Artified With KJ

‘Art is a powerful tool that can be used to heal the world if handled properly, art is life, hope, joy and love’. Those are the words of Ghanaian artist Aaron Opoku-Cosmos also known as KJ, who recently released his first art project titled Vista: A KJConcepts Gallery Book, were he shares his love and passion for art with the rest of the world. I have had the honor of going through the project and the privilege of doing the following interview with him.

    

KJ

JJ: Why Vista, as the title of the project?
KJ: Vista can be defined as a beautiful view from a high position. I always see my art as a way of elevating my viewers so they can see great views from such a position.
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JJ: How has the reception been?
KJ: It has been amazing. Amazon's Kindle requires signups and the kindle app, but people are downloading, reviewing and supporting from all over the globe.

JJ: What motivated you to do this project (noticed you had some really personal pieces in there like the one you did of your sister).
KJ: Yes, this project is very personal since I wanted my viewers to experience what I call my artscape. Like a landscape but in art. A lot of people have been supporting my artworks, an example is my Dad whose memory I dedicated the piece.

JJ: Explain this concept of the artscape, it sounds interesting.
KJ: The landscape of an area represents the visible features of that geographical location. So bringing it to art I wanted to use art to help people to visually experience what my art represents. By making abstract concepts into pieces they can relate to.

JJ: For those who want to take up art, any words of inspiration?
KJ: I know it sounds cheesy but I will say, never ever allow disappointment to stop you from doing something great. I was told some time ago that my work was substandard and I believe that led me to this moment, this decision to not give up.

JJ: Any parting words?
KJ: I want people to remember my best friend Mary Fremah Boateng, who looked through the book and gave it the first rating before release. She has been a blessing throughout this journey. I appreciate the love and support of friends & family who have been with me throughout the journey and I pray for divine blessings for all of them.

You can find KJ’s project Here

Internal Conversations

Dear mama, it’s me your little boy

Wherever you are I pray you are fine

Looking down on us smiling

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you

Sometimes I sit and wonder

Reminisce on days gone by

The once upon a times

I think of a time when you weren’t just a thought

But existed in reality

Midway asking myself the clichés

As I conjure up the hypotheticals

The what could have beens

Randomly contrasted by the reality,

 Of the what ares

How I miss you, we, the times that used to be

I still sing our song, as I remember you.

Now all that is left are these echoes and reverberations

Once upon a blue moon, so it seems

I remember the strength you adorned 

That saw us through many a turbulent time

Twice upon a yellow star

 I remember your love and affection

All had a vicariousness to them

Thrice upon a galaxy

I remember our excursions

The existence of a happier time adorned with you

Alas these times are but once upon a time

Memories to linger and dwell upon

Never shall we forget to be grateful

For our gem, the you that you were

Till we meet again Mamushka

With love, your little Jay Jay

Brace yourself

It is that time of the year when we all make plans and set goals for the new year. Goals are good to set but they can be useless if not set wisely. In 2018 resolve to approach life differently by setting goals that are feasible, make a commitment towards working tirelessly so that at the end of the year you will achieve your goals. When setting goals, you need to B.R.A.C.E yourself, B.R.A.C.E being an acronym which stands for belief, relationships, ambition, commitment, emotions. These 5 components I believe are key when it comes to setting goals and achieving them. 
1    Belief - If you do not have a strong conviction in the potential that is vested in you to achieve your goals, then there is no need for you to set them. You need to believe that what you are setting in motion you will be able to achieve by taking the necessary steps to achieve your goal.
2    Relationships - The people you surround yourself with have a large role to play in whether or not you achieve your goals. It is of absolute importance that you surround yourself with people who do not only see the potential in you but people who are willing to help you turn that potential into tangible results. Evaluate all the relationships you are in, if they are not adding any value to you then they are most definitely draining you. Put an end to relationships that add no value to you because what you really need are relationships that will edify and help you grow, better positioning you to achieve your set goals.
3    Ambition - It is that desire to succeed, that passion to see yourself achieve the goals you would have set for yourself. Ambition plays a vital role in your work ethic, if you have ambition the amount of effort you direct towards achieving your goals can and will see you succeed.
4    Commitment - In order for you to realize your goals there is need for commitment without compromise. In setting your goals be committed to work hard and to put in the time, it may be hard at times, a couple of sleepless nights may be thrown into the mix and sacrifices will surely be made but in the end it will all be worth the effort.
5    Emotions - Last but not least we have emotions, yes emotions. Do not set your goals based on what you are feeling at a particular point in time, that is a dangerous thing to do. When you climb off your emotional cloud your zeal to achieve those goal will in most cases also dwindle. When setting your goals be of a sober mind and keep your emotions at bay.
In 2018 B.R.A.C.E yourself, it is a year filled with many an opportunity to do big things and to excel beyond limits. So go out there set goals, put in the effort to achieve those goals, B.R.A.C.E yourself.