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Meet Jane Maru

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Meet Jane Maru

May 20, 2024
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We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jane Maru a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was to right a wrong in an extraordinary way.

Some years ago, in the early 2010’s, I was asked to show one of my experimental films at a closing party for the Open Studio Art Tours in Joshua Tree; a popular event at a well known venue with high-desert artists present. Inspired, I accepted and made a short film specifically for the event.

The night of the gathering, too busy to lend a hand, the host of the event left me on my own to sync the film to their audio/visual system. I managed to figure it out. Mostly.

When it was time to press play, in front of the audience, the visuals came up on the big screen, but no audio. Since sound was essential for the full experience, I immediately stopped it. The host finally appeared but told me to “just wing it”.  After several more attempts of troubleshooting on my own, I went ahead and showed the film with no sound. It was a total flop.

Feeling demoralized, I left the party right after this experience. The next morning, I got a call from a friend who was there and witnessed the whole thing. He shared with me how “appalled” he was by what happened and asked to meet for lunch as he had a proposal for me. That afternoon, sitting poolside at the 29 Palms Inn, the illustrious composer, Harold Budd, asked me to create visuals for an album yet to be made. The meeting lasted all of a minute. I happily agreed, and we toasted. Residual feelings from the previous night’s fiasco – Poof! – completely disappeared. 

We ended up collaborating on several projects over the years: two albums, a book of poetry & art, and a handful of performances at iconic locales. 

To be seen and honored as an artist in this way not only restored trust, it changed my view on how to approach the public. 

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?

 

Being in service to others, no matter political or religious affiliation, is how I participate with life. I accomplish this several ways: as a massage practitioner, in a calming environment, I address whatever specific needs a client has, from being stressed/anxious to carpal tunnel, sciatica, back pain; and teaching about wellness & prevention.
Painting or filming beautiful imagery, growing food and flowers to share are a few other examples of how I contribute to my fellow humans.   
The most recent problem solving project I worked on was a collaborative effort for an international design challenge where utilizing only truly sustainable systems was the priority. Out of hundreds of submissions from around the globe, our design, Coyote Mountain, was chosen along with nine other teams. It’s a 250,00 sq. ft. structure that has all the amenities of a tiny city; all housed within a solar skin (geothermal and wind energy are also built into the infrastructure design). I feel that if we want to create a more beautiful world for future generations, it’s essential to give the artist a seat at the table alongside architects, engineers, city planners, etc. 

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Put them in a world without art, how would that be for them? Well, it’s not just my story, but generally artists tend to be viewed as “having it easy.” It’s a stereotype I’ve never understood, especially considering the challenges they consistently face with lack of funding/support, and people stealing from then disavowing them. Being surrounded by the cynical, unimaginative masses is obviously a challenge on many different levels for creatives. Thankfully, in this 21st century of new tools, we have more access to funding, self-promotion and the ability to network with other artists. To any non-creative who might be reading this: ask someone who is how you can support them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Artist’s generally are not the compliant type. We are unwilling to give up our human birthright of freedom and equality in dignity and rights. For me, standing alongside others who are unwavering in this truth is an honor and responsibility not to be taken lightly. No longer is anything hidden: we see clearly the stranglehold placed on the people of the world by destructive forces. Creative problem solving is an action that cuts through feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed; it’s a way forward. It is essential that more people put aside their fears, distractions, assumptions and apathy to be able tap into their own unique perspective and find their voice again (the one they allowed to be overshadowed by common default narratives). 
 Art has been, and always will be the saving grace of humanity. If you’re not participating at any level, join those who are. We need all hands-on-deck. 

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Image Credits
All photos by Jane Maru

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