Janelle Monae's "Many Moons" has been nominated for a Grammy!!!

Janelle was nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance

(For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.) for Many Moons

Janelle Monae
Track from: Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition)
[Wondaland/Bad Boy]

YES!

Barack, and now this! I'm so proud of Janelle and the W.A.S.!

I become a "Change Agent" on ALBC blog!

So awesome! This is what was sent to me just a couple of days ago.


"You have been spotted by the folks over at www.alilbitofchange.blogspot.com. That's a good thing! We are a civic literacy blog that most notably concerns ourselves with the dissemination of information about the catalysts of Change in both our local and broader communities.

We would like to feature you as this week's Agent of Change. You can visit our blog and see some of our former feature Agents, but it was our introduction into you and your talents and efforts to influence this generation that made us select you as one of our inaugural features."

Wow. Talk about being flattered?! Please go check out the interview by clicking here

Also, I was mentioned on another fabulous blog - www.modamouth.com.

Thanks so much for checking out these two blogs and for all your support! More portraits are certainly in the oven. ;)

Much love,
Nastassia

Looking for a roommate!

I really want to move to NYC. For months now, it's been one of the things heavily on my mind. A little while back, I had a chat with Jovian and George about what it means to take chances in life - not waiting to "be comfortable" when taking the next steps into our future. So, I feel the time is now. And what does the above photo have to do with that? Well, her name is Penny and she was an old roommate of mine when I lived in Montclair. This image was from the one and only photo session we ever had.

It's not a very popular one on flickr, but I've personally always loved this portrait...the mood, style, her expression, just everything. In future fashion/ beauty shoots, I really want to push the envelope by trying new ideas and concepts. I'm excited about shooting with a high school friend of mine who is starting to get into modeling now. We'll be playing and shooting with a lot of those ideas very soon.

I'll be keeping everyone updated. =)

Janelle Monáe walks in a Winter Wonderland!

Check out Janelle in this cool new Christmas Gap Ad!



More fun footage can be found HERE!

Enjoy!

JANELLE MONAE CONCERT CONTEST!

Sincerely, _______" Contest

Great news, Rolling Stone Magazine has asked Janelle Monáe to come and perform in New York City!!!

Due to high demand there are only a limited number of tickets available for this event. We all know how Janelle Monáe feels about having her supporters at any AND all of her performances. It's a must! She loves when her supporters are there, participating in the action and having fun with her while she performs.

In order to make sure we can have some of the most loyal Janelle Monáe supporters at this next show, we've decided to host a contest!! We are asking you to take Ms. Monáe's electrifying tunes, "Sincerely, Jane" or Violet Stars Happy Hunting! and record yourself singing & dancing to the first verse and chorus! Can't decide between the songs?! Do both!

Don't worry, there's no pressure. This contest is meant to be fun, and a great vehicle for you to use your Imagination. Don't worry about submitting something that is "professional" quality or professionally "edited," etc. We only ask that you adhere to this one requirement-- This video MUST be from your heart.

Go! Find a computer, a web cam, a digital camera, an HVX, a my first Sony Cam, or whatever you can get your hands on and start making your "Sincerely, (insert your name here)" video!


CONTEST DETAILS:

We will be selecting 5 true supporters who have uploaded their "Sincerely, _______" video.

Those 5 will receive free concert tickets to be with Janelle Monáe and The Wondaland Arts Society on November 19th at 7pm The Highline Ballroom.

First 5 people to submit their Sincerely,____ video win!!

How?

• Upload video to YouTube and email thechase@wondalandarts.com with the link.
• Email must have the subject line: Sincerely,__(insert your name)__Contest Submission

Deadline:
November 16th COB/5:00pm (close of business)

Contest Winner Notification:
November 17th

*All contest winners are responsible for all personal travel & lodging accommodations to New York City.

HAPPY NEW AMERICA!

Change - what a lovely thing.

Note: Not my illustration. Author unknown.

U.K Paper GUARDIAN prints "Rosa (Parks) The Riveter!"

Rosa (Parks) the Riveter! was printed in a leading U.K. newspaper, the Guardian today! I was pleasantly informed by a nice English lady on flickr who took the photo of the clipping and sent to me. Although, I didn't give this paper permission to publish my picture, I'm more excited that it was chosen out of hundreds that were submitted. =)



More political "selfies" in the making...

Real change comes to America! What it means to me.

