Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jia Jia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jia, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The most profound risk I’ve ever undertaken was choosing to chase my artistic dreams in the United States, eventually leading me to immigrate. During my graduate studies in the US, the idea of permanently residing in a foreign land hadn’t crossed my mind. Initially, I envisioned returning to China and carving out my niche in the art and design world. However, after spending several years in the US, I’ve grown fond of the life I’ve built. I cherish the solitude and the serenity it brings, allowing me a private and tranquil existence. The proximity of my city to nature is a blessing, granting me the luxury to spontaneously wander or embark on road trips whenever the mood strikes. Furthermore, the broader artistic freedoms here, unencumbered by stringent political boundaries, enable a more diverse reflection of people’s lives and stories.

The absence of family sometimes casts a shadow of loneliness over my life here. Yet, the friendships I’ve forged have been my beacon, ensuring I never feel entirely alone.

Admittedly, I’m still grappling with whether relocating to the US was the definitive right choice. However, much like the essence of being an artist, it’s about trusting one’s instincts, living in the present, and savoring every moment of life.

Jia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jia Jia, and I hail from an industrial city in northern China. Currently, I am an artist residing in Seattle. My journey into the world of art began in an unexpected way. As my mother recounts, at the age of six, instead of napping, I would often spend my afternoons drawing. Recognizing my passion and potential talent, she enrolled me in a painting class. This decision marked the genesis of my artistic journey. Throughout my youth, I consistently attended these classes and later made the decision to pursue formal education in art. In my artistic endeavors, I’ve always been eager to experiment with diverse mediums, each allowing me to express a range of themes. My passion for art constantly propels me to challenge my own boundaries and maintain an insatiable curiosity about the world.
Living abroad has imbued my work with layers of introspection about identity, adaptation, and nuanced resistance against the backdrop of capitalism and political landscapes. I constantly grapple with my individual place in this vast world, and through my art, I juxtapose this with the societal pressures of efficiency and productivity. My artistic endeavors are a voyage through the intricate maze of cultural assimilation and the underlying power structures that dictate our daily lives.
My creations mirror my journey in a rapidly evolving society, one that’s continually reshaped by the forces of globalization, migration, and cultural amalgamation. I continually question my identity and sense of belonging, especially when confronted with societal expectations. However, in this quest, I find comfort in embracing the intricacies, contradictions, and beautiful imperfections that define our humanity.
Acknowledging the undercurrents of power and implicit aggression in daily interactions, my work accentuates the nuanced ways we, as individuals, counteract these forces. I aim to embolden others to challenge established norms and celebrate the tenacity with which individuals and communities carve out their unique identities amidst external pressures.
My art, rendered through an array of mediums, beckons viewers to immerse themselves in discussions on adaptation, inefficiency, and the quiet defiance against established norms. By leveraging unconventional materials and techniques, I hope to provoke introspection, urging audiences to reevaluate their beliefs and engage in conversations about an individual’s role in an increasingly globalized setting.
In essence, my art aspires to be a mirror, reflecting the intricate web of relationships in our lives. It underscores the significance of recognizing and valuing our individual quirks and flaws, especially in an era that often champions conformity. Through questioning traditional paradigms of efficiency and productivity, I aim to kindle a profound appreciation for the shared human experience and the boundless possibilities that reside within each of us.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Embracing the artist’s journey has been a continual lesson in resilience and self-discovery. The unpredictability inherent in this path requires not just acceptance of uncertainty but a genuine embrace of its ever-evolving nature. While the unknown aspects of the artist’s life can be daunting, they are also what make it exhilarating. I count myself fortunate to be passionately pursuing what resonates deeply with me. This pursuit not only drives me to constantly evolve my artistic practice but also to delve into facets like managing an art business. The solitude of the studio, though often seen as isolating, offers a space for introspection and growth. Art has refined my perspective, helping me evolve into a more analytical, mature, and receptive individual. It serves as a poignant reminder that life, with its amalgamation of challenges and joys, is to be savored in all its nuanced splendor.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Embrace confidence in your art and meet rejections with grace and composure. This insight is one I’ve grappled with, internalizing and then revisiting. The nature of art is inherently subjective; it eludes fixed standards and criteria. My passion for creating art stems from its power to echo my true essence, not from a desire to pander to fleeting trends or appease others. Given this personal commitment and the variable nature of artistic interpretation, rejections are an expected part of the journey. Every time a rejection from artist residencies, grants, or other ventures comes my way, it prompts self-doubt and introspection, casting a somber mood over my creative space. Yet, it’s essential to remind myself: my work is a true representation of my spirit, and there’s no fault in that. My art deserves unwavering confidence because it is an extension of my very being. In this endeavor, I must be my most fervent advocate, celebrating my unique voice amidst the vast chorus of artistic expressions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jiajiajj.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiaj.i.a/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jia-jia-a14105231/

Image Credits
Jueqian Fang Mikey Baratta