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

Deja , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

“Two things can be true at the same time.”

I can’t recall the first time I heard this phrase, but it’s something that I reflect on constantly. I am always thinking about my happiness in artistry because it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Most days, it is hard, exhausting, and questionable. Not to mention, artists are underpaid, undervalued, and underrepresented, and as a Black Woman from Chicago, I am no exception. And yet, art is the most beautiful calling that found me.

Over the years, I have joked that art saved my life, but it is the truth. The creativity, the people, the opportunities, the stories all have grown me as a person and as an artist. Art is where I feel the most alive and free. I have found my tribe, and I can not imagine my life without it.

Now, with that being said, I also have a regular job, but it is not my plan “A”. It has been harder to maintain my happiness at my regular job than it ever has been as an artist. Nevertheless, my regular job helps fund my artistic bliss, and I am grateful for that.

So, to answer the question, I am happy as an artist. I am happy and tired. I am happy and blissful. I am happy and questionable. I am happy and loved. Emotions ebb and flow, but please know that regardless of what comes after that “and” happiness is always first.

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

I’m a multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago, Illinois. With a blended love for dance, photography, and storytelling, I create works molded from individuality, authenticity, and the question “why?” As an African-American woman, I’m heavily influenced by my culture and personal experiences. It is through these influences that I have shaped my creative process of experience first, question second, process third, and conversation last.

In 2018, I participated in RAW Detroit and choreographed my first piece ResilienSHE which paid homage to the strength and resilience of Black women. In 2020, I choreographed two full-length works, Praise and 64,000 Plus One, as a part of my Senior Projects at Eastern Michigan University. A year later, I released my first dance film STYLES, giving appreciation to specific genres of dance that do not receive enough recognition in Western society. In 2021, I also began my YouTube channel DejWorks and released two series Creative Connections and Dej Talks. I also choreographed and performed in George Ellzey’s film titled SWITCHIN’ which was featured in the Black Harvest FIlm Festival and DePaul Premiere Festival. In 2022, I performed in Chicago Dancemakers Forum’s ELEVATEshowcase Praise Mother by Aaliyah Christina and released my second dance film Nov.16. In 2023, I performed in ABORT by Keirah King, Fly Honeys SPRUNG showcase, and was the lead choreographer for Perceptions Theatre’s production Panther Women: An Army For The Liberation by India Nicole Burton.

Currently, I am creating my first nude gallery exhibition titled Reclamation. Reclamation is a love letter to the woman’s body and a glimpse into my journey of self-love. The exhibition stands as a challenge to society’s viewpoints and as a reminder to women that our bodies can be fully loved by us, for us. If you are interested in learning more about this project, you can go to my website www.dejworks.com. There you will find the Reclamation’s tab that gives a full breakdown of the project.

It is through my past and present works of artistry that I continue to remain true to my mission of challenging perceptions, awakening audiences to new ideals, and sparking conversations. I am a passionate and dedicated artist who is steadily evolving and honing in on my craft.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is the connections. Whether I am attending an event, performing, or creating, I always witness connections being made. I love that art brings people together. In a way, it humbles us, reminding us that we have more in common than we think.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I guess the goal or mission driving my journey is legacy. I don’t want children, so my work is what I intend to leave behind. The dream is for my art to outlive me for many lifetimes. I want it to touch as many people as humanly possible. The thought brings me great joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dejworks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dejaviews_/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dej98

Image Credits

Brandon Town
Ivan Salazar