How Alma Thomas Inspired the Birth of Primal Elemental Abstraction

By: Benu Ma’at

When we speak of abstract art as a language of freedom, few voices resonate as powerfully as Alma Thomas. Her vibrant color fields and rhythmic patterns transformed nature into a symphony of joy and transcendence. For me, her work was not just an influence – it was a catalyst for creating Primal Elemental Abstraction (PEA), a philosophy and method that seeks to channel the raw forces of creation through instinctive, organic expression.

Alma Thomas: A Legacy of Color and Rhythm

A black and white photo of a woman standing in front of abstract artwork, wearing a patterned dress and holding a handbag.

Alma Thomas broke barriers as an African American woman in the mid-20th century art world, redefining abstraction through her signature mosaic-like brushstrokes. Her paintings were inspired by gardens, sunlight, and the infinite beauty of nature. She believed that art should uplift the human spirit – a belief that echoes deeply in the foundation of PEA.

Thomas’s approach was rooted in harmony and repetition, using color as a universal language. Her work reminds us that abstraction is not chaos; it is order born from intuition, a dance between structure and spontaneity.

From Gardens to Elements: The Bridge to PEA

Where Alma Thomas found inspiration in the patterns of flowers and foliage, Primal Elemental Abstraction turns to the elemental forces – earth, water, fire, and air – as primal sources of energy. Both approaches share a reverence for nature, but PEA expands the dialogue into a cosmic dimension, exploring how these forces shape existence and identity.

PEA is not about rigid geometry or predictable repetition. It is about surrendering to instinct, allowing brushstrokes to mimic the flow of rivers, the surge of flames, the whisper of wind. In this way, PEA honors Thomas’s celebration of organic beauty while forging a new path toward elemental resonance.

A Continuum of Black Abstract Innovation

Alma Thomas opened doors for Black artists in abstraction, proving that cultural identity and modernist aesthetics can coexist. PEA continues this lineage, weaving Afrocentric and Afro-Futuristic narratives into its visual language. It is a reclamation of abstraction as a space for ancestral memory, spiritual depth, and cosmic imagination.

Why Alma Thomas Matters to PEA

Her work taught me that abstraction is not an escape – it is a return. A return to the essence of life, to the rhythms that pulse beneath the surface of reality. Alma Thomas showed that color can heal, that pattern can speak, and that art can be both deeply personal and universally resonant. PEA carries that torch forward, illuminating new realms where primal energy meets artistic freedom.

Explore the philosophy behind Primal Elemental Abstraction
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Understanding Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs

Small businesses thrive on big ideas. They are born from the spark of creativity, nurtured through dedication, and set to grow into unique expressions of entrepreneurship. But in a world where ideas can quickly be replicated, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is not just wise—it is essential for your business’s longevity and success.

Intellectual property serves as the protective shield guarding the unique identity, innovations, and competitive edge of your business. Whether you are a community organizer developing new advocacy tools, a local entrepreneur branding your products, or a small enterprise creating innovative solutions, understanding and safeguarding your IP can be the foundation of your business’s sustainability.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind. It includes innovations, artistic expressions, branding, and proprietary knowledge. Think about it as a treasure chest containing your business’s most valuable assets. Examples of IP include:

  • Trademarks for your logos, brand names, and slogans
  • Patents for pioneering inventions or processes
  • Copyrights for artistic works such as blogs, designs, or photos
  • Trade secrets for confidential formulas, algorithms, or methods

Each of these forms of IP carries its own set of rules and protections, offering businesses the ability to safeguard their originality and ensure their work is not used without permission.

Why Protecting IP Matters for Small Businesses

Imagine you’ve spent countless hours perfecting an advocacy program that addresses a unique community challenge, or you’ve developed a new product for your local market. Without securing your IP, competitors could replicate your work, diluting your efforts and potentially harming your reputation.

