Jade was one of my best friends. She recently has moved to Maine, but we haven’t lost touch. Since then, she has blossomed into the person she’s always wanted to be. Only being a junior in high school, she is full of so much insight and self- awareness. She has a passion for writing, song writing, or any way she can get her words out and truly express herself. Before she moved, she was trying to seek the approval of creating a Black Lives Matter club at her school, although the plan didn’t fall through she is still strongly involved and passionate on the movement. Jade’s motivation and strong mentality has inspired me to make this piece in honor of her. This is her story and her take on the artwork.
“I am young. I am black. I am a woman. I am strong. I am learning to surf the waves of the world. I am Blood Orange and this is what I associate with this piece because for me it represents a moment of peace during a time of melancholy.
Yes, I was basking in the sun enjoying the heat, but I was also carrying a weight on my heart. Summer 2016, the killings of innocent, unarmed black people. I'll never forget it. During this season, a lot was going on for me personally at the time. It was around the time of the Philando Castille and Alton Sterling shootings. That summer I also fell in love for the first time. I remember that day I had walked to a store nearby with my family. It was extremely hot outside and we had stopped by a place to sit and eat our snacks we bought. The side of the store is painted white and I remember leaning against the wall. Keep in mind that I live in Maine, which means I'm surrounded by snow for at least six months throughout the year. If you know me, I love the summer. I love the rays of the sun beaming through my window. I love the liveliness the sun radiates on everything it touches. Everything seems to flourish. It's beautiful; I love it. So I leaned against the wall, just relishing the heat wave's kiss of summer but I was weary. Although, I was in love and I had a nice job, I was still empty. My brothers and sisters were (and still are) dying and I felt helpless. Electricity was shooting through my veins, but the blood and anguish of the fallen was fueling the beats of my heart. I felt the love glimmer and comfort shimmer from the sun's warm embrace but I also felt the spiritual turmoil simmer from the heat of this blistered world.
Blood, to represent the current state and ways of the world. Orange, being the color that represents me. I felt orange the whole summer. Orange, the color of love, strength, safety and fascination. I wasn't as vibrant and energetic as yellow. Neither did I feel as sultry and mature as red. I fell perfectly in between because I am young. I am black. I am a woman. I am strong. I am learning to surf the waves of the world. Yes, I am Blood Orange. “ - Jade Evian, (17)
