Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodye Beard-Brown.
Jodye, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Working as a fashion model in the mid-80s through the early ’90s, I had the amazing opportunity to live in Paris France and London England for several years. These locations definitely influence my appreciation for art and fashion and gave me an opportunity to cultivate these interest, and later develop as an aspiring artist.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think as a young woman wanting to have it all, husband, children, family, job has meant that it’s a juggling act at times. Before I had children I could create when inspiration hit me, deciding if I wanted to create art in the morning or evening, painting for two hours or six. When children came I just couldn’t wait for times that I was inspired, I had to create when time permitted. It really taught me to be more disciplined about creating art. The struggle during that time was quantity of art that I made, I learned to be okay with just keeping my foot in the door and creating what I could… instead of making enough paintings for a show. Although I was not creating a lot of art I still felt like an artist all the same.
My advice to women who is an artist and also mothers or working a full-time job would be to find your own personal balance for creating your art, it is unique for you and doesn’t have to look like someone else’s story to be successful. Success is just having to courage to be inspired, to create when you are able, and to feel good even if your creation is hanging on your own walls at home!
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I am an artist that has a passion for painting and creating mosaics, I have recently started combining the two media together which I feel is uniquely me! I am hoping that when people see my art they will feel an emotion, I also hope that they will know it’s a jbeard work of art!
This past year, I have had the tremendous opportunity volunteer teaching art for Spark Academy as a healing therapy to children that had been affected by Hurricane Harvey in several affected areas of Houston. This has been such a rewarding program for the children and their families but also for myself as I had been praying for opportunities to give back through my art! Spark Academy uses art, theater, and sports as emotional therapy for trauma with kids from kindergarten through fifth grade. This past year, they have been in surrounding areas of Houston specifically Humble, Port Arthur, and Bear Creek. I volunteered in Humble for six weeks and Port Arthur for five weeks was I helped develop some amazing mosaic art projects with the fourth and fifth graders. In Humble, a mosaic project of 4th and 5th graders from Humble elementary can be seen at Jesse Jones Nature Park Welcome information kiosk, where it is now a permanent display in the community.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I have enjoyed staying connected in what’s happening in Houston art scene through “what’s happening” page on Facebook, and have found interesting art blogs for developing artist on the Conception Art page for an artist on Facebook where there is a link to success stories on their website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jbeardart.com
- Phone: 3602863944
- Email: jodye@jbeardart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbeardart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/home
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
