On October 6th Marvin J. Fentis (aka Kedar Sudan) and his partner, Daresha Kyi, launched a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo to raise money to transform his passion for art from a part time hobby into a legitimate business called Tru Imij Artwork.

Marvin is a changed man. A self proclaimed revolutionary activist, he came of age during the late 60’s and early 70’s-a turbulent time of high hopes, idealism and naivety as well as anger, fear and widespread civil unrest. Young, inarticulate and virtually illiterate, Marvin got caught up in the whirlwind of the Black Power movement. Thinking he’d finally found a “righteous” outlet for his frustration and anger, he made some seriously bad choices. In 1973 at age 26 he was sentenced to hard time in prison, labeled a radical black militant.

Fourteen years later 40 year old Kedar Sudan emerged – a grateful, peaceful artist who could not only read but now wrote poetry! Marvin Fentis had a bad stutter and was so dyslexic he couldn’t read or write. Marvin had dropped out of school in the 8th grade. Kedar still stuttered a bit, but he had gotten a college education and was committed to using art to express himself. It was quite a transformation about which he says, “As a youth I was so lost and confused that if I hadn’t gone to prison, I’d probably be dead now. Prison probably saved my life.” (Not that he recommends it for anyone else!)

“I talk a lot about how art was my saving grace, but in truth learning to read was even more important. Growing up intelligent but poor, illiterate and black and trying to find my place in society was, as they say, like the blind leading the blind. But once I started reading, a whole new world opened up for me. And when I realized just how unsophisticated and naive my thinking had been, I began to read and study in earnest. I started thinking objectively and not always subjectively and negatively. My anger and frustration gradually turned to better insight and understanding.”

Fast forward to the present. For the last 27 years Kedar has lived a quiet, productive life in Fort Smith, AR consistently and continuously churning out vibrant, original art that touches the heart. This self-taught digital artist says, “Since my release, I’ve tried to stay positive, focus on the present and not dwell in the past. I still see myself as a revolutionary…in the sense that revolution means positive change and visionary thinking. But for me the struggle continues thru my artwork. True revolution is not about anger or violence. It’s about positive change and universal love. My artwork is the means I now use.”

In their fundraising campaign Kedar and his partner are looking to raise $20,000 to hire a web designer to build two professional e-commerce sites; purchase two large format printers and silk screening supplies; bulk order T-shirts in order to standardize the colors and sizes; work with a consultant to design custom frames for his newest creation, a translucent version of his prints called ClearVisions; and purchase the materials and equipment necessary to set up a fully functional work studio.

As someone who is truly grateful for receiving a second chance in life, Kedar feels duty bound to show his appreciation by paying it forward. He is deeply committed to the concept of reciprocity. As he says, “Helping others this way would give my life purpose and meaning.” As a result, Tru Imij ArtWork is not just about starting up a business to make money. Once the business is up and running, he intends to donate 15% of all profits to established charities, such as charitywater.org which provides sustainable clean water and sanitation to people in developing countries. As sales increase his goal is to eventually donate as much as 40% of the profits to various charities.

Here is the link for those who feel moved to donate: www.indiegogo.com

Contact:
Daresha Kyi
Tru Imij Artworks
truimij@yahoo.com
323-401-8289