Adwoa Nyame Asentu

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Mother | Artist | Poet | Yoga Instructor | Educator

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My birth given name is Britney Woods. Adwoa Nyame Asentu is the name that I chose for myself around the age of 19 after participating in an African-centered Rites of Passage program & ceremony. Adwoa is an Akan name that is given to Monday-born, female children. The name means "peacemaker". To me, a peacemaker is one who knows and manifests peace, even in the midst of chaos and corruption. The peacemaker is also the warrior - ready and willing to fight for peace and balance to be restored.  Nyame is the Akan word for God; "the one who knows and sees all". I chose this as my middle name as an affirmation of my connection to the Divine. Asentu is an Akan word that means "to rise" or "to go higher". Consistent growth, transformation and transcendence in all that I do is very important to me.

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I'm a mother, first and foremost. I love being a mother; there has been nothing more challenging and rewarding than carrying, birthing, and raising my children. Society, for a long time, has made women feel as though their role as a mother should be separate from their career - or that they must choose between being ambitious and being a devoted mother. I strive to defy those notions by honoring both my commitment to my children as well as my commitment to the pursuit of my dreams. I believe both can be done and I encourage other women to do the same. I'm very passionate about maternal health and enjoy creating events and spaces where mothers and their babies can come to and feel safe, seen, and understood.

 

I’m a “life-taught” multi-media artist, poet, educator, and holistic health advocate who plant seeds of liberation through the use of my skills and creativity. I was born and raised in Racine, WI and have been living in the Racine/Milwaukee area all of my life. I graduated from Horlick Highschool and UW-Parkside with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Ethnic Studies/Community-Based Learning concentration. I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree in Art Therapy (LPC) at Edgewood University in Madison, WI. I am also a 200-hour certified, trauma-informed Yoga Instructor. My work, both artistic and health related, is inspired by my culture, my experiences, and my analysis of the world around me. I view my work as a bridge between the seen and the unseen; the remembered and the forgotten. My first body of artwork entitled "The Butterfly People" was showcased during the Fall of 2016 in UW-Parkside's Foundation Gallery. I have also performed poetry throughout Wisconsin and Illinois at a number of venues, including BONK! of Racine, WI, the Black Lives Matter of Lake County Illinois Banquet, and the American Multicultural Student Leadership Conference. I currently serve as a Therapeutic Art Facilitator & a Yoga Instructor at Kennedy's Circle of Wellness, Milwaukee Recreation, and FitGroup USA.

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I was raised by my mother, who is full of wisdom and has always encouraged me to develop my creative abilities; as well as my grandmother, who was a poet and a play-write. I grew up seeing my mother work hard to provide for her children - whatever "it" was that we needed, she always made "it" happen. I would see my grandma come home from her factory job, climb in her bed with a yellow writing pad and write all night. It took her about one week to write some of her plays, which she casted and produced for a number of years at the Racine Theater Guild in Racine, WI. Being raised by two great women - my grandma who wasn’t able to graduate from high school due to racism and Jim crow laws but went on to produce and publish her own literary works; and my mother who was told that she wouldn't graduate but went on to receive her Master's degree and start her own business - has been a strong motivational factor in my upbringing. I strive to honor my family and their contributions to my growth by always pushing myself to go beyond what’s considered “possible” and “realistic”.

 

Art, holistic ancestral practices, and culturally centered education are critical components of the work I do. Artistic expression is a major part of my life. I've been an artist ever since I could pick up a crayon. To me, art and poetry is life; it’s all around us all of the time. I often use lots of recycled materials in my visual artwork. Taking a little and making it a lot has been the lived reality for myself, my family and my people for generations. Being innovative and resourceful was never an option for enslaved African and Native people, but rather something that we had to do to survive. I’m grateful for this because it has taught me that there is so much beauty and abundance around us. It’s also shown me that you don’t need expensive materials to create something of great value. What we create, whether it be a meal for our family or a painting for a patron, will be of high quality if we invest time, energy and love into it.

 

Asentu Art

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The mission of Asentu Art is to provide people with unique, original, high-vibrational artwork and experiences. All paintings, sculptures, and jewelry is hand crafted by me. All of my poetry is written by me. All clothing designs are created by me - from the idea down to the digital design process. I didn't work with someone to help build my website; I designed and organized it on my own. All of the graphics that you see on the site - from the logo to the background - were created by me. Any photography, photo & video editing that you see - yep, also all me (unless otherwise stated). In addition to traditional forms of artwork, Asentu Art is centered around black culture, health & wellness, education and community. Asentu Art will continue to grow and develop as I do. I'm honored and excited to share this journey with the world.

 

What you can expect from Asentu Art:

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original artwork - prints - handmade sculptures - digital art - apparel - art workshops - educational workshops - short films - poetry - blogs and articles - wellness tools - crystal and cowrie jewelry - yoga & meditation sessions - herbal remedies - plant based recipes - community inclusion - community events 

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Thank you for your support!

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Contact me at asentuartworld@gmail.com

FB: Asentu Art        IG: @_AsentuArt

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Personal Pages:

YouTube, IG, FB, Threads: @TheArtsyEarthAngel