We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jazlyne Sabree a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jazlyne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I realized that I wanted to pursue a career as a professional artist when my first son was one year old. I had always worked in education and at that time, as a black woman from a small town, I never really saw being an artist as a viable career path. When I was raising my son, I had a thought about how we often sacrifice ourselves for the ones that we love, thinking that we’re doing a service to them. In reality we are disservicing those around us, future generations, and disservicing ourselves by not living, or actively fighting to live at our fullest potential. It was in that moment that I realized that for my son, and all of those around me, I would pursue my path in the arts so that they could realize that they too have the freedom to chase their dreams.

Jazlyne, 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?

I am Jazlyne Sabree Wooden, a multimedia artist based in New Jersey, specializing in contemporary art. My work, encompassing both figurative and abstract expressions, emerges from my life experiences, focusing on themes of social justice, peace, and healing. My artistic endeavor goes beyond creating aesthetically beautiful paintings; I strive to intertwine visual appeal with subjects that delve into my ancestral history, influence society, and instigate social change.

I earned my Bachelor’s in art from Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU in Atlanta, GA, where my studies spanned art and journalism. Transitioning into the role of an art educator, I pursued and obtained my Masters in Art Education from Boston University. Currently, I am furthering my education by pursuing a Masters in Fine Art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Noteworthy accolades include the PAFA Venture Fund Award, Clark Atlanta University Art Guild Award, and the Linda Lora Pugliese Award for Excellence in Art Education. My presence has been acknowledged on platforms like WHYY, various podcasts including The Truth in this Art, and publications such as Create! Magazine. I have exhibited alongside esteemed artists, both nationally and internationally, including notable figures like Justin Randolph Thompson. Currently, my artwork is showcased along the US east coast.

My artistic exploration centers on the African diaspora—its beauty, struggles, and the resilience of its people. I am particularly intrigued by Africanisms, the evolution of African diasporic beliefs, and the syncretism of African culture, spirituality, customs, and traditions throughout the diaspora. Grounded in candid moments and real-life scenes, my practice aims to capture the essence of the individuals I paint while granting them a new spiritual reality. Through my work, I endeavor to dismantle persistent stereotypes affecting the livelihood of black people, particularly in America. At times, my artwork confronts pertinent issues surrounding blackness with a poignant bitterness, while at other times, it celebrates the beauty, uniqueness, and resilience of the African diasporic people.

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

I think for me, my work is very emotional. It involves a lot of research and reflection. It requires time to sit and hear the voices of my ancestors. The work requires travel experiences, learning new languages. Because of all of this, it’s most rewarding to me when audiences, private collectors and institutions truly connect to the work, and deeply understand and appreciate it.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

My view on NFTs is a little different than most. I’ll start by saying that I am not really all that concerned with what people do with their artwork, particularly if it makes them a lot of money, which NFTs can. My issue with NFTs stems from my knowledge of how harmful they are to the environment. The everyday human may not understand the huge carbon footprint that producing one NFT leaves. As someone who’s all about social and environmental justice, I can’t support any technology that is killing the planet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jazlynesabree.com
• Instagram: @jazlynesabree
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazlynesabree?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app