African-Inspired Art

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Today on haikujaguar's LJ, there's a discussion of art, in which I spotted flutterbychild. According to her profile, she incorporates some imagery from African heritage in her art. I'm intrigued by the fresh ideas and bold colors. She also has a donation button in the profile page, for art supplies and other upkeep.

I love seeing what happens when artists and writers draw from a rich diversity of cultural and ethnic heritage. This is what multiculturalism is all about: not homogenization, but painting with a wider palette. There isn't enough of this in the world -- it's too easy for ethnic art and artists to get squeezed out of view -- so I like to encourage it when I see it.

For comparison, cultures that contribute heavily to my inspiration include Celtic, Middle Eastern, African, and Native American. What are some of yours?