PIece Descriptions
In the unfortunate case that you were unable to attend The Repurpose Project, below are the descriptions Mila displayed along with her work. For pricing please email mila@mindofmila.com
#1 “Power of 32” SOLD
Hidden in this piece are 32 words that exemplify what I see as key components in achieving your greatness. I use the jumbled letters to visualize a lack of clarity in the mind. Therefore, my initial thoughts during creation were “Can I still see my goals despite the world.” Despite all external influences; work, family, friends, social norms, environment, etc. Along with this representation, the number 32 plays a significant role. 32 is a multiple of 8. The number 8, when turned sideways, becomes the symbol for “infinity.” This school of thought tells the viewer, if they are capable of seeing the 32 amongst the craziness, they can reach their infinite-self.
#4 “S.W.I.G or Die”
S.W.I.G. is an acronym for “Style With Individual Greatness,” and also a local streetwear brand in Tampa. Upon her arrival in March, Mila extended herself to collaborate with the brand. The acronym closely connects to this Repurpose Collection because each clipping has individual properties that make it great, just as members of the community are great because of their individuality. S.W.I.G. offered this design to Mila for inspiration. In June, she attended an Art Show, and ran into the creator of the “Legend T-Shirt.” The original was inspired by the famous Breakfast Club movie. The photo was taken from the scene when character, Brian Johnson, smokes weed for the first time. Original creator, Cody Akeem (@jittbrodie on Instagram), says “Then... it changes his life.” This piece is a tribute to the clothing company and also an awesome idea recreated “Mila-Style.”
#6 “The Under-Appreciation of Time”
This piece represents society’s misconception of time. Some of us feel we have time. Others believe they have lost it. People wish to “buy” time back. Friends think one another will give the other their time. However, regardless of perception, time is forever fleeting. We’ve only one life, so live it fully, and as no other “YOU” could.
#9 “Great Artists Steal”
Picasso coined the phrase, “Good Artists copy, Great Artists steal.” This piece is derived from Picasso’s “le Rêve,” or the Dream. It is believed the woman in the picture was his mistress, Marie-Thérèse Walter. Mila uses the jumbled letters as representation for a lack of clarity in the mind which is not unusual for someone involved with infidelity. It is interesting to consider perhaps Picasso celebrated the theft of other things outside of art.
For Mila, he is referred to so frequently, she now finds his name jarring. During Mila’s development as an artist there have been times where she is questioned about her studies, knowledge of other artists, and asked for verification of “art credentials.” Mila is a self-taught artist who has spent little time learning the Art Industry lingo and more time developing her craft into something she feels properly allows her to express herself. This piece was created out of spite. Mila believes she determines what table she is qualified to sit at, but if she has to “steal” to get there... well she wouldn’t be the first.
#16 “Social Media Monster”
The Monster emulates the emotions associated with Social Media. The hands are melting illustrating our “loss of touch” with reality. The monster is distressed and the phone is shattering from its scream. Empty notifications float in the abyss. This adds to the discontentment felt when there is a lack digital interaction. The expectation of social media is also depressing, in 2019 one must exist all the time and everywhere. The line “Just Talk to Me,” formed after attending a few social events in Tampa. Mila was never physically approached, but later told by a “follower” that they saw her. This situation aggravated her because the individual had no problem communicating through Direct Message, but looked her right in the face and never introduced themselves. We are living in a disconnected world that has the ability to be completely connected. As humans, we long for communication, interaction, and genuine connection but currently we have a deficiency. Thus, real monsters are formed from an intangible mechanism.
#2 “Meditate, Levitate, Appreciate”
Here Mila introduces her first cyclic piece to the collection. The cycle begins in the bottom corner with meditation, moves into a levitated individual, and ends with a figure literally disintegrating as their appreciation pours into the atmosphere. Meditation is important in the manifestation of dreams. When done properly meditating leads to a higher focus that elevates the one who practices it. Hence, the second stage. Even during this stage the feet are starting to fade. The final stage shows a figure with only an outline, essentially the individual is returning to their “essence.” There is an overwhelming out pour of appreciation which dissolves the ego. Ego is represented by the magazines without color.
#5 “Kaleidoscope”
The term “kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient Greek word καλός (kalos), "beautiful, beauty", εἶδος (eidos), "that which is seen: form, shape" and σκοπέω (skopeō), "to look to, to examine", hence "observation of beautiful forms." Mila generates her inspiration from her surroundings, and finds observation to be one of life’s most rewarding activities. Observation is also important during the journey of entrepreneurship. It allows an individual to spot trends, monetize solutions, and reinvent with better insight.
#7 “Mila’s Motto”
Life is meant to be lived, not survived. We are meant to do so much more than simply exist. We feel. We think. We create. A life spent ignoring those qualities isn’t much of a life at all.
#10 “The Real Fortune” SOLD
The idea for this piece came to Mila in early March 2019, and was part of the original idea list for the collection. This was created following a heavy depression that lasted for weeks during both the months of May and June. Prior to moving to Tampa, Mila was introduced to a book titled, “You Are A Badass At Making Money,” as a recommendation from St. Petersburg Artist, Mariah Marshall (@marimars.art on Instagram). While listening to the audiobook by Jen Sincero, the perfect line for the fortune cookie was said. “Your fortune is in your faith.” Some of us sit around waiting for life to happen to us, while the rest of us make life happen. Upon completion of this piece Mila decided to do everything necessary to eradicate her negative energy.
