Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jiacuy Roche. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jiacuy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

At a very young age from 3 years old and up, I sang various songs in my room and practiced my vocals through sound. I had my first solo school performance and sang “Spin the Dreidel.” Later on in life I was the Co-President of the Gospel Choir at SUNY Cortland University. At a young age I also drew portraits and vibrant abstract art. My Caucasian parents realized that my natural talent needed to be preserved because, I was advanced in my artistic skills. They supported my Brazilian contemporary art. I took private art lessons on the side while I was in middle school with art exhibition recognitions throughout high school while featured in academic Honor Roll newspapers. It was then that I realized that I wanted to pursue my creative path professionally. I remembered my first live interview. I played soccer in high school and I was sitting on the soccer field when I was being interviewed. I had mentioned that I wanted to attend college at the Pratt Institute. One of the most prestigious art and design universities in New York City. And to this day, I still have the newspaper article. However, I had a change of plans. I decided to earn my major with a B.S. Human Services with a concentration in Fine Arts (multiple studio art courses). I wanted to avoid the stigma of “Starving Artist.” I felt that having a balance in life is key for happiness and success. It’s important to have a stable job and also pursue interests and dreams. Art followed me without my careers and independent projects such as, Muralist/Author/Screenwriter. I incorporated my artistic strengths such as drawing, painting, and creative writing along with applying my knowledge in counseling and psychology which gave me an eye opener that society, culture, and childhood experiences are my main influences. My early therapeutic encounters of art is when I took Art Therapy sessions at a young age. As an adopted Brazilian with a language barrier who was raised in an American interracial family I had to communicate through art. Contemporary art touched with a flavor of African, Latin, Indian, & American flare which gave me a voice and empowerment to visually interpret my life and helped me create a medium that could forge a profound aesthetically artistic connection to everyday people from all walks of life.

Jiacuy, 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?

The exposure of my art talent and practices gave me leverage to successfully network with well-known artists and other organizations. In Washington, D.C. at the Art & Drama Therapy Institute, I made original custom made Thank You cards for famous actors, comedians, and singers. And to name a few, Actor, Boris Kodjoe, Comdedian, Mo’Nique , and Singer, Ginuwine. Entrepreneurship in Belize, Central America gave me an opportunity to coordinate the first ever Art Therapy exhibit which displayed students’ artwork and lead me to be featured in international T.V. and radio. I am also Founder of the Goodwill art program in Denver Colorado. I launched an online store, Universal Creative Expressions where I sold fashionable apparel of my unique artwork prints and handmade earings. My artworks have been displayed at the Stanley Market Place hosted by the Aurora Cultural Arts Disctrict and the original art piece “Abstract Thinker” was bought from the Executive Producer of the Aurora Fox Theater, Charles Dean Packard during the reception night. It felt like one glorious minute of fame. A brief live interview with camera flashing lights and resounding cheers. My art was the only one sold and I had family members and special artists, Tracy Weil and Satya Wimbish by my side. My artworks were also displayed at the People’s Building Grand Opening. It was hosted by the Aurora Sister Cities International. It was then from word of mouth by RiNo Art District Co-Founder & Executive Direcor Tracy Weil, that I became a Muralist. Thanks to Mark Shaker, Founder of Stanley Marketplace and Manager, Ally Fredeen, I have two murals, Black Butterfly and Afro-Flower Lady displayed at the Stanley Marketplace. Afro-Flower Lady mural became very popular and it’s featured in various articles. I have a mural located at Children’s Hospital, Butterfly Magic. Jonathan Woodward understood my artistic vision and I was able to execute it. I also colaborated with other artists on a project called, Working Seperate Together.” I facilitated the DAVA painters (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts) Jesus on Colfax: Fruit of the Spirit Mural. I illustrated books for others and then wrote/illustrated my own books. Thanks to author, Darrell Brown for seeing my strength as a creative writer. I am a published author of five children’s books (Butterfly Queens, Baby Cakes, Guardian Angelo, I Am A Song of Seasons, and Hair Full of Jazz) available online, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Target and one Novel (Twisted Closure).

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Twisted Closure novel has given me the opportunity to push the envelope and tap into my multi-talents. The story is about an Afro- Brazilian American artist, Liliana Santos who goes by the name Lyric. She tells poetic inspirational stories with a twist. Her master piece painting, Closure is missing. Lyric has to find her artwork without the help of her adoptive Caucasian parents because they always kept secrets from her. She travels to Brazil in search of her painting and during her journey she learns the controversy of political views, Prostitution is legal and abortion is illegal. The gangs and drugs controlling the streets but, enlightened with comedy and Brazil’s rich culture of music, dance, food, fashion, and art. An adventurous travel log filled with drama featuring, OG prostitute and crooked cop with action pact scenes. Twisted Closure will be in an upcoming movie. I have learned during my screen writing that there are many stages to complete a long film and I find it very fascinating! This is my first script and a film production company voiced that my “story is great with a cool vision.” My mission is to use my art as a tool of advocacy and create a platform. I want to empower other Brazilian female artists of color.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a professional artist is achieving many goals. However, in order for me to achieve them, I recieved tremendous support and many recongnitions through various social media platforms.

I want to enclose with many thanks for constant support from my family members, friends, and fans. During my art journey, special thanks to professionals who are in my life and have crossed paths in my life. Susan Roche, William Rau, Cynthia Rau, Shirley Buzzard, Vanessa Hayes, Barbara Johnson, Charles Dean Packard, Tracy Weil, Satya Wimbish/ UCE models: Deana, Raenah, Brook, James, Julie, Ashley, and Fabiana./ Ms. Polly B. Baca, Monica Perez, Frank Ramirez, Neide Bollinger, Gio Toninelo, Bella Diva World Dance, Lynne Ernestine, Mark Shaker, Ally Fredeen, Jonathan Woodward, Bliss Coleman, Luciana Da Silva, Stevie Buggz, and Maxton Knoxx, Jazzylyn, Anthony, Nicole, Tiffany, Tikneshia, and Malcolm. Many more! Muito Obrigada!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Jiacuy

Image Credits

N/A