Today we’d like to introduce you to Forrest Job.
Forrest, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from St. Louis, MO. Put some respect on Nelly’s name. My family is full of creatives and I grew up in the church. Creativity was all around me, but it took me a while to figure out what my contribution to the world would be. I got married and had kids young so I had to grow up super quick. Life was kicking my ass so I joined the Army. After seven years as an Artillery Man and two combat tours to Iraq, I knew it was time to get out. I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I went to school. Transitioning from military to civilian life was not easy. I struggled with drug abuse, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt. While I was going to school in Atlanta, I hung out in the art circles. They provided refuge and inspiration. Atlanta has a legit Black Art Renaissance going on. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University with a Master’s in Social Work in 2019, I moved down to Houston to be close to my kids. Being a Social Worker was stressful and I got burnt out. So I switched over to Academia as a Freshman Advisor at Texas Southern University. The pandemic hit, I quit my job to pursue art and photography full time. That’s a decision I’ll never regret. Right now, I’m in the “figuring out” stage of my artistry. Photography is cool, but I’m in love with painting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth roads are boring. They make you complacent and complacency kills. That’s something they drilled into us when I was in the Army. It took a long time to figure out what was going on with my mental health. After I got back from Iraq, I played around with a lot of self-destructive behavior. Then one day, I realized that I needed to start living for myself and be a better example for my two kids. Purpose is life’s lubricant and I’m glad I discovered mine. The art game comes with its own set of struggles. I feel like a Sound Cloud rapper out here trying to get discovered. I’m still fairly new to Houston and figuring the art spaces down here. It’s cool though, challenges are cool.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is for people that haven’t even been born yet. I specialize in capturing images through photography and creating around them on a canvas. I’m known for being an all-around creative. I’m proud of myself for taking risks. I’m proud of myself for making the decision to live instead of trying to check up out of here. My vision sets me apart from everybody else. Through my art, I want people to feel every single emotion. Even the ones that hurt. There’s so much that I want to create. I’m like that light-skinned young woman in the dating scene of Coming to America. I’ve got all kinds of ideas for art, shows, documentaries, and movies. There aren’t enough hours of the day and there aren’t enough versions of myself.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When the student is ready, the mentor will appear. Ask all the questions. Don’t be afraid to speak to people. My mom loves talking to strangers. It annoyed me growing up, but it has been one of my best tools. I pick my artist friends’ brains all the time. I’m still finding my way in the Houston art scene. Collaborations and support are clutch. Affirmations are the cheat code.
Pricing:
- Photography – $150/hr
- Commissions – $300+
Contact Info:
- Email: ForrestJob2@gmail.com
- Website: ForrestJob.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrest.job/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/forrest_job
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RkRwWKHCFdUlI5GQrrvQQ
