The Growth House

As I swing from the table tops of Akilah’s Baltimore city style home, my senses were overjoyed. Listening to the afro-blues and soul jumping from the speakers. Vibrant black voices that sang of love in its purest form, Maxwell, Floetry, D’Angelo, Badu. The smell of nag champa incense cleansing the space, mixed with the strong scent of ganja. Watching two of my beloved friends, Promise and Akilah make art as I begin to type my best content yet, this is my new favorite aesthetic. Truth was revealed, a space such as this deserves recognition beyond a simple social media post, this is Blunt content.

Almost immediately, The Growth House brings me back to my childhood. For the sake of relevant background story, I grew up around the corner from Akilah, memories of wholesome interaction by way of mutual friendships. Akilah's art has always been significant in the eyes of our local brown communities, painting us murals, portraits, and spreading enlightening messages of healing through art.

Akilah was born and raised in the DMV, mainly residing in the DC, PG, and eventually Baltimore area. Her early life at Roots Elementary provided a strong afro-centered learning environment and introduced her to the power in black history, voices, and art. During her teen years, Akilah experienced social differentiation from the masses, returning to somewhat of a hermit mode to refrain from the common downfalls high school students living in the city would face. The well spent time at home assisted in awakening Akilah's artistic abilities on another level.

Often on our journeys as spiritual beings, we tend find ourselves isolated from outer environments, which fortunately allows us to focus on our internal worlds. Thus, we learn to perceive and create our realities from the inside out. In Akilah's art, I can see beauty in black life, beauty in what society deems struggle, colour in our darkness, power in culture, power in expression, and most of all I see Truth.

You may recognize this art piece by Akilah which graced the cover of Google's homepage.

Akilah's Doodle 4 Google competition winning drawing, titled "My Afrocentric Life"

This piece was selected amongst thousands to be nationally recognized on Googles homepage! As a young wombyn in the DMV, the success from Google's huge platform really shed light on Akilah's artistry. My Afrocentric Life was even covered by Essence Magazine under their Black Girl Magic category, all at the age of fifteen. Now, in her earlier twenties Akilah invites us to her realm of creation, her sacred space called The Growth House. I must say it was such an honorable experience being welcomed into the space where so many beautiful ideas were conceived and brought to life. I cherish these moments, along with the kindred beings that joined me in the exhibit.

This is the stunning entrance of The Growth House exhibit.

From the outside of the building, you would never expect to find a gem like this.

Akilah tells us of times when she was younger, her parents wouldn't want her drawing on the walls, understandbly so. Having certain rules enforced can make you look deeper into the intention behind our actions. Many artists are known for having rebellious spirits, I say it's because Truth cannot be silenced and art cannot be conformed. When you mix the two, you shatter false paradigms and break free from even our loving parents ideas of order. That is to say thank you to our families who raised us with morals, provided structure, and offered unconditional love. But to also thank ourselves for reaching the brave milestone of trusting our visions, and reconstructing life based off our Truths.

The Growth House is full of positive reminders, prominent faces within our community, symbols of life, love, and the Mother Land. Akilah does a great job redefining images in her light, such as The Last Supper.

The Growth House is a space that induces creative thinking, kind-heartedness, and extreme gratitude for the art in the All.

By now you may have noticed the different archetypal trends in Akilah's paintings. The bees, the floral heads, mushroom tops, and one-eyed characters.

She names these characters, the "Pretty Pothead" (feminine-based) and the"Pot of Love" (masculine-based). Although, they are gender fluid characters that reflect both feminine and masculine traits. These themes are significant in more than a few of Akilah's artwork. Influenced by the connection we have as spiritual beings to nature, as well as her love for psychedelic mushrooms. The bees are in reference to a nickname given by her mother, "Kilah Bee", I believe its very fitting to her sweet spirit.

Our inner child spoke to us loud and clear this day, pick up a marker and leave your mark!

My POV

I entered The Growth House to give thanks to a beautiful artist who is also a dear friend. I was welcomed with an abundance of loving energy and an array of colors and images beyond our eye's conception.

My inner thoughts serve as a deeper reflection of my awareness in my outer environment. Here, in The Growth House I feel inspired, grateful, connected. Honestly, I am not that skilled in painting or drawing, however I still consider myself an artist. My words paint pictures for the mind, create experiences for the body, and aim deeply for the soul. During my visit to The Growth House, I was met with ideas about my childhood, the becoming of sacred space, and the importance of intuitive creation without limits.

Inspired by the actions of others. I watched them do what I felt like I couldn’t until I could. Create. Creating my personal Heaven, a safe space for me to fill with my wildest thoughts. Whether it be on a canvas, a journal, the walls of my room, in my next meal, or traveling across the rivers and seas. I learned to embody my truth in the most creative ways.

Struck by the stream of light radiating all colors, right into my crown through the souls of my feet. Indeed, it is the fire in the room that manages to create such warm, yet productive ambiance. We’re going somewhere, people!

Each wall covered in different paint, each room fitting for Akilah's intruisic thoughts and expression. As visitors, we were able to leave our marks on the select walls, one stating "Love yourself" ... you were left to finish the statement.

In the photo, Pluto puts his spin on each letter.

Some of my favorite messages on the wall:

Love yourself, always.

Love yourself, first.

Love yourself, until the end of time.

Love yourself, to the fullest.

Pluto's POV

First thoughts entering The Growth House were “Omg im sooo proud of her artistic vision!” I noticed how she was able to execute different visions on each angle of every corner in The Growth House. It’s interesting to see what a single artist can do with one space. I was inspired by the effort and transparency. I could feel this artists motivation and what drives her. It was motivation in itself. The messages were so clear and powerful.

The gallery walk had interesting books, upcycled items like skateboards, suitcases, and shelves!

During our trip, Akilah offered free art supplies as well as a chance to make art together. Promise made a beautiful painting filled with mantras! She really got in touch with her inner artists during this visit.

Promise's POV

Once I walked into the growth house my initial thoughts were “wow this is beautiful.“ I felt peace and harmony, it was very creative and you can tell this project took a-lot of patience and hard work. The music paired with the drawings put me in a calm state. The paintings had meaning behind them and it was like I connected with them in my own way, from how I seen them. The Growth House motivated me to make my space a safe place FOR ME and definitely if you're one who stays in their room alot. I view my space as my kingdom, the escape from the outside world when things aren’t going right. I'll disappear and stay in my room for a minute. My opinion is that the way your room is expressed is the way you feel inside. While interacting with Akilah one thing I took from her was always keep good energy within you and good energy around you.

The Growth House which was originally Akilah's living space, transformed to an art exhibit over the span of her residency. In June, she posted this flyer to her personal Instagram @thrillsonthrillz as the invitation. Akilah is currently taking a social media fast but be sure to check out her Instagram art page @smokedailyshop.

This is to say The Growth House is no longer open for gallery walks, but her art lives on. For the muse herself, creates endlessly and effortlessly. Congratulations Akilah, on hosting your first solo in-home art exhibit!

A brown wombyn, uncovering a white man's world with a paint brush. A free flower, a devoted student of life. An explorer, a teacher. A lovable sister, daughter, and friend. A star, a cosmic light force inspiring lives around the world. I am grateful to know Akilah at this stage of her life, she really makes me proud to be a brown girl in PG.

The muse herself, Akilah Johnson. (June 2022)

Thank you for sharing your art, your space, and your love with us! We truly admire you and we are rooting for your now and future successes.