An Artist's Perspective: Her Story - Memory, Light, and the Collective Soul History

Image: Mikel Elam

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Her Story

History is also her story—

the story of our souls.

And souls have memory:

many lifetimes of remembrance.

The feminine soul is omnipotent and ever-present.

She delivers all of us into this realm of consciousness

while carrying the weight of the past.

Even in its title, history leans masculine—his story.

But it is not just his.

It is ours.

The story of the collective soul.

The soul of the universe.

Our stories are complex—both light and dark.

Each generation is called to rise,

to move toward the light.

Yet some still choose darkness.

Because of this, many remain chained

to the remnants of a scarlet and sordid past.

These echoes are passed down,

generation after generation.

The soul remembers.

The soul aches to heal.

There is spirit in our stories—

the light that shines through.

This spirit, this light,

guides us if we choose to listen.

Yes, there is darkness.

But there can be no darkness without light.

And our souls, they know.

We are promised moments of bliss.

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Image: Mikel Elam

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Mikel Elam

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am in search of my higher consciousness, all within the constraints of this part melanin-based vessel. Some say we arrive out of the womb already aware of our destiny. I have always gravitated toward future ideas: new approaches and ways of looking at things. I’ve been searching for humanity within the sea of infinite compassion. Simply trying to get closer to the divine. I meditate twice a day. I try to nourish my body and my soul with proper sustenance. My art practice is a continuation of these values. This often leads me to make observations about this life and its consequences.

I love all of the art forms. I am most adept with pigments and painting devices. I listen to music, watch films, and read constantly. However, when starting a painting, I work in silence. It gives me better clarity in developing a dialogue and a narrative within the art itself. Once the work can stand up, I can begin introducing external sounds to continue my practice.

I would say my work's most recurring theme is identity, especially in these times filled with animosity toward the skin that many of my brothers and sisters inhabit. It is within this framework my paintings are born. The art, for me, is both an evaluation and validation of our existence. We exist. We are beautiful. We are powerful and humane. We are love.

Contact Information: mikelartist39@gmail.com