We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asia Joy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asia below.
Asia, appreciate you 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 biggest risk I’ve taken in this life was granting myself the permission to unravel without bias or judgment. Releasing myself from the roles and expectations that were placed upon me since youth. And making it a point to protect and honor those discoveries regardless of what or who I would “lose” in the process.
The fear and mourning that came with this decision was crippling. In fact it pushed me into a deep depression. I never realized how much I anchored my worthiness to the roles that I actively resented. It’s a conflicting feeling to rest in. Having two parts of yourself pleading at you to let them live. And even though I knew which one I was choosing this time, it didn’t make it easier.
Since a child I always had a hard time fitting in. The ways in which the world were set up made me feel claustrophobic. My authentic nature seemed to be triggering for others. Often leading to punishment or rejection of some sort. I learned early on what parts of myself people deemed worthy of “love” and what parts I should reserve for the 4 walls of my room. This is where the splitting began. A glorification and erasure of self. For the longest time I hid behind the phrase “self improvement or refinement”. Using the external validation to soothe the heartache of my own rejection.
The dangerous thing about living for others is their acceptance and acknowledgment is never guaranteed. It was a full circle moment for me when the same circumstances that brought me into hiding became the ones that pulled me out. I was exhausted of the performance act that I called my life. Constantly dissociating to get by. Suppressing the undercurrents of my being for fleeting feelings of conditional love.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t in fact lose people/places/things once I chose myself. Or that some days I don’t unconsciously slip into wearing that mask again. But what I gained is something that noone can ever take from me. An unwavering trust and love for myself. A faith and clarity that runs deep and true regardless of what the outer world pushes.
Asia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Asia Joy, artistically known as Mysticc and I am a multidisciplinary artist based out of Chicago. I’ve always seeked refuge through the arts since a child. Often trying to bridge the gap between my internal and external worlds. Though my initial introduction to fiber work, visual arts, and writing was to self soothe this quickly expanded into something more.
Elemental Cloak is my most recent crochet collection inspired by the intricate structures of nature, dreamscapes, and the rich history of veiling. All of my pieces are Intuitively crafted and made with the intention to protect and enchant the wearer. These adornments are not merely an accessory but a companion to our physical and spiritual vessel.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lot of people decide whether someone should be respected In their craft based off of their education &/or accolades. Simplifying someone’s success or respectability in their field based on their proximity to education, resources, or visibility is limiting and personally fed into my imposter syndrome.
Instead of focusing on the potency, rawness, and love of the craft itself and how that manifested through me. I was hyper-fixated on checking boxes in order to deem myself worthy to showcase my work.
After reflection I realized I didn’t resonate with this way of thinking. I began to reimagine what mastery of my craft and success would look like for me. This felt extremely liberating and gave me a new found confidence in my pursuits.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I just wish folx wouldn’t view and interact with the creative world through such a capitalistic lens. The artist has always been “starved” but I think that meaning continues to shift with time as this machine demands more from us. It can feel really dehumanizing and discouraging. Because of this I think it’s even more important for us as a community to truly take our time when interacting with others work. Not just consuming and moving on but taking SEVERAL moments to experience it in its fullness. Giving the creators their flowers and time to sit in that accomplishment without the mention of what’s next.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Lady_mysticc
