masterful with her pencil art, Simpson uses black and white photography to deconstruct the images of black women in order to show their many layers. In the absence of flash or color, the viewer focuses on the moment in which the subject exists with pretense.

In doing so, Simpson concludes there is nothing more “magical” about a black woman than in any other woman–at least upon first glance. Yet by honing in her in this way with out overly pronounced bosoms and backsides, she was able to draw attention to the sensuality in the mundane that is her body. She too, like every other woman—is a woman of many facets. One of the many ways the Simpson explores the body is through her work Memory and Representation.

The intimate portrayal created by the artist stands in stark contrast to other artists who aim to explore black women, their sexuality and their essence differently. For example, Kerry James Marshall’s untitled work Beach Towel displays a very vulnerable and seductive black woman on a beach towel in a backyard. Of course, Black women are also this representation as well, making it hard to over generalize and at times marginalize the body.

All of these images challenge the ongoing conversation of how African Diasporic women, and their images, show up in the world. 

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“Unbreakable” Contemporized Yoruba Oshun Divination Vessel

.      “Unbreakable” Contemporized Yoruba Wedding Vessel 

In Yoruba culture Oshun is an orisha or, deity, that reflects one of God’s manifestations. She symbolizes fertility, love, beauty, luxury and pleasure. She is the mother of the river. Most notably the river located in Nigeria that bears her name.  Gold, deep yellow, white and green are her signature colors signifying the deep connection to the Earth in Nigeria. 

Oshun is the Yoruba orisha connected to destiny. The vessel is often used as a divination tool that allows a querent to illicit guidance and inspiration from its markings. With the markings on the pot the diviners are able to gain insight into one’s life by studying the markings on the vessel.

What approach did you take in making this vessel?

Creating art in this medium is similar to channeling. As a black American with roots in Puerto Rico, Barbados and through marriage Nigeria—I wanted to create something that was both spiritual and useful. It is a vessel that I set out to be a snapshot of my family. During my middle daughter’s battle with cancer there were many unanswered questions and I often turned to meditation and prayer. This path led me to the discovery of diviners in both my family, and my husband’s family, which I feel is uniquely African in how our culture conjures or calls upon the spirit world. 

The vessel was supposed to be a bit more beautiful, however, upon appearance it looks almost like an artifact. It is weathered and there are what appears to be cracks with embedded dates and words. At any given moment a different person could look at this vessel and ask it a question. Someone may see the numbers. Someone else may see the words. The markings look like life lines on a hand. It can be placed with the “mouth” facing up or down, which would give it a decidedly different read as well.

It all is dependent upon who is looking at it when and how it speaks to you.

I see a family and in its center are the words “Unbreakable.” Families in all forms are under attack. Unity is under attack but love always wins. I find it interesting that this is the message that I channeled while constructing this piece and look forward to its further revelations. 

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#TBT Navigating Loss: Lessons from Grief and Art Therapy

Original Artwork by Chiara Luz circa 2018

Look closely at the image what do you see? This was one of my first collages in 2018 from an art therapy class when words had failed me after dealing with my daughter’s cancer and ultimately death. When I look back this small innocent collage said so much. This is the power of art as therapy.  What you can’t see are the words from the cartoon of the family at the dinner table where the mom says,” I think I am going to get an apartment,” and the husband has kind of a non-response. 

Thoughts: 

Sometimes you crave a fresh start but feel tethered by those you love. It’s not easy. Life strips away illusions, yet gratitude can reignite hope. My strongest bonds were forged through struggle and loss. Grief felt like coming back from a war.

During my daughter’s cancer, I faced countless challenges that prepared me for her passing. Looking back through my journals, I saw that surrender was essential—not giving up on her but accepting what I couldn’t control. Releasing the need to save her let me truly support her and witness her light. During this time my writing reflected more of my inner battles than her treatments.

I thought keeping peace at home might keep her here, and blamed myself when she worsened, but her life had its own path. Cancer made us practical: I focused on creating normalcy, my then-husband on financial stability. Neither role was glamorous, both exhausting. At the time, I felt we should “uplift” each other more. Today I understand that it was the fight that drained us.  It’s devasting to lose someone you love.

It is the fight that signifies the love and also a struggle I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Later I learned that it was love, not duty, that sustained us. Love shows up when quitting feels easier and  it’s often found in simply being present. I quit drinking long before her death, knowing alcohol wouldn’t help. Faith and meditation gave me strength I never imagined. I told myself over and over: I will not die. I am loved.

Through loss, I learned love’s freedom. In her final year, my mission was clear: show up and love her. Love demands sacrifice—a truth we often avoid. Ask yourself: Who shows up for you? Time brings clarity. While making a small art piece, I saw life’s cycle and remembered to keep believing. Love endures, hopes, and acts boldly in uncertainty. Who do you love?

However, on the flip side of this knowing I could never fully love someone who loved the world more than their soul. I explored this concept in my story “A Time of War: Two Nations One Heart.” I guess I am just a person that looks to God for my validation and less from the people and things outside of me to tell me that I belong. So, when random people from state to state would ask me Chiara Luz, “Quienes tu familia?” now I know. I now know that all of my lack, my pain, my loss were ultimately things that I would survive whether I wanted to or not. Because I have done so and remain smiling, hopeful, and with my integrity intact I know what true love is. “Dios es Amor.”

Note: Make a collage. Write what matters. Stay open. Don’t judge yourself. See what emerges. Revisit it often.