Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Greene.
Jesse, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For me, it all started with family. Everyone in my family in some way or another is an entrepreneur. It taught me a few different skills that have always been a part of my general work ethic however being an artist was something I had started to develop at the age of 6. My parents encouraged my creativity and I was fortunate enough to have certain things at my disposal like a 35mm camera even though my parents bought me a 110. The road that got me to where I am today was and still is a long and bumpy road with a speed limit of 15. However, the amount of life experience, combined with a vast range of work have made my life’s investments well more than worth it at this point in my life. I think I started this journey when I was 12 in the mid 90’s and from that point, it basically took me whichever direction it wanted to me go.
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?
It’s never been a smooth road no, not at all. However the experiences and the struggles are all part of the growing process and I feel like without those struggles past, present, and future, you cannot grow creatively and mentally. Being a black man in America is already a struggle in itself. The concept of the black artist is an even more unique struggle in its own mainly because society generally believes my message should be shrouded in the inner pain and trauma I deal with as a black man. Instead, I do the opposite and embrace different forms of expression not rooted in pain, as well as multiracial depictions of people. In a lot of cases, you’ll have people who get frustrated by your success and go out of their way to downplay or label you because they’re afraid it may take the spotlight off them, or because you didn’t fall into the category of “Black” they wanted you to. Another struggle is financial because nobody wants to pay but everyone wants to get paid. Don’t fear though, over time you can see these behaviors and you kind of learn to navigate around it and become an observer. Knowing these things is a great way to know who is and is not really worth your time in the long run.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a textbook multidisciplinary artist. I make paintings, art installations, I’m a photographer, I do videos, murals, clothing design, and I own an online boutique called Title House. A few things that set me apart from others is probably my productivity level, the variety of mediums I work in, the variety of photography I do and the fact that I’m a black photographer that’s not afraid to shoot white models.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My ability to stick to MY narrative, and MY aesthetic. Being fearless when creating and staying true to who you are, and living life to the fullest. I think another big factor in succeeding in anything is looking at the bigger picture and coming to terms with why things are happening within your own life on your own terms. I think people should really tap into who they are and then decide what it is they really want to share with the world because when you really know for sure you’ll give it 200% of your energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessegreeneart.com
- Instagram: @jessegreene_
Image Credits
Jesse Greene
