The Roaring Rhythms of Leo

Introduction: There's an undeniable power in music and art, a universal language that speaks directly to the soul. Today, we're turning the spotlight on a piece that not only speaks but sings and roars with the rhythms of life – meet Leo, the lion whose saxophone whispers the secrets of jazz straight into the heart.

The Inspiration Behind Leo: 'Leo' is a Swahili word for 'today,' a name that echoes the importance of living in the moment. This vibrant painting is a homage to that philosophy. With every stroke of the brush, the artist has captured the fierce beauty of life, embodied in a lion whose mane dances to the beat of his own music. The saxophone, an extension of Leo himself, symbolizes the breath of life, moving through us all with every note played.

A Celebration of Now: The painting of Leo is more than a static image; it's a dynamic celebration of existence. The bright colors burst forth from the canvas, mirroring the energy of a live jazz performance. Leo teaches us to embrace today, to feel the music of the present, and to live with a passion that is as colorful and vivid as his mane.

The Roots of Leo’s Roar: Every creation has a story, and Leo's is deeply rooted in the rich savannas of Kenya, the artist's homeland. In these majestic wilds, lions rule with a gentle grandeur, their presence a testament to the untamed beauty of nature. Drawing inspiration from these kings of the savannah, the artist has channeled the essence of Kenya into Leo, crafting a connection that transcends continents and captures the imagination. See it in the Green background?

Leo isn't merely a character; he is an ambassador of the now, encouraging us to find harmony in life's chaos. As we explore the possibility of featuring Leo's lively spirit across our range of products, we invite you to share your ideas. Envision the roar of the lion, the soul of Kenya, in your daily life - which product would be the perfect canvas for this majestic creature?

We Want to Hear From You: Chime in with your thoughts by commenting below. Which item from our collection do you feel should showcase Leo's wild and free spirit? Your insights are invaluable as we compose this new melody of art and existence. Comment on below to share your thoughts.

Connect With Us: To stay up to date on Leo's journey and more, follow on social media. Let's keep the conversation going and make each day a tribute to the beauty of the present.

Discover and Engage: Be sure to visit our store at munyao.art/store to vote on your favorite Leo-inspired products and join us as we blend the spirit of the Kenyan wild with everyday life. Follow along, share your rhythm, and together, let's make life a vibrant masterpiece.

Uniting Fun, Art, and Philanthropy: The Vision Behind Munyao.art

Located in the heart of Charlottesville is Munyao.art, a venture transcending conventional art and merchandising boundaries with the store launching on March 25th, 2024. At Munyao.art, we're committed to more than just creating and selling merchandise. We intertwine fun, art, and philanthropy to benefit non-profits and communities both locally and globally. This post explores the essence of Munyao.art and our mission to make a difference through art.

Art has the power to transcend language barriers and touch hearts. We leverage this power at Munyao.art, turning artistic expressions into meaningful merchandise. Each item we create is part of a larger narrative that supports the causes of our non-profit partners. Currently, we are collaborating with United Way Charlottesville, Makindu Children's Program, and Just Help Africa. From the bustling streets of Charlottesville to the global corners where our friends and family reside, our goal is to engage a diverse community.

“Art has the power to transcend language barriers and touch hearts. ”

— Munyao.art

Makindu Kids T-Shirt Design. Based on the Makindu Kids Painting. One of Several Designs Coming to the Store.

Munyao.art's essence lies in its commitment to philanthropy. We believe art's true value is realized when it serves a purpose beyond aesthetics, becoming a change catalyst. By dedicating part of our proceeds to non-profits, we ensure each Munyao.art purchase contributes to a worthy cause. This model provides our non-profit partners with financial support and raises awareness about their invaluable work.

While our vision spans globally, Charlottesville's community remains at Munyao.art's heart. We're committed to engaging local artists, volunteers, and community members, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in our collective impact. We invite the local community to be part of our journey through events, workshops, and collaborations.

As we look to the future, we plan to expand Munyao.art's reach by inviting more artists, non-profits, and community members to join our cause. Our vision involves creating a global network united by the belief that art can be a powerful force for good. With innovative designs, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships, we aim to make Munyao.art a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who believe in uniting fun, art, and philanthropy.

Munyao.art is more than a brand; it's a movement that strives to make a difference one piece of art at a time. By supporting Munyao.art, you contribute to a cause capable of changing lives. Join us in our mission to unite fun, art, and philanthropy, and together, let's make the world brighter.

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"Origin" - A Reflection of Kenya and the Soul of Africa

"Origin" - A Reflection of Kenya and the Soul of Africa

Within the vivid palette of my art, "Origin" holds a treasured spot, symbolizing not just my adoration for Africa's spirit but also my Kenyan roots. This painting, rich in color and emotion, is an ode to the continent where humanity's story began and to the country that keeps me rooted to my heritage.

“Origin” | Acrylic Paint on 36”x 48” Canvas | Completed 02/02/2020

Kenya: The Beating Heart of Africa

Kenya, my homeland, is painted into the very fibers of "Origin." Its landscapes and resilient cultures influence the contours and hues of this artwork. As a Kenyan, the painting is a reflection of the deep connection I feel to my country, a place that, much like the Africa it represents, is a tapestry of past, present, and future intertwined.

The Earth's Canvas

Through the art of farming in Kenya, my hands touch the soil that has nourished generations. It's a daily act of painting the Earth, sowing seeds that grow into the very sustenance of life. This physical and spiritual act keeps me tethered to Kenya, much like "Origin" is anchored in the essence of Africa.

A Dialogue of Identity and Belonging

"Origin" invites viewers into a dialogue about identity and belonging. It challenges each of us to consider our roots and the bonds we share with our homeland. For my readers from across the globe, let this painting be a reminder of home, no matter where your journey takes you.

I pose to you, how do the places you call home shape your identity? How does your heritage, like my Kenyan roots, influence your view of the world?

As we share in this dialogue, "Origin" stands as a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of Africa, and Kenya's vital role in the narrative of our shared humanity. It's not just one of my favorite pieces; it is the story of my connection to a land that is both ancient and ever-evolving.

Through this narrative, "Origin" becomes more than a painting; it is a symbol of the artist's Kenyan heritage, the act of farming that connects them to their land, and the broader, universal search for identity and belonging that we all share.

Elephants Birdie - March 2020

““Everything you can imagine is real.” ”

— Pablo Picasso

Elephants Birdie. Completed March 2020. Painting on 24”x 36” Canvas

This painting was fun. The blue background stood for a few weeks and most people thought it was the actual painting. Makes me think that simpler background-like paintings will be something on future canvases. The birds are in and around the elephant symbolizing the presence on the ground and the sky. Love this painting.

What song comes to mind when I think look at this painting? Benny Benassi’s, “Come Fly With Me.”

“I’m glidin’ in the beautiful sky,
It’s such a clear day.
Go ridin’ in,
Your sweet lullabies,
Come fly away.”

— https://www.lyricfind.com/

Empowered - January 2020

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on”

— Albert Einstein

Empowered. Completed January 2020. Acrylic Paint on 36”x 48” Canvas

Empowered is my first canvas and it sit right behind my office desk. The painting is a conversation starter and it’s painted on a large 36'“x 48” canvas. The green is well known to pick up '‘Green Screen” virtual backgrounds on Zoom conference calls, a definite eye pleaser.

This painting took close to 3 weeks to complete because I knew what was in my head but depicting it well was my main concern. If you know me, then you know that the slim fitting jeans and Chukka Boots are part of my regular attire. So yes, it’s a mix between my style and a serious elephant pointing at you or another to stay empowered and empower others.

If this painting could be in a song, it would be a mix between “Positive Vibration,” Bob Marley with a Jimi Hendrix mash-up. Empowering lyrics from the song:

Say you just can't live that negative way
If you know what I mean
Make way for the positive day
'Cause it's news (new day) news and days
New time (new time), and if it's a new feelin' (new feelin'), yeah
Said it's a new sign (new sign)
Oh, what a new day

Hope this empowers you to do and be better.