The Hidden Selfie to the Trillion Dollar Elephant Iced Cacti YT Video

The moment rzmy took this selfie mid-video

In the world of art, sometimes the most captivating moments happen behind the scenes, in a flash, without any planning. While recording the Trillion Dollar Elephant video for Iced Cacti, something special was captured. The moment you see here is a selfie that my son, RZMY, snapped in the middle of filming. It’s raw, unfiltered, and caught the two of us vibing, mid-creative flow, with the Trillion Dollar Elephant standing powerfully behind us.

Remy Z. aka RZMY & Zikki | Iced Cacti | Trillion Dollar Elephant YT Video | Oct 2024

This photo represents more than just a behind-the-scenes look. It gives you a glimpse into the energy and connection we share while creating these projects. You’ll see this very moment unfold in the video itself, but here’s a little challenge for you: Can you spot this exact moment in the video? Maybe you’ll catch the subtle expressions we had before or after this freeze-frame, or even recognize a connection between Trillion Dollar Elephant and my earlier piece, Empowered.

Both pieces, in their own way, represent different sides of the same coin. I leave it to you, the audience, to decide—are these two paintings really about the same individual? After watching, I’d love to hear what you think. Head over to Iced Cacti on YouTube, find this moment, and let me know—do Trillion Dollar Elephant and Empowered speak to you in the same way?

Explore the full video and the meaning behind the art—if you know me, maybe you’ll catch something familiar. And don’t forget to share your thoughts!

Smile! Life’s Too Short Not to Find Joy in Every Moment

Life is a journey full of layers—just like an onion. And as an artist, I’ve come to realize that each layer we peel back reveals something new about ourselves and the world around us. Sometimes, it brings tears to our eyes; other times, it brings a smile to our face. But no matter what, it’s all part of the beautiful process of living.

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My latest painting, Onion, aka, R.5.O, is inspired by my experiences as an onion farmer in Kenya. Onions may be known for making us cry, but this one’s different—it’s here to make you smile!

R.5.O represents the many layers of life. Each layer holds its own story, its own emotion. And just like peeling an onion, the more we delve into life, the more we discover about ourselves and others. Some layers may be tough, others tender, but all are essential to the whole.

In this piece, I wanted to capture the essence of joy found in the unexpected. R.5.O is a cheerful onion character that turns the usual tears of cutting an onion into a reason to smile. It's a playful reminder that joy can be found in the most unlikely places, and that no matter how many layers we uncover, there’s always something to smile about.

So here’s a little nudge from me to you: keep peeling back those layers, keep exploring, and most importantly—keep smiling. Life’s too short not to try your best to find the joy in every moment.

What do you see when you look at R.5.O? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The Unity of Golf Embodied in "The M Tiger" Painting

Golf is a sport that unites people, and nowhere is this connection better symbolized than in a striking acrylic painting named "The M Tiger." This 12"x12" canvas piece is a vibrant representation of the spirit and passion inherent in the game.

The M Tiger | 12”x12” Acrylic on Canvas | Gift from the Artist to Matthew Lewis

"The M Tiger" captures the essence of golf—a tiger lying in repose with a golf flag as a testament to the sport's blend of calm precision and inner fire. The tiger's bold yellow and black palette reflects the focus and strength required in golf, while the red flag symbolizes the achievements and shared experiences on the course.

Gifted to Matt Lewis, "The M Tiger" is not only a representation of the sport's challenges but also its camaraderie. To Matt, this piece is a constant reminder of the friendships forged and the serene beauty found in golf’s quiet moments.

Matt, as the keeper of "The M Tiger," is reminded daily of the joys the sport brings—both through solitary play and the community it creates. The painting is a nod to the countless stories and memories made among fellow golf enthusiasts.

Now, it's time for Matt to share his personal connection to "The M Tiger" and the bonds created through golf.

“I grew up and enjoying golf. It was my favorite thing to do throughout my childhood. As I grew older, Tiger Woods became the man he is today. It’s funny because I look back now and think about how much the greatest golfer of our generation impacted the game. Tiger Woods, is synonymous with golf and synonymous with one of the greatest athletes that will ever experience and a generation with likes of Wayne Gretzky of Tom Brady and Babe Ruth. There are two things about golf that I think about when I think about this game when is Tiger Woods and the other is the greatest golf tournament that we will experience the greatest major that we experience in this part this painting makes me think of those things it is truly a cherish thing that we get to see experience and I’m very lucky that my friend Zikki made this painting for me because he knows how much my love of the game is and he knows how much I appreciate greatness and the greatest of all time.”

