100% of Proceeds will go to a relief fund in 757 or provide support for a 757 health related effort.

Thank you @Stxxy_ for the visuals brother. All love. 


I DO NOT OWN THE KAWS COMPANION DESIGN OR
​ ANY RIGHTS TO NEPTUNE VIRGINIA BEACH CITY STATUE

Patience. Development. Change. All aspects of growth in any process. 2019 was a year of artistic process for me in many ways. I explored and refined a recently discovered style and medium, co-founded an artists collective hosting 2 personally curated events, and showcased my work at roughly 10 other events — needless to say, I was busy. In all of this artistic exposure, I found a great deal of growth.

In 2016, I stumbled across a new Juice Bar and Yoga Studio called Saadia’s Juicebox. I was eager to learn more about what their atmosphere, fruit juices (THEY BOMB CHECK THEM OUT), classes, and potential event space opportunities. This past year back in April, I inquired about hosting an art showcase there and honestly forgot about it until the events coordinator reached out to ask if I wanted to do a First Friday showcase - the answer was an esteemed YES. As the idea began to manifest and the concept developed, I came to this idea of Growth because I noticed the intentional (and sometimes unintentional) common motif in my work -- plants. In a sense, my work incorporates life forms that grow - humans and plants. That shared life cycle is the foundation of “Growth.”

It was my last showcase of the year and not only did it mark the end of the year but it marked an internal shift that I wanted to make with my personal energy and distribution of said energy. After showcasing at over 10 events and spaces that year, I was expensing a lot of energy into my craft and found myself lacking in other areas. I don’t regret this, it was just something that I was conscious of. I committed to showcase this last one and then take a break on showcasing, to shift energy to some other aspects of my life. Nonetheless, this was a memorable show, and i’m happy that my good friend Akila Mohabir, was a part of
it. She’s a local writer from the DMV that has sparked a lot of my creative minutia this year. We collaborated on a piece that she created (and another painting that i’ll share eventually) and I provided the artwork for it. I chose to display this piece because of the story she tells, the raw uncertainty that can come with physical space and belonging, and how it’s moved me upon first reading (shown below):

Thank you to everyone that showed for my showcase.m and generally all of my showcases all 2019! They don’t exists without you because i’m there for you. “Growth” was one of my most conceptually developed shows that I’ve created — and their was intention in that. There’s magic in growth, we are subject to Mother Nature and she skillfully grows her world with grave, finesse, and true resilience. We try to only mirror and embody what she has taught us, and my artwork is my platform to communicate my story. Thanks for reading.

Thank you to all that shared this moment with me and purchased artwork for your special spaces.

Saadia’s Juicebox: @saadiasjuicebox
Akila Mohabir: @westindieki

Definitely had to do #inktober2019. Super excited to do this challenge and create. I'm going to try to do different mediums to stretch myself. Make sure you check out the designs on my Twitter (@artofnek) and Instagram (@artofnek).

On May 31st, 2019, 12 individuals lost their lives in Va Beach. The Hampton Roads community has shown unwavering support. we all grieve and process differently, but for me I create art. I decided to design this digital piece that shows the Kaws 'Companion' character consoling a saddened Poseidon, the beacon of the Va Beach Oceanfront. Pharrell Williams hosted the Something in the Water festival the month before and not only showcased Virginia bred talent but also reminded everyone of how we can have infectious love, togetherness, and support. These are the things that we have to remember during dark times. Hampton Roads is strong, because we have to be.
​

As a way to show respect and support, I decided to create this project to drive proceeds that I plan donate 100% to a local memorial fund or organization to support those affected.


Thank you for your support.


- NEK (Kendall Moore)


[Copyright Disclosure: Image shows the “Companion” character created by the modern street artist Kaws. The figure is comforting the Virginia Beach Iconic Poseidon statue. The gradient and color ring are inspired by the Something in the Water branding.]


CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SHIRT!

Its 6pm in DC, and i’m running late to a Push the City event where i’ll be a featured artist. Dc traffic is forever unforgiving and even my elusive driving wasn’t enough to get us there in time. With that being said, we arrived when we arrived and I’m happy with the spot I ended up with. You may be curious as to what’s “Live First Friday,” well to sum it up, it’s a collaborative event incepted by young professionals that focuses on providing space and exposure for aspiring musicians, vendors, and artists, of the DMV area. It’s a space of creativity, culture, and networking. Back to the story— so we arrive (after going to the wrong address and I have my Crew of NEK team helping out with my materials and art.Let’s just say I bought A LOT OF STUFF (Shown below) and they saved my life and stress lol

late set-up | order in chaos

Alongside my set-up, there were 5 other creatives that showcased their unique work and a handful of musical artists that embellished a low-lit, eclectic, italian restaurant in a laid back DC area. This was the mood and I was all for it. The night went by and 3 hours turned to 30 minutes as we interacted, networked, vibed, and immersed ourselves in the ever inviting space. I rarely go to events with the intention to make $$$ but I was fortunate enough to find a home to 3 of my pieces: “Pot Heads”, “Let’s Eat,” and “Shiny Poke-ball.”(Left to Right).

Im never pressed to sell work and tbh that moment of someone yearning to take your work home, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an artist, and this feeling will always supersede compensation. It’s the same feeling I have when someone gets my work tattooed on them (Real TEARZZZ).

But fr it was a very important event for me. Not only did it allow my to gain some in-person and online exposure, but it allowed me to find reaffirmation in my passion and ability which I needed cause i’ve been on a creative reclusion lately, which is ok, because life needs balance and so does creation—although, It’s something i’ve come to embrace. I also found reaffirmation that my family is my biggest group of supporters and I wouldn’t be half the artist that I am today, if it wasn’t for them.

