We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jay Katelansky. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jay below.

Jay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most recent project “You’ve Been on My Mind” for me holds a really special place in my heart. The project is a solo presentation of my art work currently on display at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. You’ve Been on My Mind is a poem of objects that uses Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” as a vehicle to explore universal heartbreak and the care required during and after turbulent times. Originally an anthem for personal resilience, “I Will Survive” found new meaning during the AIDS epidemic, it was a ballad of resilience for the queer community-for those suffering and for those watching their loved ones suffer.

In recent years, I have contemplated this anthem on a global scale amidst events like Covid-19, the Black uprisings, and conflicts in Palestine. It has also resonated with me during personal struggles such as friend breakups, chronic illness woes, and periods of personal growth. As a society, most—if not all—of us can relate to experiences of heartbreak, whether through romantic relationships, friendships, or watching a war unfold while your government fails to take action.
However, amidst heartbreak, I also reflect on those who care deeply: the ones who ensure we rise each morning, nourish ourselves, take our medication, and offer words of love precisely when we need them most.

The world is a hard place and I am only here because of the love and support of my friends, family and community. Not everyone has a support system or not everyone feels like they can tell the people in their life how they really feel. I want those who need that extra support to know that I am here even if I am a stranger I am someone who deeply cares. This project was created to let anyone experiencing heartbreak right now, to know that I am thinking of them and that I love them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Black Queer interdisciplinary artist living currently living in Maryland. I received my BFA from Moore College of Art & Design and MA & MFA degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My practice explores the intersections of identity and space with an emphasis on how Black bodies including my own navigate and negotiate safety in the United States. I use a range of materials but lately I have been focused on beads, glass tiles, and textiles.

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

It’s challenging to single out just one most rewarding aspect of being an artist, so I’ll highlight my top two. First, there’s the profound satisfaction of creating something deeply personal and sharing it with the world, only to discover that someone not only understands it but also sees themselves reflected in it. This connection provides me with endless fulfillment. Second, there’s the joy of transforming an idea in my mind into a tangible reality. The process of bringing a vision to life is uniquely gratifying. I often struggle to express myself in the moment, so being able to create something that communicates my thoughts effectively and resonates with others is incredibly fulfilling.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Financial support is one of the most effective ways to support artists. Many of us juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet, which leaves little time for creating. To pursue our art, we need access to resources like studio space, supplies, childcare, and skill-building classes—all of which come with significant costs.

Grant and opportunity applications should be free. The time and effort required to fill out these applications already detract from our creative work, and having to pay to apply seems unfair and limits our ability to apply for as many opportunities as we might otherwise. Affordable studio spaces and accessible skill-building options are also essential for nurturing creativity and ensuring that artists can thrive without the constant burden of financial stress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaykatelansky.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingself/

Image Credits

headshot – Adrian Octavius Walker