This batik top was made using eco-friendly soy wax and eco-friendly dye. The finished piece was merrily sent to it's new owner whom I might add, wore it beautifully well.

The story is said of a young man, who’s sight is so bad he could barely see. He refuses to wear glasses so he could see and would rather squint to look at things. Just because he feared glasses would make him look strange. He would rather barely see than stand out from the crowd.

This story was inspired from a conversation I had with someone recently about wearing glasses. In an age where most people wear glasses, it appears everyone you see have glasses that suits them and they look chic so to speak. Yet take a deeper look and you would find the odd few that wear glasses, but feel uncomfortable, because they think glasses make them look different from everyone else.

As someone who wear glasses, I fall into this category and I wanted to know why something that makes life better could be seen in such a negative light. Should I not be grateful for being able to see clearly without straying my eyes? So why do I and some others, have such reservations about wearing glasses? Could this be because of how glass wearers were perceived in the past as isolated, introverted, book worms? Or could it just be an individual’s perception of themselves?

Whatever the case, it led me to question, if the choice is between seeing by wearing prescription glasses or not seeing for lack of prescription glasses, what would I do? When the facts are laid bare, it doesn’t take much to see things in perspective. Do I sometimes struggle with wearing my bug eye glasses as I call them? Yes. Why? Because I am of the school of thought, that think glasses does nothing for my facial frame. On the other hand, when I put them on and everything is as clear as day, I am forever grateful to the geniuses that dedicated their years to making glasses so people like me can see.

So, it appears that what needs changing isn’t my glasses but my perspective. If a pair of glasses don’t fit, no problem. It might just be that I need to find glasses that suit my face. And if for some unknown reason, I can't find glasses to suit my face, no problem. I simply go ahead by wearing what I have and celebrating the fact that I can see. For with clear vision, comes clear sight and with clear sight, comes clear goals. Clear goals to achieve future success. Get the pun!

I’ve taken the plunge and posted a picture of me in my new glasses and yes, this is my best effort! All being said & done, the important thing is perspective. That is, the decision to love my glass-wearing self no matter how it looks.  And to remember, that whether my glasses are on-or-off, I’m still the same person behind it all.

Here’s hoping you throw caution to the wind and rock those glasses like it’s 2099!

I'm always on the lookout for a good book. This book was a rare gem I stumbled upon some years back whilst shopping for books online. It's like a mini craft bible for African craft!

Living a busy city life requires a great deal of energy. So, I found the perfect way to energise myself in the form of these tasty gluten free vanilla muffins topped with desiccated coconut and almond!

I have always believed the African proverb that says ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. As we remember mothers today for the hard work, diligence and dedication they show in raising their children and for the many hats they wear when running their households, let’s take a pause to remember those who have nurtured us in one way or the other. Those who give us encouragement when we need it the most.These people, you know, will always be there for you no matter what. To the village that help me become who I am today, I say thank you and I appreciate you dearly.

There is one standout person I remember today. Thank you for being my nurturing creative ally.   Remember these shoes? They’re like a charm bracelet to me because it reminds me of the many times you’ve encouraged me in my creative journey & helped me stay true to myself. This is my virtual message in a bottle to you. I hope you stumble upon it one day (if not, I will keep it here for you) and hopefully show it to you myself. So that you know, that out of sight (FOR ME) is never out of mind. Love u no matter what. Kemi xx

Discovering art in open spaces is kind of my thing! So stumbling upon one is sheer delight!! I walked past a local cafe and discovered it was also an art space where creative minds could meet and exhibit work. There was no way I could walk past after seeing the sign and not go in. Infact, before I could blink I was already in the cafe!

Once in the cafe, my eyes wandered around the impressive art works but one particular artwork caught my attention. It was work by artist 'Robin Beuscher' whom I know little about, but am sure would pop-up on google if anyone is interested in his work and tries to find him. Maybe I should google him to see other works he's done. I digress, anyways, going back to my discovery story, I saw the artist's work and it's one that would make a great dinner conversation. It's called 'Nude Crude: A Figure Study Painted in Oil.'

It addresses the wide ranging impact crude oil has on the world economy, life and art as a whole. It's certainly thought provoking!

Recently I’ve been coming across situations daily that made me question why it’s easier to see the glass half-empty instead of half-full. When positive mindset is considered to be a driving force in improving wellbeing, isn’t seeing the glass half-full a positive thing? Then, why don’t more people embrace this approach? With the advancement of social media and the prominence of digital imaging perfection, along with the stressful impact of modern daily living, could it be that we are overloaded with ‘Too much information’ that we can’t see straight?

I know we all have a choice in the decisions we make, but I also believe what we see daily impacts our lives sublimally. So what is the solution? There is a proverb that says’ Only the person going through a difficult situation will know how it feels.’ Which simply means, the solution, is to ‘know thyself’. Because you are your own best judge, you do what is best for you. Find what works for you and stick to it. I’ll let you into a little secret, ’you don’t have to have it all’. The illusion of the ‘must have’ fad is purely that, ‘an illusion’. It fills a temporary void and before you know it, you’re back to where you started. So, in the midst of the maze of daily living, be your own compass and make your own way, using the resources that comes your way.

When things go well, acknowledge those moments and when things go horribly wrong, focus on the things that are going well for you in that moment, no matter how little or insignificant they are. It’s called ‘seeing the glass half-full’ and that my friend, may get you through. Also, finding people or things that re-enforce your glass half-full mentality is key to keeping you positive no matter what life throws at you. No good thing is achieved in a hurry, so take your time to fill your glass.

Valentine’s day is about showing love and appreciation to those we hold dear. Who show us unconditional love everyday without requesting anything in return and we know who they are. To them, I say happy valentine’s day! Love is not a one day event, you are appreciated and loved everyday. Never stop loving, neither be weary of doing good, because you are the ray of sunshine that lights up our world in these dark crazy uncertain times.
Luv always, Kemi West xx.