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

Alright, Jasmine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Since childhood, I have been passionate about Creating art in various mediums, always labeled the “Crafty” one. I would be selected to take the lead in doing the art for a project, design a presentation, draw a mural, etc. I was drawn to black and white pencil portraiture because color intimidated me…Fast forward to the chapter of my life where I become a mother.
Art became an increasingly prevalent form of Self-Care, and a method of stress release as I navigated single parenthood and the various stressors and challenges associated with the role.
As I’ve continued to explore new horizons and further develop my skills and creative style, art has fed my Soul and lifted the weight off my Heart and mind. It also serves as an essential tool to support my mental health, allowing me to process and express difficult emotions, ground myself when I’m feeling lost in the chaos of a million tabs being opened in my mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase my self-awareness. 
Life experiences involving Trauma for my family and my children trying to understand their identities have yielded so many questions I haven’t always been prepared to answer. I’ve had to develop a way to respond, support, and teach them. Mainly, My Beautiful Daughter, who has struggled with colorism for a long time, questioned why she has a darker complexion than myself and her brother. And while we discussed the biology behind family traits and that Blackness is a Spectrum. She needed more reassurance. 
During the COVID-19 pandemic Lockdown, I decided to stop being intimidated by using color, picked up the paintbrush, and used art to create pieces reflecting the BEAUTY IN BEING BLACK. 
I worked to answer all these questions for my children, creating pieces representative of our Culture, Expressions, Originality, and Unique Style; that would allow my daughter to see a reflection of herself while showing the variations of Hair and skin textures, physical presenting conditions, shapes, sizes, and Colors. These pieces teach and inspire my children about the beauty in our culture as they continue their journeys of self-discovery and that others can identify with when they look upon them.
As a mother and artist, I’ve worked to intentionally model the positive impact, benefits, and resourcefulness of creating art for my children. The lesson is, “It’s not about the final product, and you don’t have to use the most expensive materials to create beautiful work; you can create pieces by utilizing everyday materials around the house and repurposing materials creatively to create, and always have fun.”
Knowing what I know now, I would not change a thing. The moment I discovered my talent for painting was perfectly timed, and my children served as the motivation I needed at a crucial point in their lives. It truly felt like divine intervention.

I believe the most important skill is the ability to step out of my head and practice non-comparison intentionally, as comparison stifles creativity. My biggest challenge in learning more is finding the energy to create. As a social worker, I encounter significant vicarious trauma while supporting residents in my community every day. By the time I return home, I often feel completely drained. However, I am committed to finding a balance that allows me to fuel both my creativity and my work.

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

I grew up in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio, immersed in the lively chaos of a large family with six siblings, where I proudly carry the title of the eldest. My childhood was filled with shared giggles, spirited debates, and the constant flurry of activity that comes with a big household. From a very young age, my father played a pivotal role in shaping my passion for art. He recognized my natural inclinations and nurtured my creativity, providing guidance and support as I learned to express myself through my drawings. I was particularly drawn to the allure of black-and-white pencil portraiture, finding solace in the simplicity and starkness of monochrome. The absence of color felt less intimidating and allowed me to focus on the emotions and intricacies of line and shadow.

As I transitioned into motherhood, my perspective on parenting began to evolve in profound ways. I soon realized the importance of being a purposeful and intentional parent, aiming to create a supportive environment for my children to thrive. Throughout my years as a single mother, I encountered numerous challenges, but I discovered that art became an essential lifeline for my well-being. It provided me with a vital outlet to release stress, manage my mental health, and navigate the complexities of single parenthood. Through every stroke of the paintbrush, I found a therapeutic release that helped me cope with the demands of daily life.

The artwork I create initially began as a heartfelt tool to instill in my children a deep love and appreciation for their unique identities. I wanted them to embrace who they are fully, proud of their heritage and individuality. Over time, this initial intention blossomed into a more profound mission: to advocate for greater representation in the world around us. I aim to highlight the rich stories of Black men and women embracing vulnerability, striving to capture moments that reveal their strength in honesty and authenticity. This mission is not just an artistic endeavor; it serves to challenge and dismantle the often simplistic notion that the Black community is a monolithic entity.

What fills me with immense pride is the way my art resonates with diverse audiences, despite my ongoing battles with self-doubt and insecurity as an artist. I hope that those who engage with my pieces leave with a deeper understanding that I am simply a woman striving to create something beautiful, meaningful, and representative of our varied human experiences. My greatest aspiration is to contribute positively to the world, one piece at a time, fostering connection and understanding through the universal language of art.
My brand, “Intuitively Created,” is a heartfelt expression of the intricate and vibrant nuances within the Black community. Each piece I create is a testament to my intentional approach, blending various materials such as rich acrylics, textured fabrics, fluffy puff elements, vibrant paints, luxurious hair extensions, and unique jewelry. Through this diverse array of mediums, I strive to capture the essence of our stories, experiences, and identities, celebrating the beauty and complexity that defines us.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I take immense pride in identifying as a Black woman, even though I often find myself subjected to curious glances and questions about my racial background due to my ethnic ambiguity. My journey into the world of art began as a heartfelt effort to teach my children to embrace their own uniqueness and individuality. Along the way, this creative process has transformed into a profound source of therapy for me—a healing practice that affirms my identity as a woman whose Blackness is frequently questioned.

Creating art has become a deeply personal exploration of self and identity. It has prompted me to confront challenging questions about the authenticity of my work and the representation of my community’s struggles, especially given that I don’t conform to a typical stereotype. I have come to understand that my intentions in creating this art are both sincere and rooted in love. By embracing my Blackness, I allow my creations to resonate with genuine emotion and inspire acceptance in those who engage with them.

This artistic journey is a dynamic and evolving process. As I continue to navigate self-reflection and develop resilience, I strive to become increasingly comfortable in my own skin.

As an artist committed to shedding light on the richness of my community’s experiences, I wholeheartedly welcome inquiries about my artistic choices and the diverse themes that I explore. Each piece I create serves as a powerful testament to the intricate complexities of identity and culture, fostering a dialogue that encourages deeper understanding and connection among people.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the incredible ability to transform a blank canvas or an empty page into a vivid and meaningful creation, igniting inspiration and stirring deep emotions within others. It’s a profound joy to watch my children embrace their own unique creative journeys, fueled by their observation of my passionate exploration into the depths of my artistic talents.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://intuitivelycreated.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitivelycreated/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminewootenmsw/