Scott Adams
Who am I? No…who am I really? As it turns out, I’m recreating who I am. After many years of thinking I knew exactly who I was and what I was capable of doing, my (mis)conception of me was challenged. Not being one to easily shrink from a challenge, I spent several years trying to prove to everyone, including myself, that I could not only meet the challenge, but also be a saint (or martyr) while doing so.
Well, at the time I didn’t fully understand how the conscious and subconscious mind worked from a physical and metaphysical perspective. I kept working my 13 – 16 hour days; trying to collaborate with colleagues who preferred working in their own teams of one; and thinking that I could complete the dump-load of work that came across my desk daily. All the years I was trying to prove that I was capable, worthy and reliable I was also hating at least 10 of the hours I spent within an impossible position with less than congenial colleagues. What I didn’t understand is that what I focused on would expand. So instead of receiving recognition, acknowledgement or respect, I got ever increasing dump-loads of never ending work; more egotistical mean spirited colleagues, invisibility, and more hours spent away from my sanity. Surprisingly, only to me, I dropped the ball, didn’t recognize the ball, and when found discovered that I could no longer pick up the ball.
After well over a year of seclusion, rejuvenation, support and coaching a beautiful thing occurred. Rebirth!
i am mai. I am that I am. I am a former perfectionist, workaholic, martyred educator. I am a once closeted artist, writer, designer, and lyricist. Yes, I am outing myself. I am introducing me, in this website to the world. This time all of me approves of this break through. So, here I am, Introducing Me.
i am mai, Introducing Me © 2005, DG
Testimonials
“How Incredibly Perfect”, was my first thought upon viewing this piece of art. It was a family portrait of a Black family. All members were black and there was an expectant mother, a young daughter and a father in the picture as well. It was as though we were the very subjects the artist had in mind when she was rendering the image. Besides being emotionally drawn to the piece, for obvious reasons, I was also drawn maternally as well. I was incredibly pleased to have come across a piece that was truly rare and representative. I commend this up and coming artist and wish her success on her future works. I know I’m keeping my eyes open for what she has to offer next.
Lorraine M.K. (Proud Mother of two girls) Toronto, Ontario
Name Plates
“When we ordered the art piece with my daughter’s name, my husband & I still needed to finalize the colours of my daughter’s room – so the only instructions we gave the artist was to create something that would reflect the vibrant personality of my daughter. What we received was exactly what we had hoped for – an art piece first and foremost with my daughter’s name & personality as the inspiration. Every time we look at the piece, we know that while there are many girls who share the same name as my daughter, this piece of art was specifically designed for her.”
Anita
"My nameplate is amazing! I got it custom made to fit my theme room. I can't imagine my room without it!
-agk (15 year old Abercrobie and Fitch soon to be model)
Paintings
“Growing up in a cosmopolitan city, one would think there would be a wide selection of artwork that reflects the essence of your own family. While I do have some family portraits up in my household, these are merely enlarged photographs of my family. What I was hoping to uncover was a piece of art that captured the beauty of an Asian family that my family could relate to. After keeping my eyes open for a few years, I came across a painting by IAMMAI that was exactly what I was looking for. The colours, the images, the message all came together very nicely in the portrait. I knew if I waited long enough, I would find it. The accolades we’ve received from friends and family about the artwork was all worth the wait!”
Ms. Lo
I am so proud of the work this artist has accomplished. It is work that is inspiring, uplifting and truly touches the soul. In an age with words like multiculturalism, ethnocentric and diversity roaming around; we have in our midst an artist who embodies creativity - what it means to live in Toronto's multi-ethnic, multi-racial dispora. Well done!!
Cheryl Boi
Announcements
Gallery Exhibits
- Exhibited during Nuit Blanche at the Empire Lounge at 50 Cumberland Street in Yorkville.
- The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto hosted the ScotiaCaribana Art Exhibit from July 23rd to August 3, 2009. My work 'Destinations' was chosen for this Exhibit featuring local Artists.(Right)
- Aird Gallery in the Mowat Block: (Power Couple) and (Visionary Union)
Charities
- Donations were made to: the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the commemoration and celebration of Independence (African Mother and Child in the Diaspora)
- Durham Youth Orchestra for a fundraiser to support the continuation of the orchestra (African Mother and Child)