Art is in EVERYTHING ... Art is life.

Welcome Back to another BIG Yellow Pot Blog Post! Im super excited for this one. Take a journey with Marjorie Freeman and I, as we break apart the barrier between Visual and Culinary Arts.

The exact moment I knew I wasn’t an artist was a bittersweet moment for me. I attended the local Boys and Girls Club from ages 8-12 after school while my mother continued the rest of her work day. I do believe in what the Boys and Girls Club of America does for young black and brown people, but at that age, I hated it. I wanted to go home after school just like everyone else but I will admit, when I was smaller, I lost everything.. so a house key? Nah. I did hate it, all except for one thing, the art room. We had an art teacher, Miss Anna. I was obsessed with her and spent most of my days doing projects with melted crayons and wax paper, sponges and paint or paper mache. You name it, Miss Anna taught it. I competed in art shows that were held between different clubs. I even won a few with a painting of a rainbow with cross hatching on top of a bright hot pink background. I still have the awful piece of canvas that I submitted (I am not sure at all how I managed to win with it) . But with all of that being said, the exact moment I realized I wasn’t an artist came in 2014. Fall semester in Drawing for the Interior Designer.

Now to this day, I haven’t lost my love for design and architecture. However, this class broke me down and everything I ever thought about creativity and art was challenged. Struggling through this class, staying up for 8 hours straight or sleeping in the Rivers Building to get a sketch just right for my class by 9:00 am was creatively exhausting to say the least. Still, somehow I managed to make it through without doing too badly. At the end of the semester, I turned in my final project. It was a BEAUTIFUL pencil drawing of the ceiling at a southern scratch kitchen restaurant named Cheddar's. It had the luscious plants, the fans, lighting and shadows, the complexity of the brick and softness of the light; I was very proud. Turned it in and found out I got a C-. I gave up drawing and visual art completely and changed majors.

Moral of this story is, everyone has their side of creativity. Art looks differently to everyone and we all have different interpretations of what we feel is good art. I wanted to invite my favorite artist and one of the more creative minds I know. I've known her since grade school but we grew closer in our adulthood through college and post graduation. She is a fabulous artist and person. Her art evokes indescribably unique feelings, not only is it beautiful but her art sings to you as your eye drifts across the prints. I would describe it as visual jazz with hints of representation and splashes of deep rich color. She has supported my catering many times and loves my chicken parm. Funny story, I thought of giving up the idea of the blog because I couldn't execute the way I wanted but she NEVER let me give up. I decided to invite her to The Big Yellow Pot, to pick her brain about working in the corporate world, her vision for her art and fostering creativity in young black people. I also want to see how she relates to food and how similar art and cooking are. Please welcome my dear friend, mental twin and best conversation-holder Marjorie F. to The Big Yellow Pot!

Some of My Art ..

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Interview Questions :)

Meet my gorgeous and extremely talented friend, Marjorie Freeman. The face behind the art. She is an amazing friend, eloquent writer & someone who pushes me /harder than I push myself/ towards greatness. Without her, this blog wouldn't have been a possibility as quickly as it was. She told me I may not have something perfect, but I have something that people need and I will perfect it later. She never let me quit while simultaneously tried her best to tell me to rest when it got tough. Fun fact, if you squint really hard - you will find her halo and wings somewhere in this photo :)

Aside from her talents and creativity, she has accomplished much more than mastering illustration. Teaching herself programs like Adobe Illustrator and using the Adobe Creative Cloud to help make her drawings come to life, she is on the path of animating her art. She is also a well-respected employee of Red Hat and is a full-time Enable Architect spending her days writing about tech and innovations being made in the tech world. Check her out on LinkedIn.

Marjorie Freeman - LinkedIn

What do you think about people saying food/cooking is art? When you eat, does food give you the same mental stimulation as good music or a beautiful piece of art?

I think of cooking like putting on makeup. It’s one of those things that isn’t necessarily necessary, but it makes for a magical consumption experience. I know that sounded gross, but what I mean is -- makeup isn’t necessary either, but it takes skill to completely transform someone’s face, and in different ways, even. For instance, in movies, a skilled makeup artist can make an actor or actress look older or younger using subtle changes such as eye-shadow or blush. I look at cooking the same way. We eat food to survive, but cooking is done for us to live.

The same applies for when I think of the value of good art. What would life be without song? Even something as simple as the birds chirping when you go outside. What would life be without television or books? Art defines the soul of life. Just like cooking defines the soul of food.

How did you find out you had a creative side? Did you always know or did it come to you later in life?