— Matthew Lewis

Discovering Sugar Hollow: A Hidden Gem in Charlottesville

It was a brisk morning when a friend introduced me to the wonders of Sugar Hollow, nestled on the outskirts of Charlottesville. As we embarked on our morning hike, the crisp air filled our lungs, and the serene beauty of the surrounding nature unfolded before our eyes. It was a day of discovery, not just of the picturesque landscapes but also of the joy that comes with sharing such moments with a friend.

The C-Shaped Log | Sugar Hollow | Olympus OM-D Mark IIIs

I had my Olympus OM-D camera slung over my shoulder, ready to capture the essence of Sugar Hollow in all its glory. And it did not disappoint. The water, clear and inviting, danced under the morning sun, creating a symphony of light and shadows. Each frame I captured told a story of tranquility, of the harmony between nature and those who venture into its embrace.

The hike itself was nothing short of invigorating. With each step, we delved deeper into the heart of Sugar Hollow, uncovering its secrets one by one. The path, lined with the vibrant hues of nature, seemed to guide us through a realm untouched by time. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures life offers, often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered.

Crisp Water | Sugar Hollow | Olympus OM-D Mark IIIs

As the day progressed, so did our appreciation for this hidden gem. Sugar Hollow, with its enchanting waters and captivating landscapes, was more than just a destination; it was a sanctuary, a place where one could find peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.

To my dear readers, I cannot recommend Sugar Hollow highly enough. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place promises an experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired. So grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and set off on an adventure to Sugar Hollow. It's not just a journey through nature, but a journey within, discovering the beauty of the world around us and within ourselves.

The Story Behind My Latest Creation: A Journey of Inspiration and Discovery

The Story Behind My Latest Creation: Art with a Purpose

Welcome to a special intersection where creativity meets compassion, and every brushstroke contributes to a cause much greater than art itself. Today, I'm not only excited to unveil my latest artwork but also to share its profound purpose: supporting the Makindu Children's Program in Makindu, Kenya. This piece transcends artistic expression; it's a beacon of hope and an invitation for you to join a movement that extends far beyond the canvas.

Makindu Kids | Completed February, 2024

The Inspiration Behind the Canvas

Driven by the resilience and indomitable spirit of the children at Makindu Children's Orphanage, this artwork is a testament to hope, strength, and the collective power of community. It reflects the unyielding positivity and the vibrancy of life, despite adversity. Through this piece, I aim to capture the essence of their courage and the boundless joy that they embody, serving as a bridge that connects us to their journey and challenges.

A Creative Journey with a Mission

Embarking on this artistic venture, my goal was to do more than create a visually appealing piece. It was about weaving the narratives and emotions of these incredible children into the fabric of the artwork, making each stroke a symbol of their stories and dreams. This process was a profound journey of empathy and connection, aiming to resonate deeply with all who view it and inspire action.

Let's Spark a Conversation for Change

Now, I turn to you, my community of art lovers and compassionate souls, to take this dialogue further. Beyond admiring this piece for its aesthetic value, I invite you to dive into its deeper meaning, the stories it tells, and the lives it seeks to uplift. How does this artwork speak to you? What emotions or thoughts does it evoke? How can art become a powerful vehicle for social change?

This is where the magic of conversation comes in. I warmly encourage you to share your insights, reflections, and responses in the comments/chat section below. Let's use this space not just for dialogue, but as a platform to rally support and awareness for the Makindu Children's Orphanage. Every comment, every share, and every discussion amplifies our collective impact.

Engage, Share, Support

As we navigate this conversation together, remember that your engagement goes a long way. By discussing this piece and its mission, you're not only spreading awareness but also contributing to a greater cause. And if you feel moved to do so, I urge you to consider supporting the orphanage directly through donations. Together, our collective voices and actions can create waves of positive change.

Join the Movement: Art for Good

This initiative is more than just an art project; it's a testament to the power of community, compassion, and creativity. By engaging with this piece and its story, you're part of a larger movement—one that champions hope, support, and tangible help for the children at Makindu.

Thank you for being here, for engaging, and for being a force of good in the world. Let's use our conversations, our art, and our actions to make a lasting difference. Share your thoughts below, and let's make this a vibrant forum for change.

Nature's Spectacle: The Rising Waters of Lake Nakuru

The Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder of our world, has been making headlines with its awe-inspiring natural phenomena. One such spectacle is the rising of Lake Nakuru, a captivating event that has been unfolding over recent years. In this blog, we will explore the intriguing story of how the Rift Valley is gradually transforming this iconic Kenyan lake.

