We were lucky to catch up with Jalena Hay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jalena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
A defining risk in my life was pursuing art in college and receiving my BFA. Raised in a deeply traditional household in Southern California, where my Iranian father upheld traditional values, I often found myself restricted because of my gender. While my brothers were allowed to be more curious and have more freedom, I was repeatedly told, “No, You’re a woman,” when asking for the same privileges. This phrase constantly fueled my frustration because my gender does not define my ability.
After graduating high school, I wanted to study art in college and grow my passion. My parents were hesitant, but I refused to let their doubts dictate my path. At this time, my parents made it obligatory for me to live in Israel. I did all my applications from Israel while adjusting to a place where bus bombings and gas masks were the norm. When I got my acceptance letter I felt so powerful and excited! I got a plane ticket home and started the first step in my life journey.
I was proud of myself for not giving up, and empowering myself to live my life of decisions. I studied at Pratt Institute and graduated with a degree in Drawing and Printmaking. Moving to Brooklyn, living with new people I met for the first time, and studying art, became the first step (of many to come) of taking a risk. The risk was worth it and I would never look back. When there is something I want to accomplish in life, I need to believe in myself and take the jump. The reward will follow.
Jalena, 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?
I am so many things and I love it! I am an Artist, Athlete, Mom, Textile Designer, Product Designer, and Cancer survivor. Flexibility has been key in my life; as I evolve, so does my direction.
I grew up in Southern California and moved to New York to be an artist. After graduating from Pratt Institute, “being an artist” took many shifts and turns. I became a Textile Designer to earn an income, crafting fabrics for various industries. My journey took a significant turn when I joined J.Crew, managing designs and eventually shifting gears to Product Design after my son’s birth and cancer diagnosis. This change wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to prioritize my art and support my family.
I have always dreamt of being a successful artist – selling my work, being in galleries, showing internationally. My artistic style has transformed throughout my life, but it has changed along with me. A constant you can see in my art is my attention to detail, intricate line work, and use of beautiful watercolor paper.
My drawings examine the connections we have as humans with the spaces we live in and inhabit. Space is not only the physical environment where we wake up, create memories, and travel; we also live in spaces and experience changes as humans. I welcome the viewer to think about space in an emotional and ephemeral way.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve learned that it’s okay not to do everything alone. Launching my art career has been a challenge. I wasn’t constantly networking at gallery openings or taught (or even understood) the business side of art. Despite my dream to sell my art and be recognized in the art world, it seemed more daunting than people made it out to be.
My art fluctuate over the years, with periods of enthusiasm followed by uncertainty. The past 5 years have been a really important shift, and I started to make art a priority in my life again. I tried to find methods of support, but during COVID it was hard. I started to consider finding a coach to help me understand how to embark on my artistic journey. Some of my friends would tell me “Why would I spend the money when I could do it myself”. They gave me websites and resources – all helpful materials. I tried, but I had to be honest with myself. Working full time, being a mother, going to the gym, and other events of life, finding extra time to teach myself new things felt daunting.
I am willing to find the tools and support to help me be successful and achieve my dreams. I took a leap and hired an art coach (Terri Frohman!). This has been THE best decision I made for myself and my art career. I am now taking myself seriously as an artist, gaining exposure through publications, art shows, and sales. I am so proud to tell people “Yes! I am artist!” If asked why I’m pursuing this now, I proudly declare: Now is my time. I firmly believe that everyone’s moment arrives at different stages in life, and now is mine.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Creativity is an intrinsic part of who we are (as creatives), something that persists regardless of life’s challenges. There were moments when I neglected my art, particularly after giving birth and battling cancer. Looking back, I realize those were the times I needed it most, to help me center myself and my thoughts. It was like pushing away a trusted friend when I should have called them and expressed my thoughts and feelings. Often in life, it takes time to reconnect with my art, to be honest, and to find acceptance through expression.
What is most important and something I would love to share with non-creatives, is to give and allow artists, in whatever form, the space and understanding. Believe in us, support us, and never think someone’s dream is not big enough to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jalenajoon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalenajoon/