Today we’d like to introduce you to Monae Jacobs.
Monae, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
In 2016, I moved to Denver with hardly any money in my pocket. That’s where I realized I was an artist, even though I barely knew what being an “artist” looked like on me. When I came back to Texas, I was completely befuddled. I didn’t know if I wanted to go to school, where I really wanted to live, I was so depressed I didn’t even know if I wanted to continue being an artist. I hadn’t found my voice as an artist and I was feeling like I just didn’t have what it takes. After working a few jobs, I finally said “f**k it, I’m doing what I want!” and dedicated my time and energy into my art.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a conceptual artist specializing in acrylics, pastels and styles inspired by the metaphysical. These days, existing feels abstract. It’s almost like living in chaos. I’ve had to learn how to be more digestible for some, take up less space, reclaim that same space, and contain my rage of those who wish to infiltrate my peace. My art can be very chaotic and unsettling but that’s what I enjoy the most about it and the emotions that drive each painting. Challenging my own chaos and channeling it into art is the best way for me to speak my peace. If anyone should know anything about my art it’s that my peace is important to me and I’ll speak my peace whenever I please in my art for as long as my body allows me to keep creating.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think that people have turned art into a hierarchy. Fine art nor creativity is not exclusive to the rich and I feel that people forget that you don’t have to have the best of anything or most expensive whatever to create beautiful art.
I also feel that there’s a shift in people’s consciousness as a whole. People are thinking more, questioning things more, getting in touch with a deeper self-etc and it is encouraging people to just get up and start creating. I always say “you don’t have to know how to draw to make art” because it’s true! People just need the space to be allowed to make, and they do absolutely beautiful, thought provoking pieces.
I think Houston should constantly show art as a meditative exercise and a community binding tool. People need to know that they have the power to create. People deserve to center themselves and use art to do so. People deserve to make any medium of art and shouldn’t feel like they can’t because of “elitism”
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Anyone can support me anyway they can! Spreading word about my art, posting it (and crediting me) buying some of my art, or just sending a nice message. I am open to receiving all forms of support. You can look at my art anytime on Instagram (@monaeism) or tumblr (@artmonaeism). My art will be showing in the Insomnia Gallery in November’s well.
Contact Info:
- Email: Monaejacobs.mj@gmail.com
- Instagram: @monaeism
- Facebook: Monae Jacobs
Image Credit:
Monae Jacobs
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