IP protection is not just about shielding your innovations but also about fostering trust, creating opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability. It:

  • Strengthens brand identity by safeguarding logos and trademarks that differentiate you from competitors.
  • Encourages innovation by ensuring you can benefit from your intellectual efforts.
  • Builds consumer trust by solidifying your position as the sole provider of your products or services.
  • Attracts partnerships and funding by demonstrating professional foresight and organizational resilience.

For community-focused entrepreneurs and advocacy organizations, protecting IP allows you to maintain the integrity of your initiatives while ensuring your mission remains uncompromised.

Steps to Protect Your Intellectual Property

Protecting your IP might seem daunting, especially for small businesses operating with limited resources. However, the process is both manageable and essential. Here are steps to help guide you through securing your intellectual property:

1. Identify Your IP Assets

Take a step back and enumerate everything distinct about your business. Do you have custom branding? Proprietary processes? A new product or creative content? Identify which of these can be protected under IP law.

2. Register Your Trademarks

Your logo, brand name, and tagline serve as the face of your business or organization. Registering them ensures that no one else can legally use or replicate them. For U.S.-based organizations, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the place to start.

3. Secure Copyrights

If you create original materials such as written content, photographs, or designs, copyright protection happens automatically upon creation. However, registering these copyrights provides additional safeguards, such as the ability to enforce your rights in court.

4. Protect Your Innovations with Patents

If you are introducing a unique invention, product, or process, applying for a patent can protect it against unauthorized use. Be mindful, though, that obtaining a patent can be time-intensive and may require expert guidance.

5. Guard Trade Secrets

For confidential methods, strategies, or formulations, trade secret protection is essential. Limit access to sensitive information and use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) when working with external partners or contractors.

6. Keep Documentation of Your Work

Maintaining detailed records of your creative processes, brand development, or technological innovations is crucial. These documents can serve as evidence of your ownership if your IP is disputed.

7. Consult with a Legal Expert

Navigating the complexities of IP law might require assistance. Partnering with an expert ensures that your rights are fully understood and properly enforced.

8. Educate Your Team

If you’re working with collaborators or employees, ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting your IP. Clear communication and training can prevent accidental infringements or leaks.

The Role of IP in Community-Centered Businesses

For grassroots organizations, IP protection often extends beyond products and services. Your branding is a symbol of your mission, your advocacy tools are a representation of your expertise, and your educational materials are the manifestation of your impact.

By protecting these assets, you not only safeguard your hard work but also set a standard of professionalism and accountability, ensuring your contributions remain unique to your mission.

Wisdom Born Consulting’s Approach to Supporting Your IP Journey

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC understands that for community organizers and local businesses, IP protection is not just a legal process but a strategic one. It represents the preservation of your voice, your mission, and your unique perspective in the marketplace.

My approach is rooted in empowering organizations like yours. Through thoughtful consultation, I can help you identify your IP assets, implement cost-effective protection strategies, and align your business or advocacy goals with long-term sustainability. Just as a seedling requires nurturing to grow into a strong tree, your business deserves the same care when establishing its foundation.

Secure Your Business Legacy Today

Every great achievement begins with a single step. Protecting your intellectual property is that step toward securing the legacy of your business or organization. Think of it as safeguarding the soul of your work as you continue making meaningful and impactful contributions to your community.

If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your business, reach out to Wisdom Born Consulting. Together, we’ll chart a course that not only protects your present but secures your future. Contact Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC today and begin shaping your tomorrow.

Milestones and Opportunities: A Birthday Reflection from Wisdom Born Consulting

Today, as I celebrate another year of life, I find myself reflecting not only on the chapters I’ve lived but also on the beautiful narrative that continues to unfold with Wisdom Born Consulting. Birthdays can often feel like milestones on a long and winding road, moments to pause and consider the directions we’ve taken, the paths we’ve yet to explore, and the horizon that calls us forward.

When I founded Wisdom Born Consulting, it was not just an entrepreneurial endeavor but a deeply personal mission. It began with a vision rooted in the belief that wisdom, when shared and nurtured, can transform both individuals and communities. Like the mighty baobab tree, which grows steadfast over time to become a life-giving symbol of strength and resilience, this work stands as a testament to growth, purpose, and connection.

