THE WORLD HAS CHANGED...

January 25, 2026 / William Burrell Philpot IV

…AND SO SHOULD WE.

Fact of the matter is that things have changed. Dangerously so but yes, the world has changed and yet it still intends and continues to spin on.

We’ve fought a lot about alignment and cohesion. We’ve fought over doing things in ways that “make sense” as to gain some degree of community visibility and identity reinforcing a sense of public trust…but that has not happened. Even as being within the North Bethesda Community, we haven’t seen too much progress in community building or even visibility…but it is what it is.

As it comes down to Art, Design and Photography, there’s so much that we still have yet to discuss and consider. As an operation, we have the same goals which are to contribute to the world but with much change having happened, we’re looking to shift our paradigms. Especially because who we are and what we are matters within the realm of Art and Artistic Expression as it affects the rest of the worlds around us, a further catering to the Black and Brown African American communities stands firm.

THE ART SHOULD REFLECT THE TIMES.

As creatives, it’s really important to be tune with what informs you—the world around you. It’s important to take notice to the things going on because art captures the mind’s creative vision in the midst of thought, time, influence and circumstance. Where our minds are matters when we create which is why the process of creation should not be limiting or limited but expanded upon. The order of chaos and the chaos of order if nothing else should be entertained as an artist where what makes sense can almost—if not more—be equal to that of those things that do not. We are truly residing in a time where things most certainly do not make sense…but then again…

BEING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE ARTIST

Most of what I strive to do has everything to do with being an African American Male Artist. Sexist and opinionated and confident only as a means of hiding hurt, pain and trauma. Again, having grown up in the 80’s 90’s and early 2000’s my goals are set in being real and authentic no matter who that bothers or offends. I only want to be that which I’ve been at conflict for so long—that which is truly…me. The good and the bad. The chaos and the order. I am all things that this life has been and has made me as today.

CONNECTED: THE WORLD HAS CHANGED...

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categories / 2026, JusTHOUGHTS
tags / "THE WORLD HAS CHANGED..."

FROM BEGINNING TO END!

August 15, 2025 / William Burrell Philpot IV

It’s all a process and some things just take time.

Often times there’s the inclusion of conversations within the planning and development processes of some projects and works while others are the sole domain of me, Liam Ian. The idea is to stay true to the identity of Liam Ian as much as possible keeping with a specific and targeted focus of creativity across the creative categories; Art, Design and Photography. Sometimes journal writing and a review of the current societal status and the associated situations down to very personal thoughts and ideas on what to communicate, there is thoughtfulness applied within the process that cannot be replaced.

As I’ve taken time to have written more and explore my creativity thru poetry, I’ve found a sense of self that I lost long ago. At time and place where I dreamt of all I would do because of all I would have. Young and passionate and in despair and need. Angry yet wanting to stay honest and true. Aspiring to become something beyond complicated and difficult but sophisticated and nuanced. I found myself looking back upon myself because I’ve had to reckon the newer ideas of my mortality and the possible returning limits on being not only “Black” but also Human.

The urgency I feel now is more about moving beyond the issues that have served to confine me and to reach my very personal ideas of my Higher Self—my Sovereign Self. As I’ve given attention to the maters of who I have been to become who I need to be, I’ve come to a place of greater understanding of what I believe my purpose is and what my existence is for; a journey of discovery. I am an aspect of the Living Universe looking back upon itself to learn itself even more. Creativity is the conduit for which I am to live.

CONNECTED: FROM BEGINNING TO END!

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categories / 2025, JusTHOUGHTS
tags / Personal, Personal Message, JusThoughts

BLACK HISTORY MONTH STILL IS . . . BECAUSE IT JUST IS!

February 01, 2025 / William Burrell Philpot IV

BLACK HISTORY IS HISTORY. BLACK HISTORY IS EVERYDAY!

It can’t be replaced and can never—will never—be denied. Happy February! It doesn’t need to be Black History Month. Black History is ALL the time!

Even though we don’t need a month because Black History is ALL the time! Black History is happening ALL THE TIME!!!

Perhaps we need to move past what was though. Thanks to the clumsy and callous, evil and underhanded behaviors of some, perhaps it’s time for US to expand upon what was to make it even greater! Change—Change for the better—sometimes happens out of chaos and destruction. Perhaps to rebuild and rebuild better!

BECAUSE BLACK HISTORY IS ALL THE TIME…

…we’re making efforts to fill the voids by creating and sharing and appreciating Black Art. While it’s our belief and agenda to bring Black Art and Creativity to the forefront, it’s always a special case when we do these things during the Arts Quarter. As so much is under fire and being dismantled for the interests and intentions of others, we’re committed to not only investing in Black Art but sharing them with others. We want to further build and strengthen those Communities of Color that see oppression and repression especially as a response to all that needs to be addressed. We believe that thru chaos and destruction come greater and better things. Innovation has its roots in being resilient in the midst of trial and change.

Within the Arts Quarter we’ll be doing all that we can to not only create but to discover and shed light on those positioned to make an impression to enhance, innovate and strengthen the various communities that have added to the GREATNESS that has become the United States and those nations around the world.

HATE IS NOTHING. HATE IS NOTHING BUT FUEL FOR EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD!

We encourage others to create. CREATE! Create and innovate. There’s opportunity in adversity. There’s power in change. There’s truth in persistence and resilience. There’s a Future in Hope and the act of doing for all that is truly good and right. Creating that which supports and reinforces is in the essence of Promise. We encourage Artists and Creatives to break beyond the barriers of engineered dysfunction, creative blocks and the distraction of issues to inform, educate, encourage, inspire and celebrate others. Peel back the curtains of lies and deception to further the cause of truth—forceful unrelenting truth. This is the time. This is most certainly the time!

Let nothing hold you back! Let nothing hold you back from adding to the tapestry of this world…because this world is ours! This world that is full of plentiful and ample wonder and treasure. Big enough for us all—this world is our home. It belongs to us all and not just one segment or group that wish to plunder and conquer. This world is ours and thru our creative genius and ability, we must take on the mantle of doing greater and greater things. We must be compelled to change because change is happening whether we like it or not. Let us change to implement change and not have “change” be set upon nor against us. Be beyond ‘Happy Black History Month” because Black History is still being written. The stories are still being experienced to be told.

*In honor of what they’re trying to erase, we share our thoughts for the Power and Spirit of Kiah Duggins, Incoming Howard Professor, Harvard Law School Graduate and Civil Rights Lawyer who was killed in the recent Potomac River plane crash. Prayers and Blessings to her family and friends and all those lives for whom she’s touched, improved and fought for—we honor you Kiah Duggins. May her memory and all that she accomplished fiercely encourage, inspire and empower us all.

CONNECTED: BLACK HISTORY MONTH STILL IS . . . BECAUSE IT JUST IS!

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categories / 2025, ENCOURAGEMENT, INSPIRATION, INTERESTS, JusTHOUGHTS, THOUGHTS
tags / Black History, Black History Month, BLACK, BLACK HISTORY, BLACK HISTORY MONTH, The Art of Black History

PERSPECTIVE

December 27, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

FURTHER INSPIRED BY VIRGIL ABLOH…and so many others.

With 2024 fast approaching, we’re looking to reposition to become a better business operation catering to a more refined yet still diverse audience. Strategically, we want to offer products and services that truly add value and substance to our customers and clients. We’re strive to redefine what is to be of influence and impact for tomorrow. While Art, Design and Photography are the core of who and what we are, we’re moving much more into technologies in Ai Art Generation and Animation paving the way info dynamic storytelling. What might be the normal everyday for someone else, we’re changing the perspective of life to be like art. We are Art!