I’ve always been a dreamer. When I was a child I loved three things: The Jeff Corwin Experience, barbie dolls, and cars. My life was what my mind created. I drew a lot. I wrote a lot. Those were the only two ways I could really truly illustrate the stories that played out in my head. As  a child, I had no idea what being “creative” was. I just was. It’s always been a part of me, but I didn’t really acknowledge it until I got older. It was then that I realized how difficult my day to day could get if I wasn't constantly creating. I went without drawing (consistently) for like 5 years because I don’t think I took it very seriously. I was like “Oh, it’s just a hobby.” Now at 26, I realize it’s a lifestyle. It’s as much a part of me as breathing is; without it I merely exist, with no purpose. 

Do you believe working in the corporate world could stifle your creativity or drive with your art? If so, in what ways?

I won’t lie and say it’s been easy. Work, period, can be draining. But just as I have be disciplined in prioritizing my time at work, I am trying my hardest to do the same after work. I’ve admittedly slacked off my artwork in general in the last 2-3 years. I hit a bit of a wall with mild depression after graduation and it’s been hard bouncing back. But ironically, the last two years of this pandemic and working from home for all of it, has afforded me the time to sit and reflect and really understand myself better. So, though I haven’t really produced anything substantial in a very long time, I feel like what I’ve learned over the last two years has actually helped get me more excited about being creative again because I’ve had nothing but time to sit and think about it. 

I got my current job after being laid off from my first “big girl job” out of college. I had never worked in a corporate environment, let alone imagined I’d ever would. So I didn’t know what to expect. But turns out being laid off was one of the best things that happened to me – now I’m in a position to use my creativity to accomplish goals in a more strategic way. And all the marketing techniques I’ve learned thus far, I’m taking note of and hope to begin to apply to my own personal career. 

So TL;DR (too long, didn’t read) – it hasn’t stifled my creativity. But it has encouraged me to not give up on my dreams and use my time more wisely. It’s also taught me the importance of building your brand. This used to sound so bougie to me, but everyone needs their own personal brand. Your brand celebrates your individuality. After graduating college I isolated myself, deleted most of social media and kind of became a major hermit. Shutting myself off from the world and who I am stifled my creativity. But seeing what I can do and the impact I have already created in my work, it encourages me to keep going, keep learning, and keep pushing. I’ve slowly gotten back on social media and do have a desire to put myself out there more. My current job has reinforced something I’ve always known but never really truly embraced: you are good at something. ‘Art’ has always been that something, its just now that I’m finally growing the balls to try and do something about it because … I have to. 

What about visual art resonates with you the most? When you were at ECU, what classes or lessons did you find the most enjoyable and the least enjoyable?

I prefer pen to paper, but it is a bit more time consuming than just working on the computer which is equally as gratifying. But selfishly and vainly, I enjoy the pride that comes with knowing something I created came about from the imaginative breadth of my mind and the ability of my hands to ride that imagination across the length of the page. Art is in everything. For instance, I’m 100% obsessed with cars, and not so much the engineering per say, but the fact that we’re all driving in a robotic canvas, for lack of a better phrase. Someone’s mind conceived your pair of wheels right now. Whether you or I think something is ugly or pretty, doesn’t necessarily make it ugly or pretty; art just is. It’s one of the few truths in the world. 

I’ve always hated school because I don’t pick up on things in the same way people do. A semester never seemed long enough to grasp anything and I never really learned anything unless I got my hands on it or witnessed it in real time. So math was always a nightmare for me, even in elementary school. Always aced English and my Art electives though. My business classes were another thing though, and I think it was because business was never my first choice, let alone a passion. Up until college I wanted to be a vet. I absolutely worship the power of the animal kingdom and nature, in general. But, as I said before, I’m horrible at math and science to a certain extent. Business was just the more practical avenue financially-wise.

I took Design I (arts & crafts, pretty much),  Introduction to Drawing, and Digital Design I (Graphic Design) my freshman year. In the years to follow I took a Textiles class, Screenwriting class, Introduction to Film, and two advanced drawing classes. All of them challenged me because I’ve always had my own way of practicing my artistic skills. But they really set a solid foundation that I’ve been blessed to build upon since. I’d say a few classes that really made an impression were: Digital Design introduced me to the wonderful world of Illustrator, which I’ll forever be grateful for because that’s my money maker, right there. Design I -- which I actually hated the most because I hate 3D design -- but it was where I created my first favorite piece in college, a piece dedicated to one of my favorite Mac Miller songs of all time, “Objects in the Mirror (Live session).” I’d go on to create my first ever screenplay, “There’s Just Something About Marie.” in my screenwriting class which, to this day, is probably one of the best things I’ve ever made, hands down. I don’t know how I got it out of me, but out it came. I’ll share it with the world one day. Let’s just say, I’m more than confident it’d have the same kind of impact “Get Out” had on the horror genre and its relationship to the black community. I pray God blesses me with the opportunity to get the resources I need to make it a reality. But it ultimately will start with me and preserving past my insecurities. 

