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

Jade , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In my recent journey as a creative, I embraced a significant risk by deciding to pursue a fully independent career. This leap was a culmination of a life deeply entwined with art and creativity. From a young age, around five years old, I began exploring the world of art. It started with making silly sculptures and gradually evolved into a profound love for illustrating.

My upbringing was nomadic due bouts of houseless – spanning over 10 cities across 4 states. Born in Los Angeles, I moved through cities like Vegas and Texas before settling in New York. These frequent relocations, sometimes resulting in nights spent sleeping in cars under the stars, shaped my adaptive and resilient nature. My mother, was a fashion designer from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and my father, an entrepreneur with a clothing store in LA, cultivated a home environment rich in creativity despite our financial struggles. They ventured into diverse businesses, including a vintage toy shop, a doll-making venture, and currently a Bath and Body Store. These creative career endevours further fueled my imaginative spirit. My grandmother played a pivotal role in my life, offering care and encouragement, especially during challenging times.

I was homeschooled, the eldest among several siblings, in a transient household with minimal entertainment. Without the distractions of television or an abundance of toys, I turned to drawing for amusement. One significant moment of inspiration came during the Pokémon card craze, which I felt left out of. Finding a single Pokémon card (Tangela) sparked my creativity, leading me to create our card game. This was just the beginning; I expanded my creativity to craft a local newspaper, clay dollhouse toys, comic books, and board games, driven by a desire to entertain my siblings with our limited resources.

Despite this rich creative background, my upbringing’s instability and a scarcity mindset led me to pursue a more conventional path. I chose to study marketing at the University of Houston, seeking a balance between creativity and security. While I enjoyed my career -related roles under this degree, there was an undeniable internal conflict; deep down, I knew that I was not fulfilling my true creative potential.

2020 marked a significant turning point in my artistic journey. I took my first major risk by painting my first mural for the Capital Walls initiative by Albany Center Gallery (ACG). The mural, titled “In Nature Where Peace Waits,” was a 60FT tall piece that added vibrancy to a grey area, depicting a return to ancestral ties with nature. This project was a leap of faith; I had never painted on such a large scale before. I was surprised I was even asked. But someone believed in what I could not see myself. It was a realization point for me, an awakening to the possibility that I might actually succeed in the art world.

Since then, I’ve completed several large mural and public art and placemaking projects, including the notable “Gems of Troy,” a 30+ pillar mural that adorns the Collarworks bridge in Troy, NY. Alongside my personal projects, I also run a youth mural program, mentoring upcoming artists to help them believe in themselves and develop their skills more efficiently.

For years, I balanced these artistic endeavors with a conventional 9-5 job, still hesitant to rely solely on my art for sustenance. However, in October 2023, I made a pivotal decision. I chose to break free from the confines of a cubicle and a W-9 atmosphere to fully embrace my identity as a full-time artist. This transition isn’t just about my own art; it’s also about creating opportunities and access for other aspiring artists. It’s a journey of taking risks, trusting in my talent, and, most importantly, embracing the path of full creative independence.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a visual designer originally from Los Angeles and now based in the Capital Region, my journey into the arts has been deeply rooted in community engagement and wellness. My work centers around using art to connect with BIPOC and marginalized communities, aiming to build visual representation that resonates with diverse voices and stories. Through my work, I aim to evoke feelings of joy, resilience, and empowerment and use it to serve as a catalyst for conversation, healing, and celebration of diversity

My involvement in public art extends beyond individual creation. I’m deeply invested in community engagement through programs like Amplified Voices, a youth program I founded and co-run (with Eugene O’Neill ), where I mentor young artists, helping them find their voice through art. This program is crucial for nurturing the next generation of artists within Upstate NY.

My experience spans various roles, including muralist, painter, multimedia producer, graphic designer, curriculum developer, illustrator, and program developer. A notable highlight of my work is the Gems of Troy project in Troy NY, where I designed murals for the pillars of the Collar City Bridge, featured in the PBS documentary “Bridging the Divide.” This project underscores my commitment to building community equity and fostering conversations around healing within the arts. I also host an art series on PBS (local station WMHT) called “A House for Arts!”

What sets me apart is my dedication to learner-centered design and accessibility in the arts, along with my goal to spur change and facilitate healing through creative expression. I’m most proud of how my work has become a conduit for community healing and empowerment. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to recognize the transformative power of art in building community connections and raising awareness on critical social issues .

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

In my creative journey, I’m focused on creating a legacy that transcends financial success (even if that is a piece of the goal). It’s about building emotional and creative wealth for my family, breaking the cycle of limitations we’ve faced in the past. I want to ensure my siblings and their children never lack essential resources or support. My approach isn’t focused in financial aid; it’s about being a guiding force, sharing our artistic passions, and unlocking the potential. All my siblings are united in this endeavor, learning and growing together. Breaking generational chains.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to recognize and invest in the arts as a key driver of economic opportunity and community revitalization. This involves increasing public and private funding for the arts, ensuring representation of the arts in economic development planning, and providing infrastructure support such as affordable housing and stable workspaces for artists. Additionally, fostering arts education and community engagement initiatives can help nurture local talent and sustain the arts as a vital part of a vibrant, equitable society. The arts sector’s potential for driving inclusive growth and improving quality of life is immense, but it requires committed support and recognition of its value beyond just its economic impact

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wmht.org/aha/
• Instagram: trashkid_art
• Other: My personal website is under construction but i can be emailed for inquires at : [email protected]

Image Credits
Image “9” should be credited to “Eugene O’Neill and Soulstainable”