What? You thought this was OVER?!
Days Remaining: ???
Beginning weight: 208 lbs
Current Weight: 192.6 lbs
Total Loss: 15.4 lbs
Total Days Pledged: 8 days
What? You thought this was over?!
Ok Ok, I know I’ve been absent from the blogosphere for almost 2 weeks now, and that was most definitely NOT in the original plan. But truth be told, I seriously underestimated how much fasting would impact my energy levels, focus and basic ability to form coherent sentences lol. Never in a million years would I have guessed that I’d get to a point where I’d be too tired and strained to put pen to paper (or more literally, fingers to keys).
I guess that’s just another perfect example of how the sacrifices you make in support of what you love can wear you a bit thin over the course of your journey. I honesty still can’t imagine how Josephus, URL and Rugged have kept on their nonstop grind for so many years. Those of you who’ve been coming out to support know that while I may have been too exhausted to write – I definitely wasn’t ever too tired to rock. There’s an energy in their respective artforms that is almost nourishing.
So with that said— let’s get back to business. The month of May has come and gone, and after 30 days of fasting to raise awareness for 3 amazing local artists, I’m afraid I must report that none of them have “made it big” so to speak. Still, there’s a few lessons to be learned here.
Questions of the Week:
Q: Time’s up. Are you gonna quit?
Caleb Reirdan, Washington, DC
A: Well, yes and no. From now until the end of June, YOUR active participation determines whether or not I can eat from day to day!
So in a lot of respects, you’re better equipped to answer that one than I am Kevin (Here’s where it gets interesting folks). As I said before, the whole point of this project was proving that we all need the support of our peers and community in order to thrive. With that said, here’s how the next 30 days will proceed:
We are asking fans and fam of UpRite Lions, JosephusIII and Rugged and Raw to join our movement by pledging days of fasting as a show of support. Then , shoot us an email or post telling it was important for you to support the cause. If you can’t fast a whole day, pledge a half-day! We want to hear about it all — your dreams, hunger pains, views on the project, and any projects of your own that others can lend a hand in supporting.
-OR-
If you just can’t bear the thought of giving up your favorite goodies, don’t dismay. You can still do your part to support the Starving Artist Project. For each person who donates their time or services in support of UpRite Lions, Josephus III or Rugged-N-Raw and posts to tell us about it, I’ll get to enjoy an additional day of nourishment! On the days when we haven’t had anyone volunteer services, I’ll be back to starving right alongside these guys. So call these guys up…help set up for a show, design a flyer, take a photo, write a review of one of their events! We need everything you have to offer.
Big shouts and Much Love go out to all who’ve pledged their support already. Help return the love that they’ve shown us — Take a moment to check out their pages:
- Kia Martin – never hurts to add a splash of beauty and brains to any movement. Kia was the first to offer to fast alongside us! I’m going to start calling her KI -Ride or Die! (1 day)
- Tameka Moore, Trish Becton and Jennifer ‘Kween’ Moore of UK Collekshun Jewelry and UrbanShotzPhotography. These lady lions are the epitome of what this movement is about. Not only have they devoted everything from their unique artistry to their super-fly camera skills toward making sure JIII and URL are at their finest — they’ve also pledged 5 days of fasting! (5 days)
- Kristin Jeffers — Kristin has taken precious time away from her LSAT studies to write an article on the Starving Artist Project for InCOLOR online magazine. Look for it soon! (1/2 day)
- Robert Jeffers & Lyrics Personals,LLC — Robert hit us up after the last Poetry Café event to offer his skills as a photographer. Can’t beat that! (1/2 day)
- GoTriad & Jennifer Bringle — Jennifer interviewed UpRite Lions for GoTriad entertainment magazine recently, and gave the Starving Artist Project it’s first press of the movement! (1/2 day)
- Stephen Charles photography – thanks for supporting the Lions and UK Collekshun!
- Charliepp53 – he has an incredible eye for capturing the movement and energy of URL and Josephus’ events. check out some of his gorgeous photography of the most recent Poetry Cafe on his flickr page.
As for all of the amazing artist and volunteers who have ALWAYS been on the scene to help make these guys a success, we haven’t forgotten you! Heartfelt and most sincere thanks for all you do to make these dreams a reality. We love you all!
Q: 30 days are up, and as far as I can gather from your Twitter posts, none of the [artists] you featured have gotten signed. Are you and the guys discouraged or disappointed?
Becky P. , Fayetteville, NC
A: I’m actually way on the other end of that spectrum — by my estimation the first month of the Starving Artist Project was a rousing success. Allow me to explain:
While major financial backing or a development deal would have been wonderful, the real missions of this project were a) getting these artists the support they deserve and b) reminding each other of the power of community and collective consciousness to create a greater good. And in those respects, we have excelled beyond what I could have dared to hope for.So many gifted, amazing people have come from all over and responded positively to our movement –donating their time, talents, venues, accolades and services to helping us move forward on our journey. They’ve living proof that together, we can build the stuff dreams are made of!
Q: Honestly, did you cheat on the first 30 days?
Linda Linezo, El Paso, TX
A: Honestly — yes, but only once (I can’t lie…goes against the spirit of the movement). I was cooking dinner for my babe and dropped 2 or 3 pasta noodles on the stove. Before I even thought about it, I’d popped them in my mouth and started chomping on ‘em. As soon as I went back to stirring the pot, I realized what I was doing and freaked.I spit it out, but not before I swallowed at least the equivalent of one noodle. And let me tell you, that was probably the best dang pasty, overcooked lonely-ass noodle I’ve ever had in my life LOL! Bur seriously, other than that one random incident, I’ve been strictly on the level.
What’s Next
Subscribe to the blog or follow us on Twitter for the latest on who’s pledge their efforts, new event dates, and possibly even the premier of some hot new tracks from the featured artists! And don’t forget to hit us up if you’re interested in joining the movement!
In the meantime, take a second to pop by their sites or come see Josephus in action at Poetry in the Park this Friday @ 6pm:
