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Spreading The Word Through Painting: Steve Green’s Unique Purpose

Ever found yourself lost for words when trying to convey an indescribable experience? It’s like grappling with the intangible, right? Or perhaps you’ve been caught in a frustrating web of miscommunication, desperately seeking that perfect connection. Well, do not panic, for there is someone who possesses the artistry to bridge those gaps and ignite your curiosity. FMHipHop recently had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Green, a painter extraordinaire who is a master of culture, conversation, and virtuosity.

With each brushstroke, Steve unveils a world that transcends language, leaving you mesmerized and yearning for more. Visualize the sheer delight of unraveling history that only a select few can disclose. It’s like diving headfirst into a pool of knowledge, ready to expand your horizons.

Early Exploration: Crayons And Curiosity

Steve Green hails from the vibrant streets of East Orange, New Jersey, and has found his creative voice in Scotch Plains. His creative journey started with the inspiration and guidance of his older brother.

At a young age, Green began exploring the realms of art armed with crayons and an endless curiosity for creativity. Think of the wonders that unfolded on his canvas as he unleashed his creative talents. This formative experience left an indelible mark on Steve. It ignited a passion that would shape his artistic destiny and allow him to communicate profound stories through his craft.

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Steve Green painting on a building. Credit: Steve Green Fine Art

As he entered tweenhood, Steve’s talent bloomed into something extraordinary. He discovered his unique flair by creating graffiti-based clothing and becoming a local sensation. Can you see the buzz and excitement surrounding his distinctive creations? This newfound passion, generously shared by his brother, lit a fire within him that burned brighter with each passing day.

The Artistic Adventures Of Steve Green: A Journey Begins At The Art Institute Of Philadelphia

Fueling his dreams, Steve embarked on a grand adventure at the prestigious Art Institute of Philadelphia. There, he honed his skills and expanded his horizons, immersing himself in advertising and graphic design. The world was his canvas, and he painted his way through the halls of academia, earning a well-deserved degree.

Steve attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Credit: Matt Rourke / AP

Armed with his artistic skills, Steve ventured into the concrete jungle of New York City, finding his place among the creative minds of Madison Avenue. Is there not a sense of excitement in the air as he steps into the field of advertising? With each stroke of his imagination, Steve’s influence grew, winning hearts with his captivating graphic designs, hypnotic illustrations, and expressive works of fine art.

One of Steve’s artworks is titled “3 Wise Men.” Credit: Steve Green Fine Art

Purchase the artwork here.

But this was only the beginning of his remarkable journey. Guided by constant determination and unstoppable drive, Steve elevated his talent to new heights. He ventured into uncharted territories with each twist and turned, establishing his inventive prowess on a grand scale.

Steve Green’s artistic odyssey unfolds from East Orange to Scotch Plains and beyond, leaving a trail of inspiration and wonder in its wake.

Visit Steve’s website here.

From Canvas To Spotlight

Like poetry in motion, art arouses the senses and stirs emotions. That’s how Steve, a visionary in the art world, describes his close connection to the creative space. Are you feeling the magic in the air?

Through the years, Steve Green has submerged himself in the ever-evolving art industry, embracing its transformative nature and allowing his passion to thrive. This journey of self-expression and artistic exploration led him to manifest his dreams into reality with the establishment of “SteveGreen Fine-Art Studio.” Oh, the tales that studio could tell!

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Another one of his works is called “Cutting and Scratching.” Credit: Steve Green Fine Art

Purchase the painting here.

As his studio prospered, so did Steve’s reputation as a masterful artist. His collection grew, breathing life into his vision and winning the hearts of many. In New Jersey, his creations found their way into the spotlight, showcased at big private and municipal events. Oh, the grandeur! The exquisite strokes of his brush danced across the canvases, impressing onlookers with their beauty.

The Power Of Faith And Perseverance: A Testament To Success

Transitioning from one accomplishment to another, the painter’s innovative works have graced numerous exhibitions. His work has been displayed at venues such as the Barat Foundation, The Morristown Atrium, the New Jersey School of Architecture, the Coffee Cave, City Without Walls, Gallery Aferro, the Akwaaba Gallery, and many more. It’s a whirlwind of success that leaves us in awe.

There’s still more to discover on this extraordinary journey. As his talent flourished, a deep connection with the divine manifested in his life. Through this life-changing process, he had the incredible opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with Bishop Pernell of Bet HaShem YHWH World Wide Ministries. Can you imagine the depth of that encounter? It was a moment filled with gratitude and blessings.

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Bishop Pernell. Credit: Bet HaShem YHWH

In the next chapter of his life, everything changed. Steve, in all his magnificence, was ordained as an Apostle in the Church. This remarkable achievement was the fruit of a lifetime of experiences stemming from his upbringing and his continuous personal and professional successes. In addition, it’s a testament to the power of faith and perseverance.

There is, however, more to it. Steve’s Apostleship, a catalyst for his mental, physical, and emotional transformation, has had a lasting impact. The ripple effect of his evolution is powerful and far-reaching. It’s a force that has propelled him to delve deeper into art and spirituality, making an indelible impact. His mission is clear—to spread the word, one painting at a time.