#12
Negativity is everywhere, which is the main reason it is important to understand how to control the inner self, be that emotion or mental state. When one learns how to control these components they create a safety net, or an umbrella of positivity. For Mila, adversity drives the color from her world. This is why the sky is grey and only the rain has color. However, in a healthy mental state, the inside is calm. The inside is peaceful, bright, and blue. We have to be creative about the way we tune out the world’s negativity, hence the barrier being an array of funky magazine clippings. This is the first piece that purposely incorporated a collage-y feel.
#15 “Journey of Dreams”
Inspired by the Disney movie “UP,” this illustration is of an individual hanging from a bouquet of balloons which represent our dreams. However, when following our dreams the journey does not always proceed as expected. At times we may feel things are moving faster than originally projected, and now we are plagued with the associated issues. This is why Mila displays the individual hanging upside down and slightly behind the mass. If everything always went as planned the individual would be upright, perfectly floating along, but there is no reward in sugar-coated truths.
#3 “Pink Hyena, Hatshepsut”
The Hyena is an unusual creature to exhibit the empowerment of women. Arguably, it may be the best animal for that very fact. Hyenas haven’t recovered from their portrayal in the Lion King. How often are they associated with strength? The female Hyena is the dominant gender, they are bigger in size than the male, have an elongated clitoris that surpasses the male genitals, and are known to be more aggressive. Hyenas can process an entire kill, be that muscle, joint, or bone. The correlation between women and hyena begins with the delusion of what they exactly are. Women are thought to be dainty, emotional, reliant upon men, etc. When in fact women too have motivation, strength to break barriers (and bones), as well as the ability to build/manage empires as Alpha. The name Hatshepsut comes from the female Egyptian Pharaoh of 1478 BC. Animals are closely tied to the ancient culture, and Africa is home to both. The Chanel Bag is included for perception sake. After all it’s just a silly Hyena with a purse...
#8 “Accountability”
On the road to success one is surrounded by many eyes. Supporters, doubters, the cynical, dreamers, the jealous. Sometimes eyes that once watched in amazement now watch from a place of resentment. The point is someone is always watching whether it is recognized or not. It is important to stay focused on the goal regardless of the eyes, opinions, or energy received. Unfortunately, some of us are only motivated once we realize we are being watched. This piece was created to hold Mila accountable for completing her collection.
#11 “Paradise”
In March 2019, Mila relocated to Tampa from Miami. Miami and Tampa are two different worlds entirely. Trying to make one the other and vice-versa is a recipe for disaster. This piece was conceived during Mila’s depression period. It is a memento of her, then, inability to see the paradise in every environment. On the road to success vision is necessary, but one must also evaluate whether that vision contributes to the end goal or detracts.
#13 “Universal Reach”
The creation of this piece came while listening to one of Mila’s favorite rappers, SABA. There is a song called “World In My Hands,” that she has had on repeat for much of 2019. This is her anthem for the 20-minute walk to the bus stop. The song gives her goosebumps because it is a reminder that she can manifest her dreams. It is her hymn as she listens to her stomach growl knowing she chose credit card debt and passion over security and meaningless employment. The world is within reach, but often we are not reaching for it at all. During creation, Mila left the piece next to her bed to meditate on, and woke abruptly kicking the entire piece over. Which forced her to start over 8 hours into creation ...after a 9 hour work day in the sun. The greens of the earth are made from images of foliage, and the mix of blues represents the variation of depth in the bodies of water. The “being” is made of all skin types and is neither male nor female. An image of a Cartier necklace was used to form the stars. The “floor” is white because white occurs when multiple wavelengths of light mix, with all the colors in the universe it only made sense.
#17 “Genesis” SOLD
Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and one many individuals outside of Christianity are familiar with. The word means beginning or creation. The third verse ends with, “and then there was light.” When it comes to the creation of all her artwork, for Mila there is a moment where darkness is met with the light of an idea. Thus, the light bulb inside the head. From there a piece is brought to life. So the phrase changes to, “and then there was life.” The flamboyant representation of color and objects in the thought-cloud is meant to show the limitlessness of the imagination, and ultimately creation. This piece was on display for silent auction. The $1000.00 was raised and donated to The Arts Conservatory for Teens, which introduces minors to the Arts and encourages them to discover their passions, resulting in model citizens.
#14 “The Hunter”
Life is about trial and error for both humans and animals. A Tiger hunts with an average 1 in 20 success rate. With such poor accuracy its a wonder the feline has not yet fallen victim to Darwin’s Theory. If the tiger chose to quit after its first attempt we would have no knowledge of the majestic creature. This goes for many greats in our species as well. Colonel Sanders’ KFC recipe was denied 1,009 times. Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school 3 times. Walt Disney “lacked” imagination. Taraji P wasn’t accepted into performing arts school. The list goes on. It’s not about the first hunt, it’s about foreseeing the feast. Never give up.