We were lucky to catch up with Jazzydel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jazzydel, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
In 2021 I created a piece titled “Black man in America”. It was something that was way out of my comfort zone and in all honesty I was afraid to even touch on the topic. After a lot of back and forth and some encouragement from my wife, I knew I had to honor the vision given to me and go forward with making it. Black man in America tells the very unfortunate story of what happens way too much in this country. Where others are given leeway to maneuver through life, black men and women are constantly and unjustly punished for simply being. It’s an uncomfortable and heartbreaking reality and I hope that by sharing the piece it can become a catalyst to having difficult but necessary conversations.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Drawing and being creative always came pretty natural to me growing up. Admittedly, it wasn’t something I thought about perusing simply because I didn’t know that was an option. After some time in the military I found myself battling with mental illness and needed an outlet, a purpose. I started drawing again then slowly tried my hand with acrylics and things pretty much went from there. I began adding 3d elements to my pieces such as real jewelry, fabric and even led lights for an extra pop! I’ve also recently been enjoying crocheting and hand painting tote bags. Thanks to social media, I am able to share my work and reach an audience who, like me, want to celebrate and admire the beauty of black women and black people. I am proud to be an artist who places black women at the forefront of my creativeness as we can sometimes be under represented. I hope that when art lovers, collectors and people in general see my work they see strength, softness, boldness and last but not least, beauty.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think that simply getting to share my work and the fact that people love it enough to want to display it in their homes or business is honestly the most rewarding part. Having someone connect with something I poured so much time, energy annd love into is such a fulfilling part of being a creative.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Change is sometimes a difficult thing for me. I tend to hyper fixate and when I set my mind to something, I’m often disappointed and hard on myself when I can’t bring it to fruition. A good bit of my life I spent thinking I would be in the medical field. From the classes I took in high school to joining the army to become a combat medic.. I just knew that was my path in life. Mental illness had other ideas. With it being difficult to maintain a steady traditional job I had to let go of that version I had planned for myself. I like to think art gave me a second go at life. Along with therapy it allows me a release and way to express myself. It teaches me discipline, patience and helps me grow through problems in a healthy way. Although being an artist wasn’t an intentional pivot, it has helped me feel more connected to the world and I am forever grateful for the positive changes it has brought to my life.
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Jazzydel