We recently connected with Janet and have shared our conversation below.
Janet, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
I chose the name for my art project, Wokeface, before it was such a charged media trigger word. I was inspired by my own spiritual awakening and looking for a social media moniker to post my art with. That felt like a good name, and I overtime my hobby sprung into a career and brand established under that name.
Although it wasn’t a consideration for my thought process in picking the name, I since recognize that when used as a slang term, the world “woke” has origins in black AAVE. And in recent years has become coopted by social justice movements, and watered down as a vague derogatory word for right wing media.
I don’t identify with any of this in my art. I think if you actually look at my art, it’s obvious. But sometimes I feel judged and mischaracterized by folks just based on my name.
Janet, 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 background is in graphic design. I was a freelance designer for over a decade designing logos, web sites, and print materials for other small businesses. My clients were wonderful but the work was not creatively fulfilling for me, and I felt like I was constantly asked to mimic other styles without a chance to hone my own.
I started making street art installations as a side project and creative outlet under the name Wokeface. I was making art for art’s sake without concern for critique, and I was anonymous. It was exhilarating.
I began sharing my art online, and people started asking if they were for sale. My graphic & web design background meant I already had skills to adapt my art for produced items like stickers, pins, and t-shirts and to sell them online, so I tried it out.
My community was very supportive. Local shops started consigning my merchandise. I started getting graphic design jobs that wanted me for my own art style. Eventually I was able to quit my regular freelance and go fulltime with Wokeface. And 2 years ago I opened a small brick and mortar shop within my art studio, where I can now also support other blossoming local artists as they venture into selling their art!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I’ve noticed other artists are really divided and passionate on how they feel about this topic. Personally, I want to wait and see how it evolves. In my opinion it’s too early to make snap judgment about whether NFTs are good or bad. I think the technology has a lot of potential to be revolutionary for how art and other assets are managed, bought and sold. Arguments about the environmental impacts are valid, but I don’t think are enough to write off the concept altogether. I think as we advance in cleaner energy production and consumption this will be less of an issue.
All that said, I haven’t created or purchased any NFTs, although I have dabbled in crypto. It’s too high risk for me this early in the game. But I don’t judge anyone for testing the waters.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Freedom, personal growth, and connection to others. Art is a constant conversation and deep dive into my own heart and mind. It’s a lot of questioning and therapy and getting to know myself. Sharing it has connected me with so many incredible beings that are also on a journey of self exploration, which has been validating and helped me through depression and loneliness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wokeface.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wokeface/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokeface
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/higher-self-portland
- Other: tiktok @wokeface
Image Credits
Bill Eckerson, Nina Johnson Photography