Beginning within the 2024 Arts Quarter, we’re developing projects and products that embody and symbolize who I am—who we are—within the African American communities with the hope of acting as signals of the potential of our collective futures. LIAM IAN will be using the opportunities to create to move further and further into setting the stage to introduce the necessities of a progressive life for People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture.

As I further my journey into the discovery and development of my Artistry, my Artistic Capabilities and the Style that would become my Signature, I’m informed and encouraged to also delve deep into who I am as a Black Man and Artist who’s endured and survived much. The light and the dark. The good and the bad. The dualities of who I am and the dichotomy of my life. Reducing it all down; “The Dichotomy of…LIAM IAN.” As my Spirituality inspires me, it inspires my Art. I am the product of years of detriment and deprivation. Death and cultural deterioration. In having come out resilient from being abandoned and cast aside and fatherless, I continue to discover, reveal and establish who I am within and amongst this world. —LIAM IAN

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categories / JusTHOUGHTS
tags / Perspective, 2024, 2024 Planning, The Dichotomy of...

JusTHOUGHTS

November 25, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

WORDS ARE THE INITIAL STEPS TO MANIFESTATION.

JusTHOUGHTS: Juste Thoughts — Thoughts that have merit and right within them and their meanings. Thoughts that contribute to a just society and state of being. Justice and Fairness especially for and towards those who truly deserve them.

Art is just one aspect of being Creative. Words and Thoughts are truly the initial structures, ideas and concepts to bringing Art and Creativity to light and reality.

This project proposal is for the development of a custom IP Product the convey positive and reaffirming messages to “Black” Men and People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture within American society.

This project is to develop a multiphase product series starting with special IP Publication Products leading to Apparel and other peripheral items.

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categories / JusTHOUGHTS, RED BOOK, PROJECTS
tags / New Project, New Project Proposal, Projects, JusThoughts

FUCK THE RULES.

November 12, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

I MAKE THE RULES. I make the rules because this life is to be one masterpiece amongst many. “THE CREATIVITY OF LIFE” is a concept and philosophy that is very important to me.

The philosophy of "The Creativity of Life" is what I believe to be almost the single most important aspect of perceiving and understanding life. Its a concept that celebrates the inherent creative potential within every aspect of existence. It emphasizes that life itself is a dynamic and ever-evolving process, urging us to embrace our own creative instincts and engage with the world in a transformative and imaginative manner. This philosophy I’ve customized to fit my life, my paradigms and who I am encourages us to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and to actively participate in shaping our own experiences and the world around us through creative expression.

1. Embracing the Creative Spirit:

"The Creativity of Life" philosophy invites us to acknowledge and embrace the creative spirit that resides within each of us. It recognizes that creativity is not limited to artists and innovators but is an intrinsic aspect of being human. By nurturing our creative instincts, we can tap into our unique abilities to imagine, innovate, and bring forth new ideas, perspectives, and solutions.

2. Seeing the World as a Canvas:

This philosophy encourages us to view the world as a canvas waiting to be shaped and transformed. It invites us to engage with our surroundings with a sense of curiosity and wonder, seeking inspiration in the ordinary and finding beauty in unexpected places. By recognizing the creative potential in every moment, we can infuse our lives with meaning and purpose.

3. Embracing Change and Growth:

"The Creativity of Life" philosophy recognizes that life is a process of continuous change and growth. It encourages us to embrace this inherent dynamism and to approach challenges and transitions with a creative mindset. By adapting, learning, and evolving, we can navigate the ebb and flow of life's ever-changing landscape and unlock new possibilities for personal and collective transformation.

4. Cultivating Authenticity and Self-Expression:

This philosophy emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression. It encourages us to tap into our innermost passions, values, and beliefs, allowing them to guide our creative endeavors. By expressing ourselves honestly and authentically, we not only honor our true nature but also inspire others to do the same, fostering a culture of creativity and individuality.

