Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Joy Harris.
Joy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I would say that my story is grounded in the balancing of professional, intellectual, and creative interests. That constant pursuit – which includes consistently interrogating disciplinary boundaries – has provided opportunities for really interesting projects. I find that my work as a legal marketing professional, my pursuits as a scholar, and my projects as an artist all intertwine. Working within diverse groups challenges me to be more thoughtful about what projects I take on, more articulate at describing what inspires and motivates me, and more open to collaborating and receiving feedback from others.
There are several life events that have had the most impact on me.
Over the past twenty years, my professional life has focused on business development and marketing for professional service companies.During this time, I have worked side by side with incredibly talented and passionate colleagues in the architecture/construction and legal sectors. One person who has made a huge impact on me is Allen Fuqua, Principal of Allen Fuqua Strategies. Allen continues to mentor me, helping me to identify my strengths and potentialities. Having a mentor is absolutely essential for professional and personal success. They keep you honest and motivated.
Opportunities to create and perform art in the US and throughout the world have also had a huge impact on me.Two projects stand out the most. In 2016, I had a solo show att Lawndale Art Center that focused on gentrification in East Downtown Houston. That same year, I participated in a performance art workshop in Venice, Italy. That workshop culminated in a four-hour event that was held in Forte Marghera, a former 19th century Italian fortress. Venice Performance Art Week was one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences of my life and has led to life-long friendships with artists across the world.
In addition to my professional experiences and creative projects, I have been fortunate to be part of exciting academic centers. For example, studying at Texas Woman’s University was formative because, as the country’s largest university ofor primarily women, I was encouraged to pursue my interests in areas that have been historically male-dominated. My studies there under Dr. Timothy Hoye in the History and Government Department sparked my interest in 20th century political theorist Hannah Arendt. Arendt and her work continue to be a significant thread in all my projects and my experience as scholar in residence at the Arendt Center at Bard College solidified my admiration for her writings. Another high point was giving a presentation on my research at the University of Cambridge’s Humanities in Cambridge, UK. The opportunity was equal parts humbling, exciting, and nerve wracking. It was definitely a growth moment. I learned that there was so much to learn from the global community and that I had something meaningful to contribute.
More recently, in addition to my career, I have been pursuing creative practices and philosophical engagement with innovative practitioners in Houston. For example, I work closely with Julia Claire Wallace, Director of Experimental Action, Houston’s performance art biennial. It has been creatively fulfilling to work with Julia and Experimental Action as they create a space for radical and creative expression in Houston. I also regularly collaborate with Parish Conkling, philosophy professor at Houston Community College. Parish co-directs “Philosophically Drinking,” a monthly, public philosophy group that brings together people from all walks of life to talk about contemporary issues.
Collaborations with Julia and Parish led to Revolution! Scholars and Artists Rethinking Political Action,” a project driven by Experimental Action. Revolution! brings together diverse community members from around the world and from all sectors to engage in inclusive political dialogue. They come from arts organizations and galleries to artists and educators. The idea is that if we bring together creative and passionate thinkers, something great will happen.
Revolution! takes up most of my free time these days, but I continue to show creative work and give public presentations. Just this month, I also started a three -year term on the American Philosophical Association’s Committee on Public Philosophy.
I guess you could say that I always have a lot of projects on my plate, but they keep me energized and focused on how I can be a contributor, a leader, and a participant in our shared world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are always struggles to contend with. Always. In my early to mid- 20’s I had health problems that made everyday life a challenge but with the help and support of my family and close friends, I have been able to successfully manage those issues. Overcoming them has made me more focused, organized, and driven.
Revolution! what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Revolution! is a platform that investigates the intersection of art and politics. The goal of Revolution! is to facilitate unique interdisciplinary conversations and, more importantly, to develop a better understanding of how we, as individuals, can be more effective change agents through collaboration. Revolution! is influenced by the thought of Hannah Arendt. Arendt tells us in her text The Human Condition that the public sphere is a dynamic and ever-changing space where the miraculous and limitless can occur. That is what we are trying to emulate.
Revolution! is unique because it positions performance practices as essential to public life. There is not another organization in the country with this specific focus and mission.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
COVID-19 changed the plans for Revolution! Dramatically. Originally set to be a 5-day academic conference and art festival with 40+ participants, I am now rethinking how Revolution! as a platform can create on-going opportunities for people who care deeply about how public life can be enhanced through creative projects. The past few months have revealed how much work there is to be done in the public sector, and I believe that artists, arts organizations, and communities can come together to reinvigorate an equitable and just world.
Contact Info:
- Website: jeanettejoyharris.me; revolutionconferencehtx.com
- Email: jjoyharris@gmail.com
- Instagram: jeanette_joy_harris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.harris.3150
Image Credit:
David A. Brown Creative Services, Holy Moment Photography, Lorenza Cini;
Wendy Lee Williamson
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