"Inspire Your City" Foundation

My homegirl (and client) AD aka "Ms. Clark" asked me a few weeks ago to come over to her school and speak with her 5th grade class...some of yall might know but City of Ink has a foundation called "Inspire Your Inspire" we go out and speak in schools, and do community work...from getting urban youths laptops, to speaking to college students and visiting grade school...we really want to inspire people using the tools of the Arts...painting, poetry, drawing, etc...yesterday was a beautiful day..each time I visit a school it changes me in special way...As grown men and women we HAVE to give back to the youth...thank you, AD and thanks to all the students who inspired ME yesterday....keep growing and don't let anyone tell you what you can't be...there is NO limits if you believe! Inspire YOUR City!!!

The homie Kat....May 29

I blogged about my friend, Kat months ago... Some of y'all know her from Slice over in Castleberry Hill...I always beg about her hustle & drive... This sister has passion and on a mission... May 29...Kat is the performing lead actress at the Woodruff Arts center... There's a show @ 3pm show & 7pm....if my tattoo appointments cancels I will be there but if I can't make it y'all go support my girl.. And keep the arts alive in Atlanta... Much love & respect Kat... Your brother, Miya


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The Making of: "Before I'm Gone"

I have been working hard on my first book "Before I'm Gone: the Art & Life of Miya Bailey" I usally don't let people see how I create my private art...but fuck it...here you go...I never work on one piece of art at a time.. I work on a LOT of pieces all at the sametime...my mind floats around to each piece of paper... And each one is a different thought or emotion....here are samples of my pen & ink work...since tattooing is becoming more "business" this book and my film project is my ecsape from work.. It's 100% ME... I don't have to listen to other peoples ideas... It's all me all my soul.. My fears, my passions, desires... And my past... These stories WILL let you know who the REAL Miya Bailey is.... Before I'm Gone





























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Location:Miya Bailey's Art Studio

Single Mothers

I did this piece of art over 9 years ago.. In 2001... It was inspired by all the single mothers I knew growing up... I only knew a FEW people who had both parents going up...a lot of my friends because of not having a father figure around turned to the streets or became unlady like...I watched my mother struggle so I don't believe in excuses that some people use today.. A woman can raise strong men and women alone... I know it's not easy but it can be done and it has been done....I have 2 daughters up in NC but a woman who also grew up without her father being in the household...I understand who she is and her own inner demons and struggles... But she do the best she know how with our daughters....we often don't see eye to eye but she is working hard.....she is a mother of 5 daughters (2 are mine) and she also helps raise her sisters children... So there are a lot of kids running around...I don't even know if I'm strong enough to handle that but she do it everyday... So Shelia this post is for you... I'm thankful for you and value your strength as a woman...I promise you blessings are coming your way... Just keep your head up...you are a blessings to my daughters... No matter how much I spoil my girls... No love in the world can compare to their mother... Always remember that... They love you dearly....there will be good days and bad days but I promise you everything will be ok.... I have your back and I thank you... happy Mothers day to all my single mothers in the struggle...Betters days are coming and your children willl never forget your hard work... That same hard work made me the man I am today...


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My Angels "Happy Mothers Day"

Ninny, Grandma Gladys, & Grandma Pecola... Happy Mothers Day..... It don't seem like 9 years has past... The pain of death still bothers me...and I often run away when people mention you.... It still feels fresh....I guess God had plans for me and my family when all 3 (great grandmother & 2 grandmothers) all died days apart from each other...my son was born then I lose the 3 women who helped raise me...I didn't understand Gods plan at first but now I see it clearly...all the praying y'all did for me I can feel them now... It's like yall protecting me... Looking over me making sure I understand who my friends are and who my eneimes are... You ladies are my angels...you were my example of what a true black woman is....y'all were perfect to me....I wish I could hear your voice just one more time... I wish I could feel your hug just one more time...I promised I will look after my family and do what I can to make life better for them all... I hope my uncle can fell y'all around him... Because I feel y'all everyday... Every tattoo, every painting, every word, every drawing... I feel my angels guiding my hand... Leading my voice to say only the REAL & truth... Your prayers always protected me... And those blessings will be used to make my familys life better.... Happy Mothers Day.... I love y'all





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My Mama... My Queen

There is no words to explain the love I have for my mama...an instinct a man has to protect the woman who gave birth to him.... I know I gave you hell growing up but I hope to repay you with all the good I'm trying to do now as a MAN....I just want to make you proud of me and give you anything your heart desires... Mama you made me a warrior and a hard worker..I watched you work all my life and I promise you will NOT be working your whole life....you are the reason I'm an artist... Your the reason I'm strong... I just love you.. I would die for you and I would live for you.. Your my queen the woman I worship...mama I will always be there for you....because you have always been there for me... Even when I was wrong.. You told me when I was wrong but you always had my back even when I did mess up...You were the first one to come bail me out of jail...you always told me to follow my dreams...I love you mama... Happy mothers day...your first son, Miya Bailey


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Happy Mothers Day Tashia

Happy Mothers Day Tashia.... Just wanted you to know I'm very thankful for the things you do...all your work do not go unnoticed, you are there for my son when I'm at work....you study with him and make sure his homework is done.... Your raising my son to be a good man and I love that.... Plus your even like a mother to me...you cover all my weaknesses and make me a stronger man....I just want to thank you for believing in me.... And like I said before, you deserve this whole world... I love you Tashia Bailey.... happy mothers day


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