To wrap it all up, this event really nourished me— mentally, creatively, and professionally. I’m so content with how my set-up turned out, the people I shared stories with, and the general people that added substance to the space. I also found growth in my first ever live painting opportunity.

Thank you to Addison and Mike for involving me with Push the City and thank you to everyone that took the time to expand your mind just a tad and indulge and invest time and energy into the artists of today and tomorrow. You are truly appreciated. Look out for the next Push events, coming very very soon. Peace and Love.

August 27th at approximately 1:32am, the Full Moon was at its brightest and highest. It finds comfort in the space of the two fishies- the ever deep Pisces sign. The last water sign of the zodiac community, the Pisces serves as the epitome of the deepest and strongest of emotional resonance that you can find in yourself (you may have thought it was cancer; they are just moody lol). This a powerful moon not only because it resides in Pisces but also brother sun, is floating around in mother nature’s sign, Virgo— The healer. This dichotomy seeks balance and harmony between the sun’s rational and the moon’s spiritual appetite.

Going into this meditation I was very excited because these last two months have been filled with a lot of life changes, transitions, and of course — a plethora of retrogrades, and it seems like we can’t catch a break. For some reason though, I was prepared, optimistic, and welcoming to this full moon. With that being said, I decided to embark on a moon water meditation. What’s moon water meditation you ask? Well, it’s an experience where you meditate with mother moon but you incorporate a physical glass of water in which you set your personal intentions according to the water, and after the water absorbs the moon’s energy, you end your meditation with drinking the water for the ultimate moon vibration indulgence — it’s quite lovely.

I typically practice meditation alone, and that was my intention but just as I started to set up my incense and space, my mom actually asked if she could take part in my meditation. This was actually really a lovely moment cause i’ve been meaning to have a connected and special moment with my mom since I came to 757 to speak on some things and clear my mind. We got our water, aligned our space, and prepared our minds. Rooted and grounded in the space that we had, we began our guided meditation w/ a youtube video (Bringing Back Balance Channel - m.youtube.com/watch?v=tysHEigMDbA) .

​I tend to utilize a mixture of guided and personal meditation because I like to see various perspectives of mindfulness. This meditation was warming because it encouraged us to release and restore ourselves, letting go of any burden or back-up that we needed to move passed — emphasizing the essence of the full moon. At the end of it, my mom and I shared our intentions, mine being related to “the removal of attachment to worldly possessions ( money, clothes, status, etc) and hers being the removal of hatred. Post-meditation, we had a healthy conversation about human relevance, fulfillment, family, and the continuation of practice. Not to mention, she just recently explored the vast mountains of Denver, CO, for 2 week, so she elaborated on that magical experience.

We spoke on the self, family, goals, sadness, cleansing, and release. Each topic just as important and relevant as the next. You know, that’s the main mission after all, to find connectness in all aspects of life. I encouraged my mom to keep with her practice. When the guide said “release negative energy from your mind,” it’s simple for us to find something to release because we harbor such a overwhelming amount of negative energy in our mind and body, but as we continue to cleanse and purge our human selves, there will be a time where there is NO NEGATIVE entity to purge, that’s when we have reached a clear mind - true salvation. I want us all to get to this place in life. This level of clarity takes days, months, and sometimes (MOST TIMES) years but the main goal is to remember to work towards that, in whatever capacity.

​I’m constantly following a wavelength of activity with my yoga and meditation practice and at times I get discouraged but I try to remind myself that it’s ok, I have to embrace inconsistency as much as consistency. That’s me accepting nature and the universe as the all knowing and all powerful, I can not overtake that, despite how much time and energy I put into “making things work.”

This aspect of my life will always be true and dear to me and it warms my heart to be able to connect and share this space and practice with someone so special to me. My challenge to you all is to find a practice that you can share with your loved ones—whoever they may be. You will gain so much from it and they may gain x100 as much.

​My main takeaway from my meditation and intention was the removal of attachment. The over arching theme was rooted In a quote that I read that stated:

”attached to nothing, connected to everything.”

This is is my current life goal and focus. I have the power to achieve this lifestyle and I WILL harness this level of vibration.

Love yourself and your peers and all will fall into place. The universe is simply waiting for you to show it what you’re made of. Love you all—until next time. Happy Full Moon!

-NEK

Apparnelty, today is selfie day? lol well I made this sketch cause I wanted to test my new prisma colors :)

Visit my IG (@theartofnek) and follow my page! I’ll be doing a giveaway when I reach 2,000 followers! We are almost there <3

May is a month of transition and blossoming, spiritually and literally. This week I gravitated towards creating a Frank Ocean homage artwork on wood (bc I like the porosity as a medium ) + of course the enigma that is Frank Ocean. I’ve always thought the alternative Blonde cover was super cool and gave that low-key racer in the suburbs feel.

If you’re familiar with this picture, you’d know that he’s wearing a pink hoodie and red helmet, with “blonde” written across in a bold font. I love it, so I had to draw it. I find myself using assorted flowers in a lot of my work. It brings such a comforting embellishment to everything that I draw. Unbeknownst to me, the Flower Full moon rears it’s prettt face this month and it aligns with this artwork so well in my opinion. My friend Ryan and I went to the river, took in mother mature’s energy, and allows my grounded tariaus moon speak with the Flower Moon all afternoon.

I seek the Flower Moon to help facilitate my growth, individual transendance, and the blossoming of the flowers of my soul in various aspects of life. Thank you Flower Moon for pulling on my creative energy and artistic passion. I’ll see you tonight.

the art of nek. 2018