In Steve’s own words, he states, “We will always come together and design a life-changing experience within any form of belief.” Isn’t witnessing the fusion of art, spirituality, and human connection amazing?

From Grief To Survival And Rebirth

Furthermore, Green weaves imagination, creativity, and a passion for culture and revival into the tapestry of art. But have you ever wondered what lies behind his intriguing and refreshing creations?

Well, within the depths of Steve’s artistic journey, he shares intimate yet inspiring moments with the community. Can you relate to the emotions he has encountered? Steve has triumphed over adversity, from grief to survival and even rebirth. Overcoming the loss of a beloved partner as a widower and conquering the battle against cancer, he has emerged stronger than ever. Through these experiences, Steve’s creative gift has blossomed, allowing him to extend his wisdom and direction to the aspiring talents of tomorrow.

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Steve’s painting titled “Havana.” Credit: Steve Green Fine Art

Purchase the artwork here.

With each creative stroke and daring experiment, Steve tells thrilling tales of his unique artistic encounters. Through dedication, he strives to infuse every piece with his ideologies and inspiration. This devotion has forever shaped him and touched the lives of those who have witnessed his artistry.

Steve’s painting titled “Into The Sunset.” Credit: Steve Green Fine Art

Purchase the painting here.

Yet, amidst the whirlwind of adventures, Steve never forgets the essence of authenticity. He leaves a strong message that resonates within his creations. As he aptly puts it, “Painting is just another way of keeping a diary; if you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” For Steve Green, painting is more than a mere medium; it is a lifeline that breathes vitality into his being.

“ I feel alive when I’m painting. It allows me to express visually what I imagine.”

The Dance Of Vibrant Hues: Letting Colors Come Alive

Expressing yourself through painting is like embarking on a colorful adventure! With a brush stroke, your imagination takes flight, and the canvas becomes your playground. First and foremost, let’s start with a blank canvas—a fresh, untamed territory just waiting to be transformed. With a mischievous grin, you dip your brush into vibrant hues, letting the colors dance across the surface. Swirling and twirling, the paint takes on a life of its own, creating a masterpiece filled with emotions that words cannot capture.

As you add layers upon layers, each stroke whispers a story, a secret code only you can decipher. It’s a symphony of expression, where serenity and chaos waltz together, fueled by your boundless creativity. And when you step back, taking in the final creation, you can’t help but wear a triumphant smile, knowing that you have unleashed a part of your soul onto the world.

Click the links below to see more of Steve Green’s work and to explore his storytelling and conversation-holding pieces.

Website | TwitterFacebookInstagram |  Email 

Nikiya Biggs conducted the interview.

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

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FM Feline Trending

Megan (Pete) Thee Stallion Talks Standing Firm in One’s Power

Recently Meagan Pete, also known as Megan Thee Stallion, sat down with Elle magazine. The artist tipped her cup, pouring out her soul in this intimate session. Meg was fully transparent in her rationale for the interview at this place and time. She did it to heal, put some things in perspective, and finally put it behind her.

As Meg pointedly notes, she is not her trauma. “For the sake of her mental health, she has no plans to keep reliving the most traumatic experience of her life. She’s choosing to change the narrative.”

Megan Thee Stallion Talks Lessons From Childhood

Megan began the conversation by recalling her childhood. She spoke of growing up believing others’ intentions were pure. While that seems like something one is taught, it’s not. Having too big of a heart is a byproduct of character. Wanting to seek out the best in others was innate to Meg’s character.

But Megan’s parents made attempts to stand as a buffer, trying to instill in her the necessity for discernment and protecting her heart. But as with most empathic souls, her nature overrode her senses and any lessons others attempted to impart.

As Meg’s life progressed, as with many others, she struggled to understand the gap between her pure heart and others’ intentions. But life can cement lessons we don’t quite grasp. As she aptly relayed,

“Over the years, she realized certain people didn’t need a logical reason to be hateful or mean, but because of her sympathetic side, still she wanted to give others the benefit of the doubt.”

Fundamentally this would equate to perpetual hurt.

Chickens Come Home To Roost

According to Megan Thee Stallion, her altercation with Tory Lanez and the experiences that followed finally drove home the lessons. “Unfortunately, it took until this devastating experience to fully grasp the magnitude of my parents’ message back then,” Megan said.

Like many, Meg’s trajectory culminated in suffering the disgrace of public opinion and scrutiny. Unfortunately, the artist was also under undue pressure from unexpected sources. Sadly, her victimization did not end with the wound she sustained. That was only the beginning.

Megan Talks Spiraling Down

According to the artist, during the time when she was down was when most unbelievably, many began to turn on her. It’s a narrative that is all too common.

Meg went on to say, “Even some of her peers in the music industry piled on with memes, jokes, and sneak disses. They were completely ignoring that she could have lost her life. Rather than condemning any form of violence against a woman, these individuals attempted to justify her attacker’s actions.” That depth of pain is often challenging to bounce back from.

