Orland Bishop inspires “The Blackness”

Good day, fine people. Many moons ago, I opened a study with the super soul Orland Bishop when I was still in my studio space in DTLA. During the opening ritual of my session, I played John Coltrane to set the frequency, I used sage to clear stagnant non-serving energy, palo santo to call in creative forces, and read the Ori affirmation invocation. At that time, I was working on my Martin Luther King piece and remembered to check out a suggestion to listen to Orland Bishop speak. I was at a place of the MLK piece where I had enough room to absorb high-frequency content, Orland Bishop's divine guidance contributed significantly to each movement of the piece, opening portals for pertinent information to fuse in.

Many moons later, an opportunity arose to witness him in person at a two-day experiential seminar called "Three Black Men," featuring Orland Bishop, Resmma Menakem, and Bayu. The first day was incredible, and my goal for the second day was clear – to establish a meaningful connection with Orland, which was accomplished. Thanks GOD.

On the second day, I was called to record a twenty-minute segment of Orland speaking.

The following Monday, as I opened my paint session in ritual, I played the recording, guiding me to create a piece inspired by Orland's words. This process continued for four months, fully supported by the recording and the connection established from our friendship.

I have had many visits, and this one felt incredibly above the rest.

As Orland took in each piece of my work, he opened up a conversation between us that supported an opportunity for my personal and artistic growth.

After awhile of this precious visit, the perfect moment arrived.

I asked Orland to sit in the office chair I had placed in front of my work wall. I asked if he’d do me the honor of closing his eyes. In trust, he did.

I retrieved the piece I had created from months of infusing the content from his recording into now titled “The Blackness.”

I hung it on the wall before him and asked him to open his eyes.

We sat silently for what seemed like a lifetime, and it was actually twenty minutes.

He absorbed every detail. He stood and approached for closer work.

Finally, he turned to me, and I said,” This piece was created from the recording I made of you at three black men. For the last four months, I’ve played that recording, and whatever I received from it, I added it to the piece. Until it was complete”

He turned again to the Blackness and was silent. Taking it in.

I then said,” And now that it’s complete, I’ve received to gift it to you.”

He turned to me emotions running deep through his body and expressing through him as tears in his eyes.

He said, "really?”

I said,” Yes. Absolutely yes, it is yours.”

Orland turned back to it and spoke, “I was trying to make notes to recall it in a near future that this painting is a part of.

I smiled from the depth of my heart and said,”well now you can just sit with it anytime you’d like. It’s yours!!!”

He generously expressed his deep gratitude in words and an energetic expression that was filled with more value than monetary gain could achieve.

WE spoke a bit longer and at the end of our time. I walked Orland and the “Blackness” to his car. Placing it in the backseat.

As we said our farewells I watched him drive away with such a deep sense of purpose and gratitude for his valuable participation in my creative expression. And a complete feeling of purpose.

I share this to support YOUr creative process – when you hear the call, do your best to answer it.

Blessings upon blessings to you all.

ViVa Orland Bishop!
ViVa The Blackness!!
(which from all things come)
ViVa Malcolm Ian Cross Art!!!