Who are some of your muses and inspirations? What's your ideal “space” to create in… Paint us a picture of what your peaceful place is while you work? Sounds, colors, mood, music, location?

Music is my muse, my car is my sanctuary, and the nighttime is my rhythm, my soul (quite literally). More specifically -- the nighttime is my medium (paint, pencil, digital, etc.), my car is the canvas (the images where my dreams play out), and music is the brush (where all the magic comes from). My art is usually a depiction of the visions that play out in my head as I listen to my favorite songs.

One of my fondest memories in life is riding in the back seat of my dad’s ‘94 jet black Nissan Maxima, with the windows rolled down (when I wasn’t too terrified of bees or wasps), with Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) by Maxwell blasting from his speakers. I love the nighttime now because I love slow, vibey music, and it just flows better with the nighttime. Picture playing Brown Sugar by D’Angelo on a clear, cloudless day, riding through the country going over 60 through the long stretches of tobacco fields and sparse neighborhoods; Or Lifetime by Maxwell on a warm, clear, night, with the windows rolled down as the fresh air hits your face. I love music so much I can’t listen to it during work. But I do take 10,000 walks during the day just to get an opportunity to blast it in my ears and concentrate on nothing but it, if only for 15 minutes.

Do you feel that more black and brown children should try to pursue art as careers? What can we do to encourage creativity without pushing music or instruments? There is a world full of creativity that doesn’t stop at being a musician or pop star, why do you think one form of creativity is placed over another?

	Great question. Though I hate working, period, the two things I enjoy about my job the most is the fact that I’m in tech and I’m doing what I love (reading, writing, and bringing people together to read, write, and share about themselves). You don’t need to be a painter, or a singer, or a dancer, or whatever society tries to pin on black and brown people exclusively, to be able to incorporate art into your daily life. 

If you’re an accountant, your art form is designing logic through numbers. If you’re a teacher, your art is communications and trying to teach, while being engaging (performing). If you’re a developer, your arm is the way you visualize non-physical infrastructures; you’re a builder; you’re a digital architect. Like I said before, it is not a cliche, art IS life. Your brain and the knowledge it stores is way too precious to not try and incorporate into your daily life, or at least try and see seemingly simple and insignificant everyday things (for me, cars) as art. 

Like the great Jermaine Cole once said: this is my canvas, I’ma paint it how I wanna, baby. 

What challenges have you faced selling your work or doing commission work? Does your marketing experience and knowledge help you overcome those challenges?

This is an easy answer. The marketing is easy as hell. Confidence is the hardest part. Not even trying to be funny, but I could probably live off my art and a part time job if I actually embraced my talent. Social media has made it so anyone can market their craft for free and with ease. You just have to want to use it, and right now, I’m just scared. I think I’m scared of people not understanding my vision. So pretentious sounding, I know. But I think every artist just wants to be accepted. 

If you could do anything you wanted with your art and you were fully compensated and allowed the space and time to work at your heart's content, what would that project look like? Money, location and time are at no limit. What have you always wanted to do creatively that you don’t have the resources to?

I’d create films - produce, direct, and write them. I know I haven’t addressed film much in my responses, but they represent the ultimate “picture” to me. I can’t sing, but I can add music to a movie. I can’t afford a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I can write about a black woman made in my image who’s whipping one. Movies are my end all be all. 

When I create new dishes or cook something new, the opinions of others weigh HEAVILY on how I improve and grow as a culinary artist. Is it the same for visual art? Do you feel that peoples opinions are something you find yourself concerned about? Do you ever wonder what people think of your work?

I think falling into the trap of becoming basic from trying to meet people’s expectations is most intimidating about pursuing my art. I’m sure any artist can attest to this, but your favorite work resonates with others less. If you’ve ever seen “Ratatouille”, I imagine how Remy feels is the way you probably feel when you create a dish you’re proud of and someone just pays you and goes about their merry way. I have so much to say and my art is the way I say it, but what if people still don’t hear me? The whole heart behind what I do is to produce an indescribable feeling -- I want people to feel what I felt when I originally created the piece. Now while I know that’s not always attainable and that’s just the hard facts of life, it can strip it of its substance, you know? Becoming more like a corporation than a lifestyle -- the lifestyle I strive for. 