5. Fostering Connection and Collaboration:

"The Creativity of Life" philosophy recognizes that creativity thrives in a collaborative and interconnected environment. It encourages us to seek meaningful connections with others, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration. By sharing ideas, supporting each other's creative endeavors, and engaging in collective creativity, we can co-create a richer and more vibrant world.:

"The Creativity of Life" philosophy invites us to embrace our innate creative potential, view the world through a lens of curiosity and wonder, and actively participate in shaping our experiences and the world around us. By cultivating our creativity, embracing change, expressing ourselves authentically, and fostering connections, we can live lives that are vibrant, meaningful, and transformative. Let this philosophy serve as a reminder to embrace the creative energy that flows through all aspects of life and to channel it into a force for personal growth, connection, and positive change.

Taking notes from those who came before me, I aspire to have my actions and activities, works and products to encourage and inspire others. While I seek personal progress and development thru incremental measurable successes avoiding the compulsions for grand levels of social recognition and titles, I further seek to be positions to empower others. It is our creativity that defines us. It is our creativity that has defined and continues to define reality. It is our ability to reshape what we see, taste, hear, and feel to bring or construct an understanding of the world before us. We can define setting laws, order and governance to who we are and our individual to collective worlds out of the chaos that has been and is continually presented to us.

Out of everything I’ve experienced within this life, I see my life as a canvas and tapestry. It is a grand studio managed by an open-air office. It is a kingdom fit for one yet others but full with treasures that only reside in dark corners. I exist to create but had to learn much to have gotten to this point. Now as I continue to evolve ascending to higher heights and continue to create, I work with others to do the same.

If you have a creative project or are at a stage of creative development needing coaching, consulting, support and/or reinforcement, contact us…today.

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categories / JusTHOUGHTS, JRNL, INTERESTS, INSPIRATION
tags / Philosophies, My Rules, Creativity, The Creativity of Life

MY CONCEPTS AND IDEAS ON ART, DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY - 2023

November 02, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

Regularly, I engage in a personal review of my paradigms on Art, Design and Photography. Yes, while I have goals that go beyond just Art, Design and Photography, I am still greatly concerned with how I perceive those concepts. I’m concerned with how I have and am perceiving things within life as they influence what I consider and prioritize the ingredients and elements that make profound Art and Design and Photography. Because I want to stay as consistent as possible with my often varying perspectives, it is important to know and understand how and why they apply to me being an Artist and Creator.

Encouraged and inspired by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, my approach to Art has always been honest and true to those things that influenced me the most out of my childhood, that of sci-fi and/or fantasy. Pen and paper line art was always my thing but as I’ve grown and gotten older, it think of Art within the manual and handmade with a new inclusion of those electronic resources. It’s much more a convenient advent to have programs such as Procreate and Sketchbook and some others. Whether it’s handmade or done digitally, the most important is to take what remains in the imagination and bring it to realization and life.

Design—while an aspect of Art—is much about the organization of (artistic) elements to communicate. Whether it be to communicate a thought, idea or feeling, what’s important is to stay true to ones ideas of communication and the design aesthetic needed to communicate effectively.

Photography is the most—THE MOST—important and substantial to me right now. Because I spent so much of my life aspiring to engaging photography in those ways done by Gordon Parks and others that just have made an impact, Photography takes a position and role that just can’t be fully defined nor compared. Preluding the interest, passion and aspiration for filmmaking and visual storytelling, photography has gripped me with tremendous force and firmness. Within photography, I aspire—in personal projects and levels—I just want to capture the things about life that have always impacted me. It’s not just life but the ideas of “Black” life that—to me—are iconic and so representative of everything I love.

The dichotomy and duality that is me is and has been informed by a variety of elements. Yes, as it all might seem complex and contradictory there is a lightness and an equal darkness that resides within. As I love, I also lust. While I respect order, I understand chaos. Where one side or perspective desires to engage automotive design and performance, another lusts to fully engage what I love so much about women. Everything that is male and African American and classy and hood and everything else orbiting have made me this man that I am. Complex and even borderline destructive while seemingly having found a newness and revival of what has been at my spiritual core—I approach it all with as much of the uniqueness and individuality that is me, Liam Ian Black and William Burrell Philpot IV.

*As I further engage and grow into who I am as Liam Ian Black, I’m still learning and relearning. I’m still developing and redeveloping adding certain things while dropping others. At the end of it all, I only want to have explored the most—the MOST—of who I am and who I can be as to expand beyond the confines of who I have been within this physical form named William Burrell Philpot IV.

I was raised out of dysfunction that only a certain few would or could understand. Where hip-hop and women and their objectification gave clarity and identity to my manhood, I’ve been informed by what most might say is inappropriate and and corrupting of the character…but I stand confident on the facts that have cultivate this “civilized” world.

Where I was born into deceit and lies and the products of mischievous and/or negatively inspired deeds, I had to find my own truth. I had to transition to become something that I could’ve never been just as William B. Philpot IV. As Liam Ian Black, I am fathered and nurtured and taken care of by that which is greater than any man. As I’ve only been abandoned or moderately taken care of by man, that Higher Power stepped in to take care of me. The most of what I could ever ever do within this life is to create, manifest and give as I have been blessed with and to do. I am order and I am chaos—functional dysfunction. I am dysfunctional function. Because I exist, I am a contributor to the whole…and so… I ask not to be forgiven for whatever I might do…but more understood to be no different and yet different from everything that this world has come to hate and love about being a Man of Color, Ethnicity and Culture. A Man…of this modern time.

In 2024, I’ll be continuing to engage the most of what I am and who I can become before my time is over. I’ll be exploring the Dichotomy and Duality of me. I know that this world cares little for what is pure, light and true…and yet will marvel over those things shiny and new and innovative…seeing value in that which adds value based upon the measurements of society. Therefore…

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categories / JusTHOUGHTS
tags / Art, Design, Photography, Ideas, Concepts, Philosophies

DEDICATED BUT ADVERSE

October 21, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

As dedicated as I am to as much about being “Black” and African American, here are some of the primary reasons why I restrict who I serve, work and collaborate with.

As an entrepreneur, it is important to recognize the diverse needs and interests of different communities. However, it is also necessary to acknowledge the complexities and challenges that can arise when serving a specific target market, such as urban African Americans. While it is essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for the experiences and perspectives of individuals, I can provide a thoughtful exploration of some potential reasons that an African American entrepreneur might choose to avoid serving urban African Americans.

Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge that African American entrepreneurs, like any other entrepreneurs, are driven by a variety of factors when deciding which market segments to target. Factors such as market demand, profitability, and personal interests play a significant role in shaping business decisions. While it may seem counterintuitive for an African American entrepreneur to avoid serving urban African Americans, let's explore some reasons why this might occur.

1. Market saturation and competition: Urban areas with predominantly African American populations often have a high density of businesses catering specifically to their needs. Competition can be fierce, making it challenging for a new entrepreneur to establish a unique value proposition and gain a competitive advantage. In such cases, an entrepreneur might choose to explore other market segments where there is less competition and potentially greater potential for growth.

2. Overcoming negative stereotypes: Unfortunately, stereotypes and biases persist in our society, and they can influence consumer behavior. Some African American entrepreneurs might choose to avoid serving urban African Americans due to concerns that negative stereotypes could hinder their business prospects. They may worry about being associated with preconceived notions or facing unjust scrutiny, which could potentially impact their ability to attract customers and secure business opportunities.

3. Economic disparities: Urban areas with predominantly African American populations often face economic challenges, including higher poverty rates and limited disposable income. These factors can impact the purchasing power of consumers within these communities. For some entrepreneurs, focusing on market segments with higher disposable income levels might be a strategic decision to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of their businesses.

4. Diversifying customer base: Entrepreneurs, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, often seek to diversify their customer base to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations and changes in consumer behavior. By targeting multiple market segments, entrepreneurs can create a more stable and resilient business model. This approach allows them to tap into different customer preferences, needs, and purchasing power, reducing their dependence on any single market segment.

It is important to note that these reasons are not intended to justify or promote exclusion or discrimination. They merely shed light on potential considerations that an African American entrepreneur might take into account when making business decisions. Ultimately, entrepreneurs should strive to create inclusive and equitable business practices that serve diverse communities while recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise within each market segment.

I was recently asked why I keep a private and confidential client list. It’s implied that I should spread the news on who I serve and what kind of work I put out there. My reply was that being private and confidential about my clients and my work empowers and emboldens my work, resources and talents. I am not and do not want to be accessible—not to everyone or just any old Joe. Exclusivity has its merits and if wielded properly, it can work wonders…especially for a small business. I’d rather have a few clients with powerful relationships because of long term work contract instead of many clients with short term ones.

Additionally, I know my surroundings—my environments and those within them. Knowledge is power and the more others know, the more others will feel empowered to do or act in certain ways that may not certainly help my business grow.

I say if you are an Artist and an Entrepreneur, keep to yourself until you run into the right ones. Research your clients and prospects and strive for long term relationships thru long term projects. Do quality work instead of a lot of quick or short-term work and price yourself, your work, your resources and your business more on the high end of the industry standards. Friends and family are not or will not always be your greatest supporters therefore strive to get out of your social comfort zone to expand your portfolio for expanded opportunities.

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categories / JusTHOUGHTS, LIAM IAN - BUSINESS, OPINION
tags / Black, Black Business, Doing Black Business

MY SPIRITUALITY IS CUSTOM...

October 15, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

…BECAUSE OF MY CREATIVITY AND ARTISTRY.

Society depends on us to conform. The hierarchies of society depend on the people to believe what’s been put before them and live accordingly. Dangerous are the outliers. Risky are the ones who resist conforming with the established norms. It is only acceptable to stand out when the ones who do can still be moderately encouraged and motivated to do and act in those directions that the higher ups need others to. If the standouts cannot be manipulated then their environments should and so much so that ultimately the standouts are either muted or who they are and their actions are less impactful to change the norms…too much.

What I love the most about being the artist that I am is that I can easily tie my inner ambitions to what I want to create and develop with stronger associations to represent who I am at my core. Because I’ve spent a substantial about of my life having to examine my identity (as not having a father present and abandoned by my mother), what I often contemplate within the creative process often has much more to do with “What to do with a MASSIVE CLEAN SLATE?” than just producing something for the sake of producing.

Because of the condition and situation of African Americans, opportunity stands prominent to define, refine and redefine who and what we are as a people. If not for others, this is the charge for me.

☉

My spirituality governs me. My spirituality informs and directs me…and it is NOT dependent on a religion to be believed. I believe in God—a God—and the association of God to the Expanse that is the Universe. I believe in the Spiritual and the existence of things that we may not ever fully understand let alone perceive. If nothing else however, I believe to my connection—our connection—to things greater than just us because we all…come from…something.

Thru my artistry and creativity, I’ve chosen to also use the condition and canvas of my Life to do greater and greater things for others and other souls.

I firmly believe that difficult times are before us. Financial. Social and Societal. Access to Resources and the comparative value of Human Life. I believe that because of technology, we stand at a place of change that will change not only the nature of our realities but who we are as people among this planet. I believe that Art and Artistry is one of the only things that helps to reinforce who and what we are as conscious creative multifaceted creatures.

I believe change is coming and one of the only ways to start preparing and create a structure that endures is thru and within the arts.

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categories / REFLECTION, THOUGHTS, JusTHOUGHTS
tags / Spirituality, My Spirituality

Filtering by Category: JusTHOUGHTS

BLACK HISTORY IS HISTORY. BLACK HISTORY IS EVERYDAY!

Art is just one aspect of being Creative. Words and Thoughts are truly the initial structures, ideas and concepts to bringing Art and Creativity to light and reality.