The Art and Musings of Tamara Natalie Madden

Wow! How could I forget to mention the launch of my new website? It's been so exciting. It was designed by Akada Studios here in Atlanta, and has a little touch of me in it! Please feel free to browse the site HERE.

Lauryn has clearly changed and evolved. I think change is often needed and anticipated, however when you decide to change the music that you are known for, and that your fans came to hear and enjoy live, it makes for an interesting show.

I went to see Lauryn perform last night at Center Stage in Atlanta, and unfortunately, I went in with expectations. While I enjoy live music, the techno and rock remixes of classic Lauryn Hill songs threw me off a bit, and clearly threw the audience off. After many of us waited restlessly for 3 hrs for her arrival--the first hour of the concert was...something to be desired! The crowd was giddy when she initially arrived and did a reggae song. That was nice. Then there was an hour of rock-n-rollesque remixes of her miseducation days. The crowd seemed perplexed, some sat down, others left, while others were busy texting and updating their twitter and facebook. It was interesting. It was almost as if she didn't want to remember those days so she remixed it so drastically that we wouldn't either.

She then revisited her Fugee days, and the Lauryn we all wanted to see finally arrived. Her flow was still amazing, her vocals fascinating and inspiring.

I was happy because I got a chance to really feel her for half an hour. I think the direction she went in with the techno could be fine if she had new music, but remixing the old songs in such a way didn't suit my taste. Others may have enjoyed it, but I watched the crowd, people didn't stand up and get happy and involved until the Lauryn we remembered came back. Anyhow, I will always love Lauryn. The truth is, her vocals and flow are incomparable. There is none like her.

My artistic growth is manifesting not just because I paint regularly, but because it is my destiny.  There was a plan already set in motion for me before I was even aware of it. When I was 23, I sat and stared at a painting on my wall. My boyfriend at the time pointed out that I was no where near that talented, and suggested that I give up. Supportive, huh? Ten years later the artist that painted the piece is my friend, and he's telling me how talented I am! It brings tears to my eyes sometimes to think about how life comes full circle.


My art is meaningful, it comes from the heart. It is pure and authentic. I realize that many artists are inspired by one another, and I have been inspired by many, but there is a big difference between inspiration and imitation. I think we all have to find a way to be true to ourselves in our work. Copying someones work says a lot about who you are and where you are. Just be inspired. Be inspired to be better at doing you!
Ethereal Queen© 2008

It was brought to my attention that my comments weren't working! Geez...silly me! I never paid attention! Please free to leave comments, I'd love to hear from you.

It's the beginning of another wonderful journey! This year will be a fantastic year, filled with wonderful blessings and amazing encounters!

Watch out now!

Be Blessed, and pursue your passion fervor with zest!