If one asked me how I felt about this historical moment of Barack Obama being elected as our 44th President, I'd say that we, as Americans, are done with the divide and conquer techniques that have been used on the electorate for over the past 221 years. The William Lynch tactics of long ago have been exposed and the majority of Americans have rejected it's purpose. Electing Barack Obama is showing that we, as an American people, have decided to finally come together in unity and fight with common goals for a country that is truly the best place to grow up and live in.

It excites me knowing there is a new day, a new era dawning upon all of us that will light a better future for our children, and theirs. This also can mean a fair shot is given to those who truly deserve it. A larger pool has been created to pick the best of the best regardless of race, color, or creed.

The feeling is indescribable when I think of Obama as our President-Elect. Days after the election, I still wake up overjoyed just thinking about his victory with Michelle by his side and little Sasha and Malia having a new front lawn to play on. It only saddens me to know that my dear Mom-Mom and Nana Sampson couldn't be here to witness it on earth. I know they're watching and smiling down from above.

For my own personal reflection, I really feel Obama's win has also changed me for the better. It's pushing me harder to see one of my own dreams come to fruition - seeing my photos in a major magazine someday!

There's much to be done! And I'm ready to work.

Dreaming Big,
Nastassia

p.s. Below are photos from election day. I asked my sister to snap the ones of me getting ready to make a difference. I wanted to get photos of the expected "voting lines" as well, but there were none. Hey, it was 6.30am and I'm living in a rather small town - Atlantic City.





(Someone stole our Obama/Biden lawn sign on election night. Damn thieves.)

The rest of the photos are from the following morning at "The Civil Rights Garden." Went for a peaceful stroll and self reflection.









I am so excited about the next four years with Barack!

Some favorites from my portfolio

Well, I'm finally working on getting an official website together. Yay! Hopefully before the end of November, I'll have something up and running over at www.nastassia-davis.com .

Here are just a few of my favorites:

















=)

"Not Like Them"

Latest self portrait. Playing with the idea of "individuality". More like this to follow...

Janelle Monáe at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC

Janelle always gives it her all during the live performances, but there was something extra special about this one. I can't explain it. You just had to be there. Here are just a few photos I got during and after the show.

"Let's roll up our sleeves and get back to work for our country." - Obama

Been registered to vote since 18 years old, but never have I felt this much excitement from any political campaign. And Barack Obama? Well, he's such a wonderful man, a true inspiration and so fitting for our country right now. I have great respect for him, his beautiful family and background. So glad to be alive experiencing these great moments in time. "Yes we can" see that this country gets back on track again! America, there's much to be done!

The change starts with us.

VOTE!

(Image inspired by Norman Rockwell's "Rosie the Riveter")

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)

The more I hear the song, the more I love it. Beyonce's back!
Single Ladies



WORK Sasha Fierce.

I am voting for "That One."

More of this can be found at www.alilbitofchange.blogspot.com

Meet Eily (My Make-Up Artist)

This is my dear friend and incredible talented makeup artist, Eileen Yepez. I had the priviledge to work with her in the past, and I'm praying that our schedules allow us to come together once more. She also has a youtube account where she shows you how the magic happens with her brushes and blushes. AMAZING stuff indeed. You can check her out HERE

Below is a video showcasing more of her beautiful works. Her imagination is endless. Love you girl!

Please vote "MANY MOONS" online today! =)

If you dig "Many Moons", do something about it. Let your voice be heard and vote today!

--->VOTE MANY MOONS ON THE COUNTDOWN!<----

Or you can also call 1.800.617.LIVE @ 5.30pmest Mon-Fri. After the recording, simply say "Janelle Monae. Many Moons." And keep calling until you cannot anymore.

OR you can also text VOTE to 23888 (that option didn't work for me, but it just might for you!)

Seriously guys, thank you for doing what you can. =)

"Your Tortured Soul"

ABSOluv is an amazing Graffiti artist working in England. The original self portrait below was taken with my digital fuji finepix camera about 3-4 years ago:



After he created some graffiti art work from my photo, he contacted me saying how much the photo inspired him, and that he hoped I didn't mind him using it as a base.

I think it's beautiful and I'm proud of the work he created.

This has totally made my day. =)

BLACKfootNotes

NY Actress, Gia McGlone featured in "BLACKfootNotes."
A play written by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and produced by Donna Trinkoff.

"Born poor. Born black. Born female.
Four rebellious spirits journey far beyond their pre-ordained lives. Breaking barriers of slavery, class, gender and race, each overcame tremendous obstacles to attain her dream of entering the heralded world of science. They led amazing lives…yet they remain footnotes of history." -Official BLACKfootNotes Website