Click the button below to go straight to her site The RoseGold Space & Purchase her prints. I believe there truly is something for everyone & her pieces are all unique in their own ways. Tell her The BIG Yellow Pot sent you :)

Marjorie Freeman

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THE RECIPE - Spicy Black Truffle Arrabbiata Rigatoni

When I was talking with Marjorie last year about this concept of writing interviews & creating recipes for each person she was very supportive of the idea. I began to think about exactly what I could do food wise that would capture the true essence of how she thinks about her work. Being completely honest, I had a lot of trouble finding a recipe that I felt was truly like her and also reflects foods she loves. The flaw was that I know her well, so, I knew the food that she really enjoyed wouldn't photograph well or be too difficult technique wise.

Originally when I wrote my shopping list Friday, I was going to do a protein bowl with roasted chili powder chickpeas, diced avocado, chipotle grilled chicken, pickled onion & a copy cat green goddess style dressing.That was the plan. However, I decided to flip after my shopping trip Saturday went completely left (watch the mini vlog on my Instagram tab for the full story). Nothing went planned the entire weekend and I ended up finding some beauty in that. I found some products that I have been obsessing over for a while & what better way to highlight Marjorie's creativity than to make a beautiful plate of pasta. It was a perfect ode to her love of my chicken parm but slightly elevated.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Rigatoni (1 Package or Box)

• TRUFF Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce (1 Jar)

• Your choice of Regular Arrabbiata Sauce (1 Jar)

• 2 Cloves of Garlic (Thinly sliced)

• TRUFF Olive Oil (2 TBSP)

• Red Chili Flakes (To Taste)

• Coarse Sea Salt (for Pasta & sauce)

• Fresh Basil (for garnish)

• 1/2 cup of Pasta Water

• Fresh Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

• Salted Butter (2 tbsp)

• Brown Sugar (1 TBSP) OPTIONAL

• Diced Pancetta (2 tbsp Fried for)

• Oregano Paste

• Crusty Bread*** I can't remember what I used but if you watch the Video on Instagram Tab, I will share the details of that in the video.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

• Grab a large pot for your pasta, fill 2/3 of the way with cold water & generously season with Coarse Sea Salt. Bring to a boil while you work on your sauce.

• Once you reach a rapid boil, add in your pasta. You want it to be al dente, so look at the recommended time for the pasta & drain 1-2 minutes before that time. Keep 1/2 a cup of the pasta water for later.

• In a seperate sauce pan, heat your pan to medium heat. Once your pan has gotten hot, drizzle in 2 tbsp of TRUFF Olive Oil or an Olive Oil of your choosing. Shortly after adding your oil, add 2 cloves of thinly sliced garlic.

• Heat your garlic until it has become fragrant, add Red Chili Flakes. (I wouldn't go too crazy since our pasta sauce is already spicy, I added a tsp). Stir chili flakes into garlic.

• Add one can of fire roasted diced tomatoes. Then LIGHTLY season with salt (remember we are going to add in some SALTY pasta water, so don't over do it) , add 2 tsp Oregano paste or dried oregano to your liking.

• Let simmer 2-3 minutes. Add in 1 full jar of TRUFF Arrabbiata Sauce and 1 jar of same sauce, different brand (there is no reason for this other than the fact one bottle of sauce is 15 dollars, so I opted to save some money. I used Fresh Market's store brand because overall, I believe in the quality of their store brand, everything I have tried from nut butters to almond milk to sushi or baked goods has been amazing.)

• If you find your pasta sauce of choosing is a little on the acidic side, you can optionally add in 1 tbsp of the sugar of your choosing. I like using Brown Sugar because the flavor is better than white sugar in my opinion.

• Stir your sauce and let it gently simmer on medium to medium low for 10 minutes.

• While your sauce is simmering, prep your garnish.

• Chiffonade fresh basil to create ribbons.

• Pan sear Pancetta til its crispy or renders out some fat. Toast your bread in the same pan with the fat from the Pancetta.

• Grate your cheese with a box grater or hand grater.

• Once your sauce has come together nicely, taste to make sure all seasonings are light and perfect, add your Pasta, 2 tbsp of Butter, fresh Parmigiano Reggiano & pasta water depending on how loose you want your sauce. Toss the pasta and plate with Chiffonade Basil, Crispy Pancetta & Black Pepper.

• EAT :)

If you need any assistance, there will be a full video step by step on the INSTAGRAM Tab of the Blog :) Please enjoy & check out Marjorie's work!

BIG YELLOW POT SIGNING OFF :) - Caity C.