“We aim to create awareness in hopes it reminds everyone of what is truly important, our beloved ones.”
Mark Stoddart
LOVE IS THE SUBSTANCE THAT FEEDS THE SOUL.
BELOVED SECOND INSTALLMENT
FLOWERS: Inspires Hope for BIPOC Brothers to come togetherToronto Artist Mark Stoddart and Randell Adjei Combine Spoken Word, Art, Jazz & brotherhood
November 1st, 2021 (Toronto, ON) - Critically acclaimed Artist and Graphic Designer Mark Stoddart unveils his latest project FLOWERS on Monday, November 22, celebrating black joy by sharing the importance of giving gratitude to the people that are living right now! Partnering with black owned funeral company New Haven Funeral Centre Inc., we look to celebrate this special moment by showing art, poetry, music, and positive images of BIPOC brotherhood.
“Without making an excuse, or maybe it’s a male thing. But I’m trying to change the narrative in how we greet one another,” explains Stoddart. “I want to give flowers to my brothers while they are living, while they can smell and enjoy them, and celebrate their lives as they’re still here. We aim to create awareness in hopes it reminds everyone of what is truly important, our beloved ones.”
Stoddart worked alongside several prominent Toronto-based artists and musicians to create an audio/visual experience that includes singer and pianist Aaron Ridge and Sasha Henry, Juno-nominated DJ Mercilless, Wu-Tang Clan trumpet player Rudy Ray and Saxophone player Joejoe Callender. .
Within the logo for the Flowers campaign is the Adinkra symbol – Nya Gyidie – its literal meaning is “faith is the anchor that holds together true bond or love between people.” The symbol is popular amongst the Akan people, who live in the southern regions of Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. It is used as a constant reminder that you can still make it through the most turbulent times in your life provided you hold onto hope and not lose sight of what is important.
A few of the familiar faces of brothers who are featured in Flowers:
● Honourable Justice Donald McCleod.
● Canadian Urban T.V Icon. Tony Young aka Master T
● Comedian, Speaker and public figure and Entertainer, Jay Martin is radio host of G98.7FM Canadian.
● Hip Hop Artist from the rap duo Smif -N- Wessun, General Steele
Randell Adjei is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, Art Educator and community Leader who uses the spoken word to empower and transform through edutainment Randell is also published his debut book called I am Not My Struggles in 2018 the founder of RISE EDT has been award the Ontario’s 1st Poet Laureate and was recently featured on CBC , TVO , Global News and Breakfast Television for his amazing accomplishments
Mark Stoddart was recently featured on CP24 Breakfast and Breakfast Television for his art design commissioned by the Toronto Raptors for a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. His work is in the personal collections of Raptor’s President Masai Ujiri, NBA player Tracy McGrady and Director Spike Lee. Mark’s collection of work and his clothing line Live It, Wear It (LIWI68) - which is worn by NFL star Colin Kaepernick, as well as Canadian hip-hop artists Maestro Fresh Wes and Kardinal Offishall can be found Here.
Let’s take the time to reflect on the people we love, the community we serve, and the ancestors that have paved the way for our Excellence. Let us continue to blaze a trail for the future generations. The way forward begins with love.
Mark and Randell, along with the contributing Beloved artists, are available for television, print, and radio interviews or performance via Skype and Zoom.
Contact: Mark Stoddart | LIWI68 INC | info@liwi68.com