Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonae Michelle
Hi Jonae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jonae. I am originally from the Bay Area (California). I’ve called Houston home for the past four years. Living here has been transformative. The experiences I’ve had in this city have reshaped me in ways I never imagined. They’ve led me on a journey of not only maturing as an individual and a young woman, but also rediscovering my inner child and embracing the artist within.
Growing up under the care of my grandparents, as a child, I was often found lost in imaginative worlds with my dolls. Where is Jonae? My sister would find me tucked away (sometimes in the closet) in the corner somewhere by myself playing or drawing on my art pads. I’ve always kept to myself, something that remains true till this day; A bit of a lone wolf, one might say. In middle school, I’d retreat to write creative stories, eagerly sharing them with my grandma. High school offered me avenues to express my creativity through photography, art, and yearbook classes. Looking back, it was clear from an early age that my passion for art burned bright.
I vividly recall talking aloud to my classmates about becoming a graphic designer for a top magazine someday. However, when I entered college as an art major, self-doubt crept in, leading me to switch my major after just one semester; I came to the realization that I let doubt cloud my passion for art, gradually becoming entangled in societal expectations and life’s demands, burying what truly brought joy to my soul.
But now, after a lot of self-reflection and inner work, I’ve been reclaiming that passion and embracing it fully. Surrounding myself with fellow creatives is something I cherish; their energy and perspectives keep me constantly inspired. Ultimately, Houston has been a huge catalyst for growth. The person I was four years ago, is not the same person I am today.
Alright, 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?
There have been highs and lows. One of my struggles over the past two years has been imposter syndrome, and let me tell you, it’s real! I already do not like labels, as I believe we are all multi-faced individuals, however, I hesitated to call myself an artist. Whenever my friend introduced me as such, I’d feel uncomfortable, almost as if I were deceiving people. It wasn’t until recently, as I gained more confidence in my art, that I began to fully embrace this identity. Now, I eagerly proclaim myself as an artist to anyone I meet, excited to share my work, even if they may not be genuinely interested.
Valuing my artwork has proven to be a challenge as well, particularly when it comes to pricing and selling it. I find myself grappling with conflicting desires; on one hand, I want everyone to experience and appreciate it, while on the other, I strive to maintain its worth. As an artist, navigating the business aspects can be daunting, yet it’s an essential part of the journey. Balancing the desire for accessibility with the need to uphold value is a delicate dance, but one that I recognize as necessary for growth and sustainability.
Also, maintaining my inner peace while also pursuing my art can sometimes be a struggle, because well, living in Houston has been a Roller coaster ride, to say the least. I’ve come to realize that if I’m not at peace, it’s difficult for me to navigate life in general. Hence, I prioritize creating a serene environment through my daily rituals, brewing tea, lighting candles, tending to plants – to create a safe haven for myself. When my surroundings are peaceful, my mind follows suit. Conversely, when chaos reigns at home, my thoughts become chaotic too, making it challenging to concentrate on my art.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create art, and often, many have likened some of my art to the style of Basquiat, who is indeed one of my inspirations. In my artwork, you’ll encounter a preference for warmer hues and pencil strokes, contributing to an imperfect yet genuine aesthetic. My aim is to stir emotions through my art, with the use of words that can sometimes strike meaningful conversations. You’ll also notice recurring motifs, such as teacups. Initially, I didn’t consciously realize my tendency to depict them, but later understood that, for me, they symbolize tranquility. There’s something inherently soothing about a cup of tea.
One of the things that I am most proud of is the fact that art has forced me to put myself out there, exposing my vulnerabilities to the world. There are aspirations I hold for my art, yet sometimes life’s demands impede those plans. Nonetheless, I understand the importance of patience and trusting the journey. I remind myself that everything unfolds in its own time, and I strive to maintain the belief that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Houston’s vibrant art scene. It’s a city with a lot of opportunities to showcase various forms of artistic expression, from poetry and music to photography. As someone who appreciates a more low-key vibe, I find myself drawn to open mic nights and live music shows, where I can immerse myself in the creativity without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Despite having lived here for four years, I still feel like there’s so much more of Houston’s art scene left to explore.
What don’t I like? Well…the construction and potholes in Houston are a real hassle, aren’t they? It seems like the city is in a perpetual state of renovation, just as my friend warned me before I even moved here. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to change my tires due to those pesky potholes—must be at least six times since I arrived. And don’t even get me started on the weather! As a California native, I’ll admit, I’m spoiled by the consistently pleasant climate back home. Adjusting to the unpredictable weather here has definitely been a challenge, but it’s all good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartistjm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmxchelleart
