Identity

How do you define identity? When I think of this question it makes me think of the physical and emotional behaviors we associate ourselves with. The way we stand, talk, walk, run are informed by how we want to be perceived and help make up our identity. Some people incorporate a slight twist to their mouths when speaking. This could be because of cultural affiliation. The way we dress informs how we dress. Or does how we dress inform our identity? Some things that make up my identity would be hairstyle. I choose to twist my hair into dreadlocks. This is a form of expression and not so much as an association with a cultural identity. The piercing of my ears is also is a form of artistic expression. Many years ago, 2001, is when I chose to pierce both my ears. Inside I felt the rumbling or an awakening for artistic expression and a desire to be part of something where expression is emphasized and the boundaries of corporate life did not exist. This took the form of writing and performing poetry. Another part of my identity is a love of animals, specifically cats. I have two cats now. They are my fur babies and know my habits better than I do. They are a big part of my life. I just wish they would help clean around the house. The types of music I listen to are part of my identity. Jazz, Neo-soul, classical music are the types that move me to dance or sway. Lately, I've been re-discovering Herbie Hancock. I remember hearing one of his songs as a kid that stuck with me for years. The past two weeks I've been listening to his songs, Textures and Butterfly. I've based the paintings I'm creating on these jazz pieces. Butterfly has two versions. The original is from 1974 Thrust album. The version I was introduced to is the remake he did in 1994 on the album Dis' is the Drum. This version immediately had me smiling, nodding my head and tapping my feet. Music, animals, hair, voice, style of dress and art all make up my identity.