Tracks Of Her Tears

Megan admits that many were unaware of the depth of her pain. Simply because she wore a smile and continued to pour herself into her work, somehow, that was synonymous with healing. As many are intimately familiar, that is hardly ever the case.

Megan Thee Stallion Stands in Her Power
Megan Thee Stallion. Image source: Kevin Winter, Getty Images.

Smokey Robinson summed this beautifully in his masterwork “Tracks of My Tears.” If people would take the time to look a little bit closer, they could see the tracks left by the hurt and pain. Not even the brightest smile can hide such.

Megan Talks Getting Back Up

But through all the pain and depths of depression, Megan held it together as best she could. The artist stood firm in her truth despite many turning a deaf ear and forcing their eyes shut. Meg even spoke about the feeling when hearing the verdict passed down against Lanez.

“It was a victory for every woman who been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.”

Recovery Is A Beast

Megan admits that she has been in a recovery stage. She’s been putting in the work to heal. And healing is a process. But now that she is taking her journey to self-healing, she is in a better place. However, better doesn’t mean that the pain doesn’t linger. It means it hurts a lot less.

“But that’s the process of healing,” Megan notes. “It’s an ongoing process with moments of fear and uncertainty mixed in with blissful realization.” It’s what one must go through on the road to becoming. It makes you stronger and more resilient.

Always A Light

Megan Thee Stallion’s interview was a moving piece. Each word was like a fragment of her soul. Although some shards were sharp, they cut in the right places. They cut in the areas that let the light in so that many others who read her narrative can also begin to heal.

And It is with hope Meg can get the peace she deserves with this cleansing, and finally, this will be laid to rest. Above all, she deserves the space to heal. But we honor her for carving out a little time to uplift others in her healing process.

Written by Renae Richardson

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FM News Trending

Ye Debut Album “The College Dropout” Inspired By 2Pac

It turns out that 2Pac was the originator of Ye. In an interview with Complex, Kyambo “Hip Hop,” Joshua explained how Mr. West got the name of his debut album, “The College Dropout.”

Joshua was Ye’s manager in his early days. Back when he still went by Kanye West.

“I know exactly when he found the name of his album, “The College Dropout.” I was with him. We were watching the Tupac documentary “Resurrection” in the movie theater. When we left the movie theater, everything clicked for him. That’s when he started to really formulate the Kanye West y’all know right now.”

The documentary they saw was only in theaters from November to December of 2003. This means that the album was either done or next to it when Ye discovered 2Pac, according to his older cousin and singer Tony Williams. It took Ye four years to finish recording the songs. If he was any faster, the album would have had an entirely different name.

Not only would that album have a different name, but also Ye’s following two albums, “Late Registration” and “Graduation,” as well. All three of them have college-based names. If he had finished the album any sooner, then the name would have been different. If that name was different, then the other two in this trilogy would also be different.

2Pac had said it best. “I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

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#FMSpotlight: Raquel Liane – “Work Hard, Pray Harder” (Listen)

Listen: Raquel Liane – “Work Hard, Pray Harder

New Jersey-based singer/songwriter Raquel Liane has officially dropped a new single today titled “Work Hard, Pray Harder.” The song seemingly comes in time for the summer as it possesses a lively afrobeat and jazz feel. In closing, the components of this record are bound to give you goosebumps. 

Lyrically, the “Circles” songstress is open about the self-doubt she comes across at times while chasing her dream. Raquel Liane is tired of listening to others’ opinions and instead wants to follow her heart. The only thing she’s wary of is letting her loved ones down. Although the journey gets tricky at times, she’s all smiles. 

Using an ethereal-like register, she sings with passion:

“Won’t disappoint my family that’s not an option/Emotions get the best of me it’s hard to stop them, ay/Tell me why I let people take control of how I live my life.” 

The optimistic spirit she carries is also displayed through the song’s tempo: It’s light, peppy, and warm. 

Raquel Liane

In the chorus, the songbird even says:

“I gotta know what’s best for me/It’s what I need to make my dreams come true/and I gotta work hard pray, pray harder.”

As the song continues, she admits to having days where she feels uninspired or discouraged. But, instead of sulking or giving up, she pushes through. 

She lists what steps she’ll take to prosper in every area of her life. And she will do what’s ultimately best for her. By believing in herself, she creates her own destiny. 

“I wish I had a crystal ball just to see things clearly/Maybe that would help me push harder mentally /I’ve lost track of that compass in my soul that’s meant to lead me back to that place where I call home/One small step, and I’m closer to the woman I know I can be/The answers all in me.”

Toward the end, Raquel Liane also concludes that she’ll give it all to God. By having faith, she’s confident that “the blessings will find their way in.

 

Raquel Liane

“Feeling uninspired still, I gotta keep praying/Even if I lose the game, know I gotta keep playing.”

“Work Hard, Pray Harder” resonates with those struggling to keep hope alive. Because of Raquel Liane’s outlook on life, “Work Hard, Pray Harder” sparks inspiration in everyone who takes a listen. 

Written by Natalee Gilbert

Social Media: Twitter: @natalee_federal | Instagram: @natalee_federal

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