The Rift Valley's Slow Split: The Great Rift Valley is an immense geological feature that stretches across East Africa. It's a place where the Earth's crust is pulling apart, creating a series of faults and valleys. This colossal process is occurring at a snail's pace, with the Rift Valley splitting at an astonishingly slow rate of about 2 millimeters per year. While this rate may seem negligible in the short term, it holds profound implications for the distant future. In tens of millions of years, this process will eventually sever East Africa from the rest of the continent.

“The Rift Valley splitting at an astonishingly slow rate of about 2 millimeters per year.”

— www.theguardian.com/world/2022/

The Hidden Aquifer Theory: One of the prevailing theories behind the rising waters of Lake Nakuru involves the discovery of a hidden underground aquifer. As the Rift Valley gradually separates, it creates fissures and fractures in the Earth's crust. These fractures can act as conduits for the movement of groundwater from previously unknown sources. Over time, this influx of fresh water has been making its way into the lakes of the Rift Valley, including Lake Nakuru.

Sinking Building by Front Gate | Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya | Olympus OM-D E-M10 iiiS | December, 2023

The Impact on Lake Nakuru: The rising waters of Lake Nakuru have had a profound impact on the local ecosystem. As the lake's boundaries expand, new habitats are created for both aquatic and terrestrial life. Flamingos, a renowned symbol of Lake Nakuru, have left the lake for reasons I’m yet to figure out. The bird population remains diverse.

Regardless, it’s an amazing National Park to visit and I highly recommend spending a couple days there. Check out Sarova Lion Hill while you’re there. Their service is superb.

Taurus Buffalo - August 2020

“AFRICAN BUFFALO HERDS “VOTE”
Researchers have discovered a curious phenomenon in female African buffalo: they appear to “vote” to decide which direction to move the herd in. During times of rest, the females sit on the ground facing the direction they think the herd should move. After resting time finishes, the herd then moves in the direction that the majority were pointing towards. The most interesting aspect of this observed behaviour is that it is communal: the dominance hierarchy does not appear to influence the “votes” of individual buffalo.”

— https://www.lionworldtravel.com/news/who-knew-7-brilliant-buffalo-facts

Taurus Buffalo - 24”x 36” Acrylic Painting on Canvas. August 2020

The most difficult painting I’ve done to date, partly due to the fact that I was trying to depict how dangerous the African Buffalo is, but the colors chosen, the texture and the stance painted took time to get close to what was on my mind.

To make matters more interesting, it was during this painting that I got stung by a Yellow Jacket Bee - I guess the bee knew how dangerous the animal in the painting was and gave its life by punishing me :)

Anyway, the painting came out well and now hangs in the basement of my house.

What else is cool about the African Buffalo?

“AFRICAN BUFFALO HORNS TELL MANY STORIES
In adult male African buffaloes, the base of their distinct, curving horns come so close together that the fuse. This creates a sort of shield on their heads known as a “boss”. Female buffalo horns do not have a “boss”, allowing researchers to distinguish between male and female buffalo more easily. In addition, the larger and thicker the horns in adult males, the more likely this male is to be higher ranked in the dominance hierarchy of the herd. In other words, you can tell a lot about an African buffalo from their horns!”

— https://www.lionworldtravel.com/news/who-knew-7-brilliant-buffalo-facts

Mambalicious - July 2020

“Every day, I live a lie
But not the crocodile kind.”

— Megan McCafferty

Mambalicious. Acrylic Painting on 24”x 36” Canvas. Completed July 2020

My paternal grandfather was known as King’ang’i, Kamba (my mother tongue) for Crocodile. He had a way of getting things done and owned a prominent arts and crafts store at the City Market, located in Nairobi, Kenya. Walking up to his store, you were welcomed by large unique hand made Mahogany & Ebony carvings. This painting takes me back to my pre-teen days when I visited the store, and he’d buy me lunch, a comic book or car magazine from a street vendor who set up daily at the market entrance.

This painting took patience and time but the outcome speaks for itself. The facemask that I wear on a daily basis is based on this painting. My cover pages on social media are of this image. Soon, this painting will be on a t-shirt.

Mambalicious Mask at Common House.

You may also recall from “My Creative Journey” blog that this was named Mambalicious by my niece Laura.

I think my late grandfather would approve. My hope is that one day, I’ll find a good carver who can turn this into a life-size carving.