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

Jocelyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In 1998, I accepted a job as an art teacher (with no teaching experience) at an all-male alternative Catholic high school. They labeled the school “last chance” for young men in trouble. In 2007, seven years of teaching passed, and I wondered if my students would ever see the artwork they had duplicated and studied historically. One day, I asked my 11th-grade art class, “Do you want to go on a field trip?” Of course, they responded with a rousing “Yes!” Five students, one male chaperone, and I traveled to France the following year. Since the inception of Finding Mona Lisa 313, high school students across the city have participated in these life-changing field trips. We have since traveled to France, Spain, Japan, Egypt, Costa Rica, China, Cuba, and South Africa. Students must complete the FML313 curriculum and community service to participate in the global field trip. FML: 313 students must keep a photography journal and a written journal. They must also attend classes on Photography, Journal Writing, Foreign Languages, and Cultural Immersion. They must perform community service at community centers like Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Jocelyn, 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 artistic journey has been far from conventional. From a young age, the spirit of creation was deeply ingrained in my upbringing, thanks to the eclectic mix of individuals who surrounded me in my formative years. The presence of teachers, hairstylists, dressmakers, musicians, chefs, mechanics, innovators, historians, writers, teachers, and storytellers shaped my childhood. The determination and fearlessness with which they pursued their respective crafts served as a wellspring of inspiration, infusing me with the same courage to embark on my creative path. In my artistic practice, each painting becomes a profound and lifelong statement. These canvases serve as an avenue for exploring various approaches to my visual commentary, with roots traced back to the time-honored traditions of still-life composition. Every stroke of the brush, every color choice, and every artistic decision I make encapsulates an idea that has been cultivated and refined throughout my entire existence—each work of art, whether a painting or sculpture. However, a singular narrative underpins my entire artistic journey-the story of how art saved my life. It’s a tale of transformation and redemption, where the act of creation became a lifeline, a source of solace, and a means of transcending adversity. I found purpose, healing, and a profound connection to the human experience in art. This is the narrative that drives my creative passion, and it is a story I am eager to share through my art with the world.
Ever since I dreamt that I was an artist, I’ve had the secret hope that one day, I’ll get to study art at a prestigious university. It was a dream borne from the very core of my existence, a longing to let my imagination loose, to convert the images in my head onto canvas, and to give life to something intangible. I did not know this dream, which was only a vague concept when it first occurred to me, would one day become a materialized and game-changing aspect of my life.

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

Through my extensive research and artistic exploration, I have discovered a profound yearning that extends far beyond the traditional role of an artist. My artistic journey, this path I’ve embarked upon, has taken on a spiritual significance that resonates deeply within me. From the solitude of the studio, where my ideas take shape, to the art education I impart to others, I have realized that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a conduit for a profound, transcendent experience. I have chosen color as my primary medium, as it allows me to craft a powerful visual language. This vibrant palette is my voice, resonating with the world, conveying messages of significance, and breathing life into the narratives I seek to share. Through color, I paint the stories of resilience, empowerment, and unity, a visual voice that transcends language and culture.
In every brush stroke and choice of hue, I am weaving a tapestry of social change and progress, acknowledging the extraordinary artists who paved the way for my journey.

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

I can use various approaches to tackle social and racial justice. My work is often highly personal, powerful, and provocative—the capacity for genuine self-expression and the establishment of profound, emotional connections with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: jraineygallery.com
• Instagram: jraineyart313
• Facebook: Jay Rainey
• Linkedin: Jocelyn Rainey
• Twitter: Findingmonadet
• Youtube: @jocelynraineyfml313

Image Credits
Photo of Jocelyn Rainey……photography Shawna Kitt Photos of artwork…photography Senghor Reid