Each step along this journey has been guided by the core principles of inspiration and empowerment. Just as a single drop of rain can ripple across a still pond, I’ve been fortunate to witness how small moments of insight can spark profound change—for organizations, for individuals, and for the communities we collectively shape.

This past year has been filled with lessons, challenges, and incredible partnerships. I’ve learned that true growth, whether personal or professional, comes not from avoiding storms but from learning to dance in the rain they bring. Every person I’ve worked with, every story I’ve heard, reminds me of why this work matters. Together, we’ve built something more than a business; we’ve cultivated a movement of people who believe in unlocking potential and rewriting what’s possible.

Looking ahead, my heart is filled with hope and determination. The horizon is bright with opportunity. I envision a future where Wisdom Born Consulting continues to serve as a bridge between ideas and action, offering tools and insights that empower leaders to build not just successful businesses but meaningful legacies.

For those who’ve been part of this shared journey, thank you. Whether you’ve trusted me to guide you, shared your own wisdom, or simply cheered from afar, your presence fuels the mission. For those who are new to this space, I invite you to join us as we continue this meaningful work together. There’s so much more to uncover, so many opportunities to spark and cultivate change.

Here’s to seeking wisdom, harnessing it for good, and never forgetting that our journeys are as much about those we walk alongside as they are about our own steps forward.

With gratitude and purpose,

Natisha Jordan, Founder/CEO of Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC and Creative Director of Wisdom Born Designs

A Tribute to Mothers: Love, Wisdom, and Resilience

To All the Remarkable Mothers,

Today, we celebrate you—not just for what you do, but for who you are. You are the foundation, the steady rhythm in the song of life that keeps us grounded. Like an ancient tree, your roots run deep, offering strength, wisdom, and shade for those who gather near. Your love is a quiet, powerful force, nurturing growth and inspiring greatness.

Today, Wisdom Born Consulting reflects on the profound role mothers play—not only as caregivers but as architects of dreams, cultivators of resilience, and champions of hope. Your sacrifices, your smiles, and your steadfast spirit shape the world more than words can express.

Today, we honor the mothers who are with us, the mothers we’ve loved and lost, and those who embody the essence of motherhood in countless ways. May this day remind you of your immeasurable worth and the light you bring into our lives.

Thank you for the wisdom you share. Thank you for the love you embody. Thank you for being you.

Happy Mother’s Day,

From Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC 💐

Celebrating Women: Stories of Strength and Empowerment

✨✨Celebrating International Women’s Day✨✨

Today, we honor the incredible contributions of women around the world – the visionaries, the leaders, the unsung heroines – who inspire us with their resilience, creativity, and strength.

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC’s story is one that’s woven together with the guidance of mentors, the support of peers, and the sacrifices of trailblazers who paved the way. From fearless entrepreneurs breaking barriers to those quietly making a difference in their communities, women uplift and shape the world with every act of courage and kindness.

To inspire reflection, here are three stories of women supporting women:

🌹A single mother building a business and mentoring young girls to pursue their dreams

🌹A scientist breaking barriers in a male-dominated field and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM

🌹A community organizer empowering others to effect meaningful change by fostering collaboration and hope

Today, I invite you to carry forward this legacy of support and empowerment. Support women- businesses and women-led movements, amplify their voices, and take a moment to honor the women making a difference in your life.

Every gesture of support creates a ripple effect that builds stronger communities, brighter futures, and opportunities for generations to come.

Here’s to all the women changing the game – thank you for your courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit. ♥️♥️♥️

Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship

Today is the first day of Women’s History Month, and I’m thinking about my own personal journey. It took a lot of work and dedication to get to this point – Wisdom Born Consulting is officially incorporated as an LLC. As I celebrate this very important milestone in my life, I know the real hard work begins.

http://www.wisdom-born-consulting.com

As a Black-owned, woman-owned business, Wisdom Born Consulting is not just a reflection of my dreams and aspirations, but also a commitment to empower others in our community. Every step of this journey has been fueled by the incredible women who have come before me, paving the way with their resilience, creativity, and strength. I am dedicated to carrying forward their legacy by providing valuable resources, mentorship, and support to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals.

Through Wisdom Born Consulting, I aim to create a space where voices are heard, ideas are nurtured, and visions are realized. My mission is to foster collaboration and innovation, helping others to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while celebrating the unique perspectives that diversity brings to the table.

As I step into this new chapter, I am filled with excitement and determination. I am ready to tackle the challenges ahead, knowing that every hurdle is an opportunity for growth. I look forward to sharing this journey with others, inspiring them to pursue their passions and make their mark in the world. Together, we can create a brighter future, honoring the contributions of women throughout history while forging new paths for future generations.

From Classroom Insights to Empowering Change: The Birth of Wisdom Born Consulting

By: Natisha S. Jordan

Reflecting on my undergraduate experience, one course stands out as a potential moment in my journey: the Sociology of Education. This class illuminated the intricate relationship between education and society, revealing how systemic inequalities shape access to learning opportunities. It sparked a passion within me to advocate for educational equity, particularly for marginalized communities.

As I delved into the complexities of educational structures, I became acutely aware of the barriers faced by grassroots organizations striving to make a difference. These organizations often operate on the frontlines, working tirelessly to address disparities and provide resources to those who need them most. However, many lack the support, funding, and strategic guidance necessary to amplify their impact.

Inspired by the principles of sociology and the urgent need for change, I founded Wisdom Born Consulting. This platform was created to empower grassroots organizations by helping them navigate the challenges of resource acquisition, strategic planning, and community engagement. My goal is to ensure that these organizations can focus on their missions while being provided with the assistance needed to handle the logistics that often hinder progress.

As we approach the International Day of Education, I reflect on how the insights gained from that Sociology of Education course continue to shape my work. This day is not just a celebration of learning; it is a call to action to address the inequalities that persist in educational access. It aligns with Wisdom Born Consulting’s mission to organization’s dedicated to creating inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all.

Through these efforts, Wisdom Born Consulting strives to honor the spirit of the International Day of Education by fostering collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. By working alongside grassroots organizations, my hope is to help bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future where every individual has the opportunity to learn and grow.

In essence, my journey from the classroom to the creation of Wisdom Born Consulting is a testament to the power of education as a catalyst for change. As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us remember that education is not just a privilege; it is a fundamental human right that must be accessible to everyone, everywhere. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the promise is realized for all.

Herbert H. Lehman College, Class of 2015

International Women’s Day 2024

International Women’s Day honors the achievements of women worldwide and calls for gender equality and empowerment. It inspires future generations to dream big and break barriers in various fields. It is an incredibly significant day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. By highlighting the achievements of women in various fields such as business, politics, science, arts, and more, International Women’s Day helps inspire future generations of women to dream big and break barriers. It empowers women to strive for their goals, pursue their passions, and stand up for their rights. Additionally, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges that women face globally, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to opportunities.

It is essential to recognize the importance of International Women’s Day not just on March 8th, but every day. We must continue to support and uplift women in all aspects of life, whether it’s through education, employment, healthcare, or leadership roles. Together, we can create a world where women are truly valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

Wisdom Born Designs’ Art is Life Kickstarter Campaign Update…

As the project nears its completion, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has shown interest in my “Art Is Life Collection” by Wisdom Born Designs. Your positive feedback and support for this collection mean a lot to me. The encouragement and enthusiasm for my art have truly inspired me to continue creating pieces that resonate with others. I appreciate every one of you who has taken the time to recognize and celebrate creativity. Your support is invaluable to me, and I am excited to share more of my artistic journey with you in the future. Thank you for being part of this amazing experience. For those who supported this project, I extend my sincere thanks. Although the project did not reach its goal, your encouragement motivates me to keep developing this collection and other projects I am working on. I have great respect for all of you, and once again, thank you for your support!