A real Inspiration to this project

Film maker Lena Khan has made an outstanding short video set the music of Kareem Salama's song "A Land Called Paradise." This video shows Muslims in America in a new light that stands above the stereotypes becoming so fixed in our mind's eye. I must admit that something like a tight coil unwound inside of me as I watched this video. I sat smiling and crying afterwards. As an artist working on the very same subject, I was inspired by the quality, honesty, and humanity on display in this piece. Watch, think, and share.

Creation of self portraits have begun! The above image is an example of one collaborative beginning point designed by one of the participants. Under the participant's instruction I have created this photoshoped image. ( Participants are asked to begin with a photo of themselves, though persons with strong convictions against this will included in the project and will begin with other starting points.) The above image will be printed out at 20" x 30" and given to the subject to continue altering. The above participant has agreed to have the steps in creation of their work shared online to better illustrate our working process. I have also invited them to share their thoughts on this process and the meaning